The BMW X5 long-wheelbase arrives in China with changes aimed at Asian drivers

Victor Alós Yus @sepelaci 28 July 2026 2 min.

BMW launches the long-wheelbase versions of the BMW X5 and iX5 on the Chinese market, with slight changes to adapt them to Chinese tastes and regulations.

The new BMW X5 was presented not long ago, but it is only now that the long-wheelbase versions of this model and its electric equivalent, the iX5, have reached the Chinese market. It is basically the same model seen in international markets, although changes have been made to suit the Chinese market, which has different regulations from other countries.

The wheelbase grows as a result of the platform change, which adds 130 mm over the standard model. This brings the wheelbase to 3,165 mm. For comparison, the BMW X7, sold worldwide, has a wheelbase of 5,105 mm, so its cabin space is larger.

Some time ago, BMW launched long-wheelbase versions of the X3 and iX3, in which it had to remove the retractable door handles, because Chinese regulations did not allow them, replacing them with traditional handles. In the case of these two new models, the X5 L and iX5 L, the handles are located on the pillars, as with the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Changes in driver assistance technology

The biggest change is in the driver assistance technology. The models sold in China use software from the Chinese company Momenta. This software uses locally trained artificial intelligence. It does not include LiDAR, but it may be somewhat more efficient than the systems BMW uses elsewhere in the world.

Visually, there are changes to decorative body details, along with new-design wheels and daytime running lights, which now take a diagonal shape instead of the X-shaped ones used on other variants. Light strips have also been added between the daytime running lights and the double grille. The front bumper has been reduced and is no longer as exaggerated in size.

Improved cabin

The cabin has been improved, with more complete and luxurious equipment than the international variants. There are new seats for the front passenger and rear occupants. At the rear, a large fold-down screen has been fitted, compatible with streaming platforms and video games.

There is not much more information, but BMW says the iX5 will have a range of up to 1,000 kilometres under the CLTC cycle.