BMW officially launches the new elongated X5 for China: Dining room on wheels, Neue Klasse technology and an aggressive pricing strategy
The Bavarian manufacturer has unveiled the Chinese version of the new BMW X5. With a substantially extended wheelbase, a giant 8K screen for rear passengers and technologies taken from the Neue Klasse architecture, the German SUV aims to dominate the premium segment in Asia.
Longer than an X7: Rear space becomes the absolute priority
The main distinguishing feature of the new BMW X5 for the Chinese market is the wheelbase, which has been extended by 130 millimeters compared to the global version. This change brings the total wheelbase to an impressive 3,165 millimeters — even exceeding that of the flagship BMW X7.
Almost every extra millimeter has been directed to the rear passenger compartment. In China, where many luxury vehicle owners prefer to travel in the back seat with a personal driver, comfort and legroom are fundamental purchase criteria.
Exclusive front design and new light signatures
From an aesthetic point of view, the China variant receives a redesigned front area:
- Diagonal light signature: The headlights come standard with diagonally arranged LED elements. Optionally, customers can choose a double X-shaped signature.
- BMW Iconic Glow illuminated grille: The grille is framed by additional light strips that accentuate the depth of the front profile and offer dynamic animations when locking and unlocking the car.
Spectacular interior: 8K Cinema, passenger screen and dedicated AI
Inside, BMW has made a major technological leap, combining traditional luxury elements with the innovations of the Neue Klasse electric range:
- BMW Panoramic iDrive & Operating System X: The dashboard integrates the BMW Panoramic Vision display, a floating-looking central screen and, for the first time in the X5 range, a display dedicated to the front passenger.
- BMW Theatre Screen 8K: A tilting panoramic screen in the roof with 8K resolution is available for rear passengers. It allows for high-quality streaming of films, video games and conference calls.
- Materials and comfort: New monochromatic colors, special material inserts such as slate and glass, along with a 3D backlit ambient strip. Air suspension on both axles comes as standard.
- Autonomous driving with local AI: The assistance system was developed specifically for the particularities of Chinese traffic, using artificial intelligence trained on local infrastructure.
Internal combustion engines and electric iX5 with over 1,000 km of range
The engine range will include both versions with optimized combustion engines and the 100% electric BMW iX5. The latter benefits from the sixth generation of eDrive technology and promises a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers in the Chinese CLTC test cycle.
The official launch on the Chinese market will take place during 2027.
Price comparison: China vs. Romania
Although the Chinese version offers significantly larger dimensions and superior technological equipment as standard, the pricing policy reveals a major difference between markets.
| Market | Model | Starting Price (Estimated / List) | Notes / Details |
| Romania (Europe) | BMW X5 (Standard Wheelbase) | ~€94,500 (VAT included) | Starting price corresponds to the entry-level X5 40d xDrive. The top-tier variant exceeds €122,000. |
| China | BMW X5 / iX5 LWB (+130 mm Wheelbase) |
~605,000 – 615,000 RMB (approx. €78,000 – €80,000) |
Produced locally (BMW Brilliance joint venture in Shenyang), avoiding steep import tariffs. |
Why is the longer version from China cheaper?
- Local production: Models destined for China are assembled directly in local plants through the BMW Brilliance joint venture in Shenyang. This eliminates the high import duties that the Chinese government imposes on vehicles manufactured in Europe or the US.
- Extreme local competition: The Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle market is one of the most competitive in the world, forcing Western manufacturers to adjust prices aggressively to rival domestic premium brands.
- European market and taxes: In Romania, the list price includes 19% VAT, transport logistics costs, as well as strict European specifications and approvals, which raises the entry threshold for the new generation X5 to almost 95,000 euros.