BMW has introduced a China-exclusive long-wheelbase version of its upcoming all-electric iX5, expanding its premium electric vehicle lineup with a model tailored to local demand for greater rear-seat comfort and advanced digital features.
The extended-wheelbase iX5 will be produced in China for the domestic market, while the standard version for Western markets is scheduled to begin production at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant in August.
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Longer Wheelbase Targets Chinese Buyers
The iX5 was first unveiled alongside the new-generation X5 in June, marking the first time the SUV will be offered as a fully electric model.
For China, BMW has increased the wheelbase by 130 millimeters to 3.165 meters, providing additional rear-seat legroom for customers in the country’s premium SUV segment.
The Chinese versions of the X5 and iX5 also receive exclusive styling elements, including redesigned diagonal lighting signatures with an optional double-X configuration. An illuminated “Iconic Glow” grille lighting system is integrated into the vehicle’s welcome and departure lighting sequence.
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Neue Klasse Technology Inside
The interior incorporates several technologies developed for BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse platform, including BMW Panoramic iDrive, BMW Operating System X, BMW Panoramic Vision, and, for the first time in the X5 family, a dedicated BMW Passenger Screen.
Rear-seat occupants also gain access to an upgraded 8K Theatre Screen designed for video streaming and gaming.
Although the iX5 continues to use BMW’s CLAR platform rather than the dedicated Neue Klasse architecture, it adopts the automaker’s sixth-generation BMW eDrive electric drivetrain technology.
BMW said the electric SUV is expected to deliver more than 1,000 kilometers of range under the Chinese CLTC testing cycle, though detailed battery and powertrain specifications for the Chinese market have not yet been released. The figure is substantially higher than the 645-845 kilometer WLTP range announced for versions destined for Western markets, reflecting differences between the two testing standards.
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Local AI Partnership
BMW is also working with Chinese autonomous driving company Momenta to develop advanced driver assistance systems for the local market.
The companies are combining BMW’s vehicle integration expertise with Momenta’s locally trained end-to-end artificial intelligence models to provide navigation-guided, door-to-door assisted driving functions. These features are managed through a central computing platform using BMW’s Heart of Joy control system.
The China-specific iX5 is scheduled to launch in 2027, expanding BMW’s portfolio of locally tailored premium electric vehicles.
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While the model remains based on the CLAR architecture introduced in 2015, BMW said it incorporates many of the digital technologies and design elements developed for the Neue Klasse family, which also includes the long-wheelbase iX3 and i3 models introduced for the Chinese market earlier this year.
