IT'S A LONG STORY

There's no other way to say it — the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase is tremendous value for money. Read on

- Kurt Morris

Long wheelbase (LWB) models have been steadily gaining traction among manufacturers in India, as they offer a great blend of luxury, space, and practicality. BMW began introducing LWB models in India with its sedans, starting with the 7 Series and 5 Series. The success of these models paved the way for more LWB variants from the brand, and the latest addition to this line-up is the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase. The regular iX1 electric SUV impressed with its driving dynamics but fell short on range, and the iX1 LWB promises to address that concern, with enhanced practicality and performance, all while being attractively priced for its segment. BMW has hit the nail on the head with its pricing strategy for the iX1 LWB. At 49 lakh (ex-showroom), the locally assembled model is considerably cheaper than its direct competitors, including the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volvo EX40 Recharge, and Volvo C40 Recharge.

The exterior of the BMW iX1 LWB largely mirrors its ICEpowered sibling, with a few subtle but distinctive touches that set it apart as an electric vehicle. One of the standout features is the grille. While it retains the signature kidney grille design, it has been reimagined with a modern twist. The grille now boasts a textured finish with small golden triangles, giving it a futuristic feel. This design change is a nod to the EV nature of the iX1, while maintaining the brand's iconic design language.