The new BMW X5 for the Chinese market is setting out to build on its success story to date with the help of fresh design flourishes and an extensive technological update. Having already enjoyed considerable popularity in China since their initial launch, the two variants of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the executive segment now have even greater appeal, thanks mainly to their increased sense of visual presence, the upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and their efficient, electrified engines. The new BMW X5 for China therefore has the ideal tools to further consolidate its position as the market leader in its segment. The new BMW X5 xDrive30Li (fuel consumption combined: 8.7 l/100 km [32.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 208 g/km in the WLTP cycle) and new BMW X5 xDrive40Li (fuel consumption combined: 8.9 l/100 km [31.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 213 g/km in the WLTP cycle) are making their public debut at the Chengdu Motor Show on 25 August 2023.
The overall concept of the BMW X5 xDrive30Li and BMW X5 xDrive40Li models caters specifically to the requirements of target groups in China. The extra 130 millimetres of wheelbase compared with the version of the BMW X5 available in other markets around the world means that passengers in the rear enjoy extremely generous legroom. The rear doors have likewise been widened, making it easier to get in and out. There are also specially designed seats and exclusive equipment features that serve to enhance long-distance comfort. The new editions of the BMW X5 models for China will be built at the Dadong plant of the BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. joint venture in Shenyang, and their launch is due to get underway in September 2023.
Visually powerful exterior design for greater presence.
The fresh interpretation of the headlights and kidney grille – both signature BMW design elements – gives the front end greater presence while emphasising the aura of supreme assurance around the new BMW X5 xDrive30Li and BMW X5 xDrive40Li. The outline of the new headlight units is 35 millimetres narrower than before. Their daytime driving light elements pointing outwards in the shape of an arrow also perform the role of turn signal indicators. Matrix LED headlights with adaptive control and BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam come as standard on the new BMW X5 xDrive40Li and are available as an option for the new BMW X5 xDrive30Li. The rear light units have also been restyled and now feature sculptural fibre-optic light guide elements for the rear and brake lights with a particularly eye-catching arrangement that creates a uniformly illuminated X motif.
The BMW kidney grille Iconic Glow is fitted as standard on both model variants of the new BMW X5 for China. Its cascade lighting adds an unmistakable visual touch, especially in the dark, and is now combined with a chrome surface finish. The air curtains for the front apron and the air breathers on the front side panels have also been redesigned as part of the exterior styling modifications. The choice of body colours now includes a Frozen paint finish for the first time. The BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic option with its matt shimmer allows the clearly designed surfaces of the SAV to stand out to notably striking effect.
The new edition of the BMW X5 for China is available in two equipment lines. Both model variants come equipped as standard with an M Sport package, whose numerous design elements in Black high-gloss bring the SAV’s sense of sporting refinement to the fore. The optional M Sport package Luxury further embellishes the vehicle’s imposing looks by adding exclusive inlays in Pearl-effect Chrome for the front and rear aprons, the side skirts, the air breathers, the side window borders and the roof rails.
Progressive premium interior ambience including digital cockpit.
Inside, the surfaces of the instrument panel, door panels and model-specific comfort seats are trimmed in very fine-grained Sensafin, underlining the premium character of the new BMW X5 for China. The Travel & Comfort System that comes as standard includes USB-C ports on the front seat backs.
The new BMW X5 xDrive30Li and BMW X5 xDrive40Li both feature the latest-generation BMW iDrive display and control/operation system with QuickSelect. It is based on BMW Operating System 8.5 and offers brand new graphics including a home screen with an exceptionally clear layout. The improved menu structure that takes its cue from consumer electronics devices helps to deliver a focused, commanding driving experience by always showing the right information in the right place. The QuickSelect rapid-access tech makes selecting and operating vehicle functions and digital services remarkably simple and intuitive. This, together with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, means that the upgraded BMW iDrive has been carefully geared to operation using touch and voice control. The BMW Curved Display also provides the perfect stage for the new BMW iDrive in the Chinese version of the new BMW X5. It is composed of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display that merge into a single high-resolution, fully digital unit. Adding to the appeal of the BMW Curved Display are its frameless design and glass surface angled slightly towards the driver.
Electroplated detailing on the steering wheel and the insides of the doors, a smartphone tray with inductive charging that has been designed exclusively for the Chinese market, metal grilles for the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System’s speakers, Crafted Clarity glass applications for selected controls, the new-look selector lever and the ambient light bar with its effective backlighting put the finishing touches to the progressive premium ambience inside the cabin. The panoramic glass sunroof fitted as standard, meanwhile, can be ordered in the Sky Lounge version as an option.
Choice of profiles for targeted customisation, innovative automated driving and parking systems.
Besides the two design and equipment lines M Sport package and M Sport package Luxury, there is also a choice of two profiles for the new BMW X5 xDrive30Li and BMW X5 xDrive40Li that add further top-quality comfort features and chassis and assistance systems to the already extensive standard specification. The profiles have been compiled specifically for each model variant, with highlights including adaptive two-axle air suspension, M Sport brakes, 21-inch light-alloy wheels, active seat ventilation and a Heat Comfort package.
A range of individual options are additionally available, such as an Anthracite-coloured M headliner, M seat belts, extended M High-gloss Shadowline trim, 22-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design and BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design that are also 22 inches in diameter.
There is a wider selection of automated driving and parking systems, too. BMW Driving Assistant Professional adds a number of features, including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant and Highway Assistant. An updated version of the Reversing Assistant is one of the functions forming part of the BMW Parking Assistant Professional package, along with the Manoeuvre Assistant that allows automated parking and manoeuvring to be controlled from outside the vehicle using a smartphone.
Engines with 48V mild hybrid technology, new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
The two petrol engines available for the new BMW X5 for the Chinese market are part of the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines and now come with 48V mild hybrid technology. Both channel their power through to the road via a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. Electrification of the power units results in extremely rapid response to the slightest movement of the accelerator, both when pulling away and when putting in a sudden burst of speed. And it has the additional effect of increasing engine efficiency, which is further helped by the refined BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line petrol unit in the new BMW X5 xDrive30Li delivers an output of 190 kW/258 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds. The straight-six petrol engine under the bonnet of the new BMW X5 xDrive40Li generates maximum output of 280 kW/380 hp from its 3.0-litre displacement with torque peaking at 520 Nm (383 lb-ft). This means the car can race to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 5.5 seconds. The BMW X5 xDrive40Li is also capable of driving on pure electric power at very low speeds.
CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.
- The BMW X5 xDrive30Li: (fuel consumption combined: 8.7 l/100 km [32.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 208 g/km in the WLTP cycle).
- The BMW X5 xDrive40Li: (fuel consumption combined: 8.9 l/100 km [31.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 213 g/km in the WLTP cycle).
