The 2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase has made its debut just weeks after the fifth-generation X5 was unveiled, bringing a longer wheelbase, a more upscale cabin, and several market-specific enhancements for China. Known internally as the G78, the extended-wheelbase SUV goes beyond simply adding rear legroom, introducing new technology, revised styling, and both gasoline and electric powertrains.
Longer Wheelbase Creates More Rear Space
While the global fifth-generation BMW X5 carries the G65 codename, the China-exclusive long-wheelbase model is designated G78.
The most significant change is a 130-millimeter (5.1-inch) increase in wheelbase, bringing the total distance between the axles to 3,165 millimeters (124.6 inches). That figure exceeds the wheelbase of the current BMW X7, though BMW is expected to address that when the second-generation flagship SUV arrives in 2027.
Luxury Cabin Borrowed From the 7 Series
BMW has positioned the X5 Long Wheelbase further upmarket by equipping it with the 31.3-inch Theatre Screen previously introduced in the 7 Series.
The folding rear display joins more spacious rear seating and upgraded seat designs intended to deliver greater comfort than the standard X5. The addition follows a similar approach used on the long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series sold in China.
The front passenger area also receives upgrades. Seat adjustment controls are mounted on the lower side of the center console, reflecting BMW’s continued focus on premium interiors for its China-specific models.
Recent long-wheelbase models such as the new iX3 and stretched i3 sedan have also featured more upscale cabin treatments than their global counterparts.
Subtle Exterior Changes Differentiate the China Model
This is the second generation of the X5 to receive a long-wheelbase version for China. The previous-generation G05 also spawned an extended-wheelbase variant known as the G18, which likewise added 130 millimeters to the wheelbase.
For the new model, BMW has also introduced subtle exterior revisions to distinguish the G78 from the standard global X5.
Unlike the China-spec iX3, which underwent a redesign to replace its door handles in response to a new safety regulation, the X5 Long Wheelbase retains its winglet-style door handles.
Additional visual differences include boomerang-shaped graphics at the Hofmeister kink, while the rear design remains largely unchanged apart from a camera mounted above the roof spoiler. The camera is expected to support driver-assistance technology co-developed with the Chinese company Momenta.
Gasoline and Electric Versions Planned
BMW will offer the X5 Long Wheelbase in China with both internal combustion engines and as the fully electric iX5.
The electric iX5 is expected to deliver up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of driving range based on the CLTC testing cycle, exceeding the range of the standard-wheelbase iX5 under the same testing standard.
Both the gasoline-powered and fully electric versions are scheduled to go on sale at the beginning of next year.
Potential Expansion Beyond China
BMW describes the X5 Long Wheelbase as being “exclusively for China, from China.”
However, recent reports suggest the model could also be introduced in India. Such a move would align with BMW’s existing strategy of offering several long-wheelbase models in markets outside China.
