The luxury electric vehicle (EV) market has been heating up in recent years, with BMW consistently pushing the envelope. With the launch of the 2025 BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase (LWB), the German automaker has delivered a game-changing proposition that offers more space, premium features, and an astonishing price point. Priced at just ₹49 lakh ex-showroom, the iX1 LWB is significantly cheaper than its predecessor and other premium electric SUVs from Mercedes, Volvo, and even some high-end models from Hyundai and BYD. But how has BMW managed this, and does this car deliver the right balance of luxury, performance, and practicality? Let’s take a deep dive into the 2025 BMW iX1 LWB, brought to you by AKMotoblog.


A Dramatic Price Drop: What’s the Secret?

The previous iteration of the BMW iX1, sold only in standard wheelbase form, came with a ₹67 lakh price tag due to its Completely Built Unit (CBU) import status. However, BMW has now moved to a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly approach, allowing the company to manufacture the iX1 LWB locally and pass on significant cost benefits to customers.

Incredibly, the petrol-powered BMW X1, which is also assembled locally and has a shorter wheelbase, is ₹1.2 lakh more expensive than the iX1 LWB! This raises the question: has BMW just disrupted its own lineup, or is this a masterstroke in luxury EV strategy? Let’s explore.

Exterior Design: Subtle But Smart Changes

At first glance, the iX1 LWB does not appear dramatically different from the standard-wheelbase model. The key visual change is the small ‘L’ badge, denoting the long-wheelbase variant. However, upon closer inspection, the proportions feel more balanced than its shorter sibling, avoiding the awkward stretched look that sometimes plagues long-wheelbase versions.

While the M Sport styling kit adds an aggressive touch, the 18-inch wheels look slightly undersized compared to the extended body. The LED tail lamps and BMW’s signature kidney grille continue to be divisive elements in the design, but overall, the SUV maintains a premium and sporty aesthetic.

Interior: A Step Up in Comfort

Step inside, and you’ll find that BMW has largely retained the interior layout from the standard iX1. The floating center console, asymmetrical dashboard design, and the BMW Operating System 9 (OS9) infotainment system are all familiar elements. However, while the system is feature-rich, some may find it cluttered.

Notably, the iX1 LWB loses the Boost paddle and massage function on the seats. While these omissions may be disappointing, they are offset by the true highlight of the LWB version—the rear seat experience.

Rear Seat Comfort: The Game-Changer

BMW has stretched the wheelbase by 108mm, with most of this extra space dedicated to improving rear-seat comfort. The seat itself has been reworked, featuring 15mm of extra squab length and softer padding. Additionally, the 28.5-degree recline function allows passengers to find their ideal seating position.

Sitting in the back, knee room is incredibly generous, and headroom remains comfortable, even with the fixed panoramic glass roof (which replaces the opening sunroof). However, the raised floor (housing the battery) slightly affects thigh support, though the overall experience remains excellent.

A few cost-cutting measures are evident, such as the absence of rear sunblinds and no third climate zone. However, passengers do get rear AC vents and dual USB Type-C ports. BMW’s move to prioritize space over certain luxury features makes sense for this segment, ensuring a chauffeur-driven appeal.

Features and Tech: Well Equipped, But With Paid Extras

BMW has packed the iX1 LWB with a solid set of features:

  • Adaptive LED headlamps

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

  • 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system

  • Parking assist with 360-degree cameras

  • Dual-zone climate control

  • ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) features

However, certain features like onboard navigation, extra drive modes, and even a spare wheel are available only as paid subscriptions or options. While this may help keep the base price competitive, some buyers might find this frustrating.

Performance: A Shift in Strategy

One of the biggest changes in the iX1 LWB is the move from a dual-motor AWD setup to a single-motor FWD layout. This means a drop in power from 313 hp to 204 hp, and the 0-100 km/h time has increased from 5.3 seconds to 8.3 seconds.

That said, while the old version was incredibly quick, the new single-motor version still delivers enough performance for most daily driving needs. Overtakes remain effortless, and the car feels refined and composed.

Drive modes include Personal, Sport, and Efficient, along with more gimmicky options like Digital Art and Expressive. The Silent mode, which eliminates artificial EV sounds, truly enhances the luxury experience.

Ride and Handling: A Pleasant Surprise

Despite the longer wheelbase, BMW has managed to maintain a good balance of comfort and agility. The suspension absorbs bumps well, and highway stability is excellent. The steering remains precise, though the car is slightly less agile than the standard-wheelbase version.

At 175mm of laden ground clearance (approximately 185-190mm unladen), the iX1 LWB can confidently tackle Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and rough patches.

Battery and Range: More Efficiency, More Practicality

BMW has improved the claimed range, now rated at 531 km (Indian MIDC cycle) compared to the previous 440 km (WLTP cycle). While real-world numbers will likely be lower, the increase is still a step in the right direction.


Regenerative braking has three levels (Low, Medium, High) and an Adaptive mode. However, selecting regen levels requires navigating through the touchscreen menus, which is less intuitive than using paddle shifters.

Final Verdict: A Masterstroke or a Misstep?

The 2025 BMW iX1 LWB is a statement of intent from BMW, targeting customers who want luxury, space, and affordability in one package. With more room, a premium experience, and a competitive price, it is poised to shake up the entry-level luxury EV market.

While some enthusiasts may miss the power and AWD performance of the older version, BMW’s strategic shift towards practicality and value makes sense. The iX1 LWB delivers a balanced mix of comfort, technology, and efficiency, making it an excellent option for luxury EV buyers.

So, is this BMW’s best luxury EV move yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!