BMW X1 L Caters To Chinese Customers’ Love For LWB Models

BMW‘s smallest SUV has gained a few cm to its wheelbase to satisfy the Chinese penchant for extra rear space.

The X1 L measures 4.56 meters (180 in) in length, 1.81 meters (71 in) in width and 1.62 meters (64 in) in height. It offers between 5 and 18 cm (2-7 in) more knee room for the rear passengers and has a cargo capacity of 465-675 liters, depending on the position of the rear seat, and 1,650 liters with the rear bench folded.

BMW will offer the X1 L in three versions in the People’s Republic: the sDrive18Li, with a 3-pot 136 HP engine, the sDrive20Li/xDrive20Li, powered by a four-cylinder unit with 192 HP and the xDrive25Li, with a beefier 231 HP four-banger. All three are paired to a six-speed Steptronic transmission, while the two larger ones are also offered with an 8-speed auto as an option.

A variety of standard and optional equipment will be offered on the stretched version of the X1, such as LED headlights, Driving Assistant Package,a Harman Kardon audio system, 8.8-inch display, Touch Controller, navigation system, head-up display and a hands-free tailgate.

It will be built by BMW Brilliance’s Tiexi plan, in Shenyang, which was responsible for assembling the first-gen variant, sold in up to 200,000 units, out of which 140,000 were produced locally. The X1 L has been developed specifically for China, where it made its debut today at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, and will go on sale over the next few months.