BMW X5 Li Facelift Debuts As China-Exclusive LWB Variant

2023 BMW X5 Li Facelift debuts in China

It seems that long-wheelbase (LWB) cars hold a special place in the hearts of many Chinese folks, as BMW has launched yet another LWB model into the China market, following the launch of the new LWB variants of the new i5 and 5 Series earlier this month.

Based on the facelifted BMW X5 SUV, the BMW X5 Li facelift gains 130 MM in wheelbase compared to the standard ones, granting it a roomier cabin with more space to fit luxury amenities and equipment. This extension also grants the X5 Li with wider rear doors and windows with larger aperture, allowing easier ingress and egress for passengers.

Thanks to its longer wheelbase, the X5 Li facelift gets roomier and more luxurious cabin

Among the new luxury amenities primed on the new X5 Li’s cabin are the specially-designed rear seats wrapped in quilted leather upholstery with dedicated armrest, while its central infotainment system gets the latest BMW iDrive 8.5 software, featuring a new menu structure and home screen.

On the exterior, the X5 Li facelift doesn’t look that much different from the standard X5 facelift models, featuring redesigned front fascia with new front bumper. The only notable visual difference can be seen from the side part, where the X5 Li features a longer wheelbase and sleeker silhouette.

Locally-manufactured at BMW Brilliant’s Dadong plant in China, the new X5 Li will be offered in two trim levels. The baseline X5 xDrive30 Li will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol mill rated at 255 HP and 400 NM, which is good enough to propel this midsize SUV from nought to 100 KM/H in about 7.2 seconds.

Should you need more power, there’s also the peppier X5 xDrive40 Li, which features a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged mill that generates 375 HP and 520 NM, garnering the X5 with a century sprint time of 5.5 seconds. Aside from the powertrain difference, this variant also gets optional adaptive dual-axle air suspension for better comfort.

Unfortunately, the X5 Li facelift is a China-only model, meaning that it won't be available in other international markets

The new BMW X5 Li facelift is set to enter the Chinese market later in Sept this year, with prices starting from CNY 615,000 (RM392,739) for the baseline xDrive30 Li model, while the top-specced xDrive 40 Li commands a higher price tag of CNY 729,000 (RM465,539). With this LWB model exclusively available only for the Chinese market, it is very unlikely that we’ll see one of these rolling down our streets…