Key highlights
- India-bound BMW X5 LWB gets a 130mm longer wheelbase
- The luxury SUV gets an exclusive 8K rear entertainment screen
- Petrol, diesel and PHEV powertrains are expected for India; iX5 EV launch remains uncertain
BMW has taken the wraps off the long-wheelbase versions of the new X5 and its electric sibling, the iX5, and there is a rather important detail for Indian buyers. The X5 LWB is coming to India.
The China-spec models get an additional 130mm between the axles, taking their wheelbase to 3,165mm. Overall length has grown to 5,125mm, making the new X5 even more suited to buyers who prefer being driven rather than doing all the driving themselves.
More X5, more room
The long-wheelbase treatment doesn’t completely transform the X5’s design. Instead, BMW has made a few visual changes to distinguish it from the standard-wheelbase SUV.
The front gets new LED daytime-running light signatures, including an option with a diagonal pattern. The DRLs are also connected by illuminated strips running towards the illuminated kidney grille.
At the rear, the LWB models get redesigned bumpers, while an ‘L’ badge on the tailgate is the easiest way to tell the stretched version apart.
Surprise for the rear seats
BMW is offering an 8K Theatre Screen exclusively on the long-wheelbase versions. It allows rear passengers to stream content, play games, connect smartphones and even make video calls.
Up front, the cabin continues with BMW’s latest digital interface, including the Panoramic iDrive display stretching across the dashboard. A rhomboidal central infotainment screen and optional passenger display are also available.
So, while the driver gets the latest BMW tech, the rear passengers get their own little cinema. Quite literally.
Petrol, diesel and PHEV likely for India
BMW hasn’t revealed the exact India-spec powertrain lineup yet. However, the X5 LWB is expected to carry over the engines available with the standard-wheelbase model.
What about the iX5?
BMW has unveiled the iX5 LWB alongside the combustion-powered X5, but whether the electric SUV will make the trip to India remains unclear.
The iX5 LWB is expected to use BMW’s massive 141kWh battery pack and an 800V electrical architecture. In China, BMW claims a CLTC range of more than 1,000km.
For context, the global standard-wheelbase iX5 uses a dual-motor setup producing 578hp and 805Nm, with a WLTP-rated range of up to 845km.
Also read: Audi Q9 revealed as the new flagship SUV: Mercedes GLS rival
