BMW India expects long-wheelbase fashions to account for round 60 % of its gross sales by the top of 2026, up from 52 % within the first half. BMW’s gross sales grew 14 % in 2025, adopted by an extra 15 % development within the first half of 2026 as the broader market remained flat or declined marginally. The carmaker is specializing in long-wheelbase fashions and electrical automobiles as the 2 key areas of its product technique in India.
BMW to emphasise on long-wheelbase vary
“Lengthy wheelbase and electrification are the 2 pillars we’re engaged on this yr,” Hardeep Singh Brar, president and CEO of BMW Group India, informed our sister publication Autocar Skilled on the sidelines of the launch of BMW i5 LWB. “Within the first half, we have been at 52% lengthy wheelbase. With the brand new launches, I believe the long-wheelbase class will develop additional,” he added.
BMW’s long-wheelbase portfolio at present contains the 3 Series LWB, 5 Series LWB, X1 LWB, i5 LWB and iX1 LWB. The corporate has prolonged the format past government sedans and indicated that it’ll proceed to favour long-wheelbase variations for related fashions launched in India. The LWB format is aimed toward patrons in search of higher rear-seat legroom and luxury, significantly chauffeur-driven prospects.
“It’s a tried-and-tested system, so why not go along with it?” Brar stated. The introduction of long-wheelbase fashions within the entry-luxury and government segments has additionally helped BMW differentiate its merchandise in an more and more aggressive market.
EVs to account for over 30 % in H2 2026
Electrical automobiles accounted for 21 % of BMW’s India volumes in 2025 and 26 % within the first half of 2026. Brar expects the share to cross 30 % within the second half, with one-third additionally attainable. The iX1 accounts for round half of gross sales within the X1 vary, whereas the i7 contributed about 60 % of mixed 7 Collection and i7 volumes in the course of the earlier mannequin cycle.
EVs taking on diesel’s share in BMW’s portfolio
BMW has additionally seen some prospects transfer from diesel to electrical automobiles. Brar attributed a part of the decline in diesel demand to issues over automobile life and residual values, significantly in markets corresponding to Delhi, the place diesel automobiles have a 10-year registration life.
The corporate doesn’t plan to discontinue diesel and can proceed providing the powertrain the place demand stays robust. The X5 and X7 proceed to see cheap demand for diesel variations, Brar stated.
With inputs from Dhruv Dhaka