BMW has expanded its India portfolio with the launch of the new X1 Long Wheelbase, strengthening its lineup of models tailored specifically to the space and comfort demands of Indian luxury car buyers. In this conversation with Autocar Professional, Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, explains how long-wheelbase offerings have grown to account for over 52% of the brand's domestic sales and why expanding accessible luxury is central to BMW’s growth trajectory.
The new X1 LWB brings a 110 mm longer wheelbase, 150 mm of additional rear legroom, upgraded rear seating comfort, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and over 50% local manufacturing content at the Chennai facility. Priced at ₹49.90 lakh, backed by an industry-first 60% four-year assured buyback program and flexible finance schemes, Brar highlights how the SUV aims to draw a significant influx of first-time luxury buyers into the fold.
The discussion also explores BMW India’s powertrain diversification strategy—with electric vehicles already accounting for 26% of sales alongside petrol and diesel options—customer response to fuel price dynamics, expanding local manufacturing capabilities, and the brand's aggressive roadmap covering 25 new product launches.
Watch the full conversation here.