The second-gen X1 will get an expanded range, as the Bavarians apparently registered a patent for the long-wheel-base variant.

After introducing a front-wheel-drive layout for the first time in its SUVs, it looks like it has a few more tricks up its sleeve for its compact crossover to increase its clientele.

Chinese love their vehicles to be spacious at the rear so BMW’s latest patents, published by PCauto.com, indicate that the LWB X1 is first and foremost targeted at the world’s largest market.

Fully revealing the model’s exterior, the drawings depict little to no change compared to the standard X1, apart of course from the elongated wheelbase and increased length that necessitates longer rear doors and rear windows.

Although technical details are unknown, the extended X1, which could bear the Li moniker, will most likely share its engines with the standard variant. This includes a wide array of options, starting with the inline three-cylinder diesel engine found on the X1 sDrive 16d all the way to the 228 hp 2.0-litre all-wheel-drive xDrive25i/d.

The BMW X1 long-wheel-base is expected to make its official debut in mid-2016.

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