BMW is expanding its portfolio in China with an exclusive long-wheelbase version of the upcoming all-electric iX5. With a wheelbase extended by 130 millimeters, the Bavarian automaker is specifically targeting the high comfort and space demands in the Chinese rear-seat segment.

The new BMW X5 celebrated its world premiere at the end of June, where it was revealed that, for the first time, it will also be available as a battery-electric variant: the iX5. From August, the iX5 will roll off the production line at BMW’s U.S. plant in Spartanburg for Western markets. BMW has now also unveiled the Chinese versions of the X5 and iX5, which, as is customary, will be produced in China for the Chinese market.

13 cm extended wheelbase

At the heart of the larger spatial concept is a wheelbase extended by 13 centimeters to 3.165 meters compared to the Western version – as is typical for Chinese models. This modification primarily addresses the high demand for spacious interiors and rear-seat legroom comfort in China’s premium SUV segment.

In addition to the body dimensions, the Chinese X5 and iX5 feature unique design details, including striking, diagonally styled light icons. Customers in China can optionally switch the appearance of these light icons to a double-X design.

Additional light strips between the light icons and the BMW kidney grille, dubbed ‘Iconic Glow’, are designed to enhance the depth of the front design and form part of the dynamic welcome and goodbye lighting sequence.

Technologically, the iX5 relies on the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Combined with a specific high-voltage battery concept, the battery-electric SUV achieves a CLTC range of over 1,000km, according to the manufacturer.

This figure appears significantly higher than the WLTP range of 645 to 845km stated for Western markets. However, the CLTC cycle is generally more optimistic than the European WLTP standard. Additionally, specific details about the batteries and drivetrains available in China have not yet been disclosed.

Local collaboration

In the field of driver assistance systems, BMW is collaborating with local partner Momenta in China. By combining its own system integration with locally trained ‘end-to-end’ AI, the vehicles achieve navigation-guided door-to-door functionality. The automated driving functions are controlled via a central computer in conjunction with the ‘Heart of Joy‘ control concept.

In April, BMW presented the BMW iX3 and BMW i3 with a long wheelbase at Auto China in Beijing; the first Neue Klasse models developed in China for China. However, the new iX5 is not based on this new electric architecture but rather on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform introduced in 2015. Nevertheless, the iX5 incorporates many features developed for the Neue Klasse, as well as the same design language.