INDIA'S NEXT BEST-SELLING LUXURY EV?

BMW has been in the car-making business for quite some time now. Over the years, it has given us some truly brilliant machines, the 3 Series, 5 Series, and the magnificent M cars.

- Drumil Modi

BMW iX1 LONG WHEELBASE ₹49 lakh (introductory ex-showroom)

But times have changed, and we now live in a world where a BMW doesn't necessarily have to make a satisfying noise or even burn dinosaurs. Case in point: the iX1 LWB. Globally unveiled at the Bharat Mobility Expo this year, it's BMW's latest attempt at building a small electric SUV that also happens to be quite large. Yes, it's a bit confusing. So, let's dive in.

From a distance, the iX1 LWB looks broadly like a standard X1, which is to say, it looks like a BMW SUV. There's a big kidney grille, but it's blanked out since it doesn't need ICE cooling, yet BMW has kept it anyway. The panel gets a new x-mesh 3D texture that adds to its appeal. Familiar adaptive LED lights, a neatly sculpted bonnet, and an overall stance reminiscent of the outgoing iX1 remain, just in a longer form factor. BMW has also thrown in the M Sport package as standard, adding aggressive styling touches like a sportier front bumper, sculpted side trim panels, and a key with an 'M' logo. It won't make you go any faster, but it will certainly make you feel superior at charging stations. It also rides on 18-inch double-spoke wheels wrapped in thick 124mm rubber, prioritising cabin comfort.

But the real party trick is in the name, LWB, or Long Wheelbase. At 4,616mm in length with a 2,800mm wheelbase, it offers more room in the back for passengers, pets, and all the random clutter Indian mothers love carrying around. These dimensions make it the longest car in its segment, resulting in notably more interior space. The boot, too, is impressive at 490 litres, the largest in its class, expanding to 1,600 litres when the seats are folded down. For reference, the standard ICE X1 measures 4,500mm in length with a 2,692mm wheelbase, making the iX1 LWB 116mm longer overall, with an additional 108mm between the wheels. In real-world terms, this translates to extra legroom, which is never a bad thing.