The Bavarian automaker unveiled the X5 xDrive30Li and the X5 xDrive40L, two longer variants of the SAV produced in China by BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. that will be exclusively available in the local market.
The timing of the release is a bit weird
since we are expecting the facelifted BMW X5 to arrive in late 2022, although
styling changes are expected to be subtle so they could be easily incorporated
in the Li as well. The X5 Li brings a 130 mm increase in the
wheelbase compared to the regular fourth-generation X5 introduced in 2018. This
means that the X5 xDrive30Li and the X5 xDrive40Li have a wheelbase of 3,105 mm and measure 5,052 mm long if we are doing the
math right. The former is identical to the BMW X7, although the flagship SUV
remains the longest of the range being 5,151 mm long.
BMW says that all of the extra length has
been used to the benefit of the rear passengers with plenty of legroom to
spare. This is evident from the exterior with the longer rear doors providing
easier access to the cabin. The Li variants come standard with plenty of kit,
including comfort seats with four degrees of extra backrest tilt, a panoramic
glass roof, ambient lighting, a wireless charging tray, perforated metal covers
for the speakers, electroplated finish for controls, and a bespoke M
Aerodynamics package for the exterior.
Just like the regular-wheelbase variants
with the same names, the xDrive30Li is fitted with the turbocharged 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine producing 261 hp and 400 Nm,
while the xDrive40Li gets the more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder
engine producing 329 hp and 450 Nm of torque. In
both cases, power is set to all four wheels through an eight-speed Steptronic
automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive AWD system. The long-wheelbase X5s come standard
with electronically controlled dampers, while the xDrive40Li has the option of
two-axle air suspension with automatic self-leveling function.
The Li variants
will be produced in the BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. Dadong plant in
Shenyang, China after a major expansion of the facilities. This will free up
space in the US plant for producing more units to cover the growing demand and
also start building the BMW XM towards the end of 2022. Both the X5 xDrive30Li
and the X5 xDrive40Li will be available in China starting from April 2022 as
part of the BMW Brilliance joint venture. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet
but, logically, it will be higher than the standard models with the same
powertrains.
