BMW presents a long-wheelbase variant of the new iX5 aimed at the Chinese market

BMW is preparing to expand its offering for the Chinese market with an exclusive long-wheelbase variant of the new iX5. By increasing the chassis length by 130 millimetres, the Bavarian manufacturer directly addresses the great importance Chinese consumers place on comfort and rear-seat space when choosing a new premium SUV.

The new X5 was unveiled at the end of June and, for the first time, will include a fully electric version, under the iX5 name. From August, this model will leave the Spartanburg plant in the United States for Western markets. At the same time, BMW has revealed the Chinese versions of the X5 and iX5, which will be built locally.

With 13 centimetres more wheelbase, the iX5 intended for the Chinese market will offer a wheelbase of 3.165 metres. Beyond these larger dimensions, the units of this premium electric SUV destined for the Chinese market will feature their own design details, such as light signatures with a characteristic diagonal style. Between the light signatures and the kidney grille, BMW has added light strips that give the front end greater depth and form part of the welcome and farewell lighting sequence.

Record range thanks to a battery of very large capacity

Technologically, the iX5 is based on BMW’s sixth generation of eDrive technology. According to the manufacturer, this electric SUV achieves a CLTC range of over 1,000 kilometres. Furthermore, in driver assistance, BMW is collaborating with local partner Momenta. The combination of in-house systems integration with artificial intelligence trained end to end will enable advanced navigation functions.

Finally, it should be noted that although the new iX5 is not based on the Neue Klasse platform as the new iX3 and i3 are, but rather on the older CLAR platform from 2015, BMW has nevertheless incorporated numerous technological elements developed for the Neue Klasse and shares the same design language.