The first-gen BMW X1 may not have done well here in India but it’s a completely different story in China. BMW, in fact, sold up to 2 lakh units of the old X1 with around 1.4 lakh locally produced units in BMW Brilliance’s Tiexi plant. The second-gen X1, then, has a lot riding on it and consequently, BMW has addressed the primary need of luxury car buyers in China i.e. rear seat comfort. The automaker has done so by developing a long wheelbase version specifically for the Chinese market.
Featuring noticeably larger dimensions, new turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive system, this long wheelbase version aims to be more versatile than the standard car.
Measuring 4.56m long, 1.82m wide and 1.62m tall, the new X1 long wheelbase has grown in length by some 8cm compared to its predecessor, in width by 2cm and in height by around 4cm.
The bigger footprint has also translated into a more spacious boot of around 675 litres which can be extended to 1650 litres with the seats folded down.
The car gets three powertrain options – sDrive18Li with a 136bhp, three-cylinder petrol engine, sDrive20Li and xDrive20Li with a 192bhp four-cylinder unit and xDrive25Li with a 231bhp motor.
The three-cylinder engine is coupled to a 6-speed Steptronic transmission, while the remaining models come equipped with an 8-speed unit as standard.
Standard features include a panoramic sunroof, run-flat tyres, electric folding ORVMs, keyless start, electrically adjustable front seats, climate control and a 6.5-inch iDrive display.
Bringing up the comfort at the back is the rear seat bench with a tilt-adjustable backrest, a large panoramic glass sunroof and the lighting package with switchable orange/white ambient lighting.
The X1 long wheelbase will be produced at the BMW-Brilliance plant in Shenyang. Considering that we have similar buying preferences, it does not seem out of place for BMW to bring this car to India.