Luxury buyers in China have many of the same tastes as those from other regions, but there is one big exception. Rear passenger space is a high priority, even in compact and midsize cars, which is why the 2027 BMW X5 and its all-electric iX5 sibling will only be offered in that country with an extended wheelbase that makes room for a larger back seat. Unusually, however, the overall length remains the same, giving the Chinese X5 a rather, ahem, unique appearance.
‘From China, For China’
2027 BMW iX5 Long WheelbaseBMW
As with many BMW models sold in the third-largest country on the planet, the new X5 and iX5 variants will have a wheelbase that’s been stretched 5.1 inches for a total of 124.6 inches between the axles. It seems as though all of this space has been added to the second row, with suitably elongated doors and a nearly invisible C-pillar that integrates the rear quarter glass seamlessly into the greenhouse. A new graphic on the window emphasizes the BMW-signature Hofmeister kink on the D-pillar, underscoring the China-market SUV’s German parentage.
The extra length and revised side profile aren’t the only changes BMW made to the X5. The front end has also been revised, retaining the unusual X-shaped daytime running lights but accenting the black panel on the nose with unique LED accents compared to the rest of the world. The rear view is all but identical, save for an additional camera at the top of the spoiler.
2027 BMW iX5 Long Wheelbase interiorBMW
We presume it’s there to accommodate the AI-powered driver assistance suite developed alongside the Chinese company Momenta. BMW claims that its new midsize SUV will offer point-to-point, navigation-linked advanced driver assistance, and although it didn’t specify how automated such a function would be, we presume it’ll offer a certain amount of hands-free (and maybe even eyes-off) functionality on large roads and highways.
2027 BMW iX5 Long Wheelbase interiorBMW
Inside is where the differences truly begin to arise. Although BMW didn’t release specific numbers, the rear seat is clearly much more commodious in the China-specific X5 and iX5 than it is in the versions sold in other parts of the world. Lounge-style outboard seats include extending footrests that take full advantage of the additional space, but the front passenger seat has been redesigned for additional comfort as well. The X5 and its all-electric sibling will also offer BMW’s Theater Screen in the rear seat, complete with 8K streaming and a video chat function for on-the-go business meetings.
Mutliple Powertrains For China
2027 BMW X5 Long WheelbaseBMW
BMW will locally produce the X5 and iX5, making it the first time that the automaker has provided its customers with an all-electric and a pure combustion midsize SUV. The automaker says to expect a 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) range rating for the iX5 EV, which sounds very impressive until you remember that the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) is even more optimistic than the 525-mile WLTP rating it’ll get in Europe.
There’s no word on if Chinese customers will also have the choice of diesel, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell drivetrains, but we presume the X5 will at least get an electrified internal combustion engine in its powertrain lineup.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Although luxury car sales are flagging somewhat in China, BMW’s presence in the market is crucial, as is building a car that’s fit for Chinese tastes. The long-wheelbase, distinctively styled X5 should fit the bill just fine. That said, we find the extended rear doors and clipped rear bodywork to be a bit ungainly, especially considering how polarizing the rest of the SUV already is. Nevertheless, the new X5 should be a smash hit in its second locally produced market, giving Chinese customers yet another spacious sport-ute to choose from.
Base Trim Engine
3.0-L Turbo inline-6 mild-hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
394 hp
Base Trim Torque
428 lb-ft
Segment
Midsize Luxury SUV
Source: BMW
