BMW Group India has rolled out the new X1 long wheelbase SUV, locally manufactured in Chennai and priced at ₹49.90 lakh. The vehicle features enhanced interior space and supports E25 fuel blends. Investors should note that BMW Group India is a private entity and is not related to the listed company BMW Industries Limited.
BMW Group India officially launched its new X1 long wheelbase (LWB) sports activity vehicle in India on Friday, August 21, 2026. The company has priced the new model at ₹49.90 lakh, before on-road costs. To support its local operations, BMW is manufacturing this vehicle at its factory in Chennai.
The new X1 LWB is designed to cater to the demand for more spacious luxury SUVs in the Indian market. It features a wheelbase of 2,800 mm, which provides significantly more rear legroom compared to the standard model. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, engineered to handle up to 25% ethanol-blended petrol (E25). This focus on fuel adaptability aligns with broader industry trends toward alternative fuel compatibility in the Indian automotive sector.
Alongside the X1, the company also unveiled the BMW i5 long wheelbase, an all-electric sedan. The company has opened bookings for the i5, with plans for local production. This adds to the company’s electric vehicle lineup in India, targeting a range of approximately 669 km on a single charge.
It is important for market participants to distinguish between the global automotive brand and similarly named listed companies. BMW Group India, the automobile manufacturer, is not a publicly traded company on the Indian stock exchanges like the NSE or BSE. There is often confusion regarding BMW Industries Limited, a company listed on the BSE, which is involved in steel processing and manufacturing. BMW Industries Limited has no relation to the global BMW automotive group.
While the luxury automotive sector in India continues to grow, the global parent company, BMW AG, has reported challenges in international markets earlier in the year. These challenges include reduced demand in China and currency volatility, which have led the global entity to adjust its profit margin expectations for its automotive division. As the local subsidiary operates within this broader framework, future performance will depend on its ability to manage production costs, maintain demand for premium vehicles, and navigate currency fluctuations that impact import-related expenses.
Investors tracking the automotive space may watch for future updates on the delivery timelines for the new X1 LWB and the official pricing for the upcoming i5 electric sedan, as these will signal the company's progress in expanding its luxury market share in India.