Launched at the Auto Expo 2025 as a replacement for the standard iX1, the BMW iX1 LWB marks the entry point to the brand's all-electric lineup in India. Not only has BMW priced the iX1 LWB lower than its ICE siblings, but it also happens to be more accessible than most rivals. Speaking of competition, the iX1 LWB goes up against the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Sealion 7, Mini Countryman Electric, Volvo EX40, Kia EV6, and Mercedes EQA. Below are three reasons why the BMW iX1 makes more sense among this sea of rivals, and two reasons why you might be better off with one of the others.
1. One of the most affordable among rivals
Costs Rs 18.2 lakh less than the Mercedes EQA
The iX1 LWB is BMW's first EV in India to be locally assembled, allowing the brand to price it aggressively at Rs 49 lakh. It's worth noting that this is an introductory price, valid for six months from its January launch. The iX1 LWB is more affordable than the respective petrol and diesel BMW X1 models by Rs 1.8 lakh and Rs 5.3 lakh.
| BMW iX1 LWB price vs rivals (ex-showroom) | |
|---|---|
| SUV | Price (in Rs, lakh) |
| BMW iX1 LWB | 49 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 46.3 |
| BYD Sealion 7 | 48.9-54.9 |
| Volvo EX40 | 50.1 |
| Mini Countryman Electric | 54.9 |
| Mercedes EQA | 67.2 |
2. Hugely spacious
Absolutely no dearth of legroom
The iX1 LWB's 2,800mm wheelbase is 108mm longer than the standard iX1, and as you might expect, all of that stretching has greatly improved rear legroom. BMW has lengthened the seat base as well, along with softer cushioning for a more comfortable ride for those being chauffeured around. A larger glass area, including a bigger panoramic glass roof and longer windows, further enhances the sense of space inside.
3. Excellent ride quality
Suspension is well-tuned for our roads
One area where the iX1 LWB reminds of the standard wheelbase version is the impressive ride quality. In our time with the long-wheelbase SUV, we noted that its suspension setup absorbs bumps well and even maintains good body composure. This is crucial given the riddled-with-potholes roads we drive on daily. In case you were concerned about the long-wheelbase affecting the electric SUV's speed breaker-crossing ability, BMW assures a laden ground clearance of around 175mm (unladen estimated at 190mm), which is adequate for most roads.
However, there are two factors that might make you want to consider either of its German, Swedish, British, Korean or Chinese counterparts.
1. Subdued performance
Single-motor setup lacks power compared to the dual-motor iX1
Instead of the 313hp, 494Nm-twin-motor all-wheel-drive setup we loved on the iX1, the long-wheelbase iX1 opts for a lower-output 204hp, 250Nm-single motor. This translates to a power and torque drop of 109hp and 244Nm, naturally resulting in a huge dip in performance, with the 0-100kph sprint time dropping from 5.49 seconds to 8.31 seconds. While the 66.4kWh battery pack is the same as the iX1, the LWB BMW's larger size and heavier weight make it lack the instantaneous punch typical of EVs. This becomes even more evident during overtakes, leaving you wanting more power.
2. Misses out on a few features over the standard iX1
Seat heating, massaging and ventilation functions are absent
The iX1's E-boost mode paddle, which provided 10 seconds of extra torque, is absent in the LWB SUV, and so is the massaging function for the seats; heating and ventilation are also not on offer as before. Additionally, hard plastics lower down the dashboard serve as a reminder that this is an entry-level BMW EV. And, as is the case with most electric vehicles these days, with crucial controls being swallowed up by touchscreens, the iX1 LWB is no different. We also found its 10.7-inch unit running on BMW's iDrive 9 OS complicated to use. Notably, BMW is offering features like onboard navigation, certain drive modes, and even the spare wheel as paid subscriptions.
Also see:
Hyundai Verna: 3 reasons to buy and 2 not to
Hyundai Venue: 3 reasons to buy and 2 not to
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