BMW iX1 LWB vs rivals: price, range and specifications comparison

The first BMW EV assembled in India, the iX1 LWB takes on the Mercedes EQA, Volvo EX40 and the Mini Countryman Electric. Here’s how it fares on paper.

Published On Jan 22, 2025 05:16:00 PM

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BMW iX1 LWB vs Mercedes EQA vs Mini Countryman Electric vs Volvo EX40

BMW India has launched its first locally assembled EV, the iX1 LWB, at Rs 49 lakh. Its introduction also marks another first for India: a right-hand-drive market getting BMW’s long-wheelbase SUVs. Considering its price and size, the BMW iX1 LWB will go up against the Mercedes EQA, Volvo EX40 and Mini Countryman Electric. Here’s how it compares against its rivals.

BMW iX1 LWB dimensions vs rivals

BMW iX1 LWB vs rivals: dimensions
	iX1 LWB	EQA	EX40	Countryman Electric
Length (mm)	4616	4463	4440	4445
Width (mm)	1845	1834	1873	1843
Height (mm)	1627	1624	1647	1635
Wheelbase (mm)	2800	2729	2702	2692
Turning diameter (m)	-	-	11	11.8
Kerb weight (kg)	-	2055	-	1940
Boot space (litres)	490	340	410-1295	460-1450
Wheel size (inch)	18	19	19	17/19

Naturally, the iX1 LWB’s highlight is its wheelbase – 71mm more than the Mercedes EQA, 98mm more than the EX40 and 108mm more than the Countryman. The BMW also has the largest boot; it is longer than its rivals and among the widest. Volvo’s EX40 is the widest model here. The Countryman is the smallest overall, with even its 17-inch standard wheels being the smallest of the lot; 19-inch ones are optional extras.

BMW iX1 LWB range and battery vs rivals

BMW iX1 LWB vs rivals: range, battery, performance
	iX1 LWB	EQA	EX40	Countryman Electric
Battery size (kWh)	66.4	70.5	69	66.4
WLTP range (km)	531*	560	475	462
Power (hp)	204	190	238	204
Torque (Nm)	250	385	420	250
Claimed 0-100kph (s)	8.6	8.6	7.3	8.6
Top speed (kph)	170	160	180	170
AC charging time (0-100%)	6.5 hrs	7.25 hrs	7 hrs	6.5 hrs
DC charging time (10-80%)	29 min	35 min	34 min	29 min

*MIDC range figure

The iX1 LWB has an MIDC figure, while the rest are WLTP numbers. A reason behind it is that the BMW is a locally assembled model; it has been through the homologation process that will see it get an MIDC figure. While the EX40 is also locally assembled at Volvo’s Hoskote plant near Bengaluru, the Swedish brand quotes a WLTP figure, like the CBU-only Mercedes and Mini.

Interestingly, the iX1 LWB and Countryman Electric have the same 66.4kWh battery pack that powers a front axle-mounted 204hp motor. These models also have the same claimed 0-100kph time, top speed and charging times. The only difference is the range figure: the Mini has a 462km number on the more stringent WLTP cycle, while the BMW has an MIDC-quoted 531km. The EQA can go the furthest on a single charge, thanks to its battery pack being the largest of the four.

The RWD Volvo EX40 is the most powerful of the lot, has the highest top speed and is the quickest to do the 0-100kph sprint. However, with their relatively smaller battery packs, the BMW and Mini have the fastest charging times.

BMW iX1 LWB price vs rivals

BMW iX1 LWB vs rivals: price
	iX1 LWB	EQA	EX40	Countryman Electric
Ex-showroom, India (Rs, lakh)	49	67.2	56.1	54.9

Although BMW iX1 LWB prices are for an introductory period, the long-wheelbase e-SUV undercuts its rivals by a significant margin – lower by a whopping Rs 18.2 lakh than the Mercedes EQA, Rs 7.1 lakh than the Volvo EX40 and Rs 5.9 lakh than the Mini Countryman Electric.

So, on paper, the BMW iX1 LWB costs far less, is larger and seems to offer more interior room than its rivals. But it isn’t the top one in terms of range and performance. Soon, we’ll find out how that translates on the road, so stay tuned.

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