The BMW X5 for China has a longer wheelbase than the X7.
It borrows the massive rear screen from the 7 Series.
The iX5 goes 621 miles on a single charge in the CLTC cycle.

Similar to other established manufacturers, BMW faces challenges in China. Sales hit a peak of 847,900 units in 2021 before declining to 626,000 last year, figures that include MINI. Demand through June this year dropped another 20.4 percent versus the prior first half. Despite this, the company continues its efforts in the market.

After launching the extended iX3 and i3 models, the X5 now receives the long-wheelbase upgrade. Offered in both gasoline and fully electric iX5 forms, the luxury SUV features enlarged rear doors following a 5.1-inch (130 mm) wheelbase stretch. This results in a total wheelbase of 124.6 inches (3,165 mm), the greatest among all BMW SUVs and exceeding even the X7.

BMW adjusts the front styling for China with revised light bars beside the vertical illuminated grille. Press photos show the headlights without the X motif active, though buyers can enable the double-X illumination via the central screen just as on global X5 models.

The side view reveals the long-wheelbase design through bigger rear doors and glass. Design elements resembling a hockey stick near the rear pillar highlight the Hofmeister kink and set the larger X5 apart. A roof-spoiler camera at the rear likely aids China-specific driver assistance and autonomous features.

2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase with the 31.3-inch Theatre Screen (China)

Photo by: BMW

Inside, the long-wheelbase X5 delivers its main appeal with added rear legroom plus the exclusive Theatre Screen. This 31.3-inch 8K display, first introduced on the 7 Series and later on select long-wheelbase 5 Series models, supports video calls, streaming, and gaming.

All seats receive upgrades, while adaptive two-axle air suspension comes standard. A 14.6-inch passenger screen sits beside the 17.9-inch infotainment display. Panoramic Vision projects across the windshield with three fixed driver tiles and up to six customizable widgets.

The iX5 achieves 525 miles (845 km) under WLTP in Europe and an estimated 435 miles (700 km) via EPA in the US. In China the electric version claims up to 621 miles (1,000 km) on the CLTC cycle, though that test tends to yield optimistic results.

Both the gasoline X5 and electric iX5 reach Chinese showrooms at the start of 2027.

Motor1's Take: BMW has begun offering some long-wheelbase models beyond China in places such as India and parts of Asia, yet it continues to exclude North America and Europe due to limited interest. Providing buyers a choice between wheelbase lengths would be welcome, but that option remains unavailable.

In markets where long-wheelbase versions are sold, standard models are not offered. The same applies to the new X5 in China, where only the stretched version will be available. The company appears confident the model will not overlap significantly with the X7, which includes a third row. The X5 will remain a two-row vehicle going forward.