BMW is rapidly expanding its long-wheelbase strategy in India, where stretched models already represented 52 percent of the company’s sales during the first half of 2026. BMW India expects that share to reach roughly 60 percent by the end of the year.
BMW Expands Its Long-Wheelbase Strategy
The growing demand marks a significant shift for a strategy that was once primarily associated with China, where the long-wheelbase formula was created.
“Long wheelbase and electrification are the two pillars we are working on this year,” Hardeep Singh Brar, president and CEO of BMW Group India, told the Indian edition of Autocar. He added that the share could grow further as additional long-wheelbase products arrive.
BMW currently sells long-wheelbase versions of the 3 Series and 5 Series/i5 sedans, as well as the X1/iX1 crossovers in India. The new long-wheelbase iX3 will also be offered outside China, with Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia among the additional markets receiving the model.
The stretched X5 is also coming to India.
Why Indian Buyers Want More Rear-Seat Space
The appeal of long-wheelbase vehicles in India is closely tied to rear-seat space. Local luxury-car buyers place particular importance on having more room in the back, especially when the vehicle owner is not necessarily the person driving.
BMW’s experience indicates that demand extends beyond traditional executive sedans. The automaker has gradually expanded its long-wheelbase approach from sedans to SUVs.
This strategy gives buyers additional rear-seat room without requiring them to move into a higher vehicle segment.
Why BMW Is Not Bringing LWB Models to the U.S.
BMW is taking a different approach in the United States, where the company has ruled out bringing its long-wheelbase models for now.
Bernd Körber, BMW’s product boss, recently discussed the difference in customer priorities. According to the report, China places greater emphasis on legroom, while U.S. buyers prioritize cargo space.
BMW’s internal research has apparently not found enough demand to justify offering stretched models in North America. Europe is also not expected to receive long-wheelbase models.
India Becomes a Key Market for BMW’s LWB Strategy
India is moving in the opposite direction, with long-wheelbase models already accounting for more than half of BMW’s sales. The share could increase further as the company expands its lineup.
BMW’s growing long-wheelbase portfolio also fits its broader strategy of tailoring its products to individual regions rather than offering every market the same lineup.
While customers could ideally have a choice between standard- and long-wheelbase models, offering both versions could create additional logistical complexity and significantly increase costs for BMW.
