BMW readies X5 LWB for China

The luxury brand BMW is now setting up its launching date for a long-wheelbase variant of the X5, dubbed the X5 xDrive40 Li, that will be marketed exclusively in China at first. Several worldwide automobiles are frequently modified into a specific extended wheelbase appearance to suit local desires in the Chinese passenger vehicle market. 

Chinese automobile consumers place a great value on rear legroom, resulting in special expanded versions of cars like the Range Rover Evoque and even the BMW X1. 

What's distinctive about the BMW X5 xDrive40 Li?

Some essential characteristics of the extended X5 have been exposed in a file with China's ministry of industry and information technology. The 'Li' in the name, as is customary for BMW, denotes the extended wheelbase version. That takes us to the most noticeable change to the X5 xDrive 40 Li, which is the increased length of the SUV, with the majority of the extra length going into the wheelbase.

It is 5,060mm in length, 138mm longer than a regular X5. Meanwhile, the wheelbase is 3,105mm, which is 130mm longer than the standard X5's 2,975mm. In terms of width, both versions are 2,004mm wide. The X5 LWB also stands 34mm higher than the standard model, at 1,779mm.

To put things in perspective, BMW's current largest SUV, the X7, is 5,151mm long, 3,105mm wide, 2,000mm tall, and has a 3,105mm wheelbase. Although the wheelbases of the long-wheelbase X5 and X7 are nearly identical, the former is 91mm shorter.

The exterior design of the BMW X5 xDrive40 Li

A few photos of the X5 xDrive40 Li in M Sport trim were also included in the Chinese government file. Apart from the larger rear doors, the extended X5 does not change significantly from the original model in terms of design.

The SUV will be available with a choice of 21-inch wheels measuring 275/40 in the front and 315/35 in the back, as well as 22-inch wheels covered in 275/35 in the front and 315/30 in the rear, according to the documents. For the window surrounds and roof rails, the SUV may be ordered with either chrome or gloss black exterior trim options.

Details about the BMW X5 xDrive40 Li's powertrain

The 365hp 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged petrol engine in the X5 xDrive40 Li will be 25hp more powerful than the normal wheelbase X5 offered internationally. The increase in power had to be to compensate for the added weight of the longer body and larger glasshouse. In India, the same engine is available in the X7.

In India, BMW models with a long wheelbase are available. Despite the fact that the BMW X5 xDrive40 Li is now only available in China, the German automaker has recognized the long-wheelbase luxury car market in India. BMW introduced the 3 Series Gran Limousine in India earlier this year as an LWB variant of the normal 3 Series. In fact, India is the only nation where BMW offers the 3-Series in right-hand drive with a large wheelbase. 

The 3-Series, on the other hand, is a reasonably high-volume vehicle in comparison to the X5, and the X5 LWB is quite unlikely to make it to our shores.