2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase China: Inside the G78, BMW's Most Spacious SUV Ever
BMW is not playing it safe in China. While the global fifth-generation X5 is preparing for its world premiere, the German automaker has already confirmed something even more ambitious: a long-wheelbase version built exclusively for the world's largest automotive market. Codenamed G78, this stretched SUV will deliver a wheelbase longer than the flagship BMW X7, chauffeur-focused luxury, and technology partnerships that signal just how seriously Munich takes its Chinese customers.
The 2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase G78 features a wheelbase that surpasses even the three-row BMW X7. Image: BMW
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Officially confirmed: BMW CFO Walter Mertl announced the G78 X5 LWB for China during a quarterly earnings call, with a 2027 launch timeline.
- Massive wheelbase: At 3,165 mm, the G78 wheelbase exceeds the BMW X7, making it the longest-wheelbase SUV BMW has ever built.
- China-specific tech: Advanced driver-assistance systems co-developed with Momenta, a Chinese autonomous driving specialist.
- Theatre Screen inside: A 31.3-inch 8K ceiling-mounted display, previously reserved for the 7 Series, comes to the X5 exclusively in China.
- Multiple powertrains: Both combustion-powered X5 and fully electric iX5 variants will be offered.
- Production: Expected to roll off the line at BMW's Dadong plant in Shenyang, alongside the electric iX5.
Why BMW Built a China-Only X5
China is not just another market for BMW. It is the brand's largest single market globally, and the company has spent over two decades tailoring products specifically for Chinese buyers. Since 2003, BMW has produced more than seven million vehicles locally through its joint venture with Brilliance, and the Shenyang manufacturing complex has become one of the most important production hubs in the entire BMW Group.
The reason for a long-wheelbase X5 is simple: rear-seat comfort is king in China. In a culture where chauffeur-driven luxury remains enormously important, the back seat is where owners spend their time. BMW recognized this early. The company already sells long-wheelbase versions of the 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series in China, and the outgoing X5 (G05) has been available since 2022 as the stretched G18 variant. The strategy works, and the G78 simply takes it to the next level.
This approach also reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, where global automakers are increasingly designing region-specific vehicles rather than forcing one-size-fits-all products onto diverse markets. For BMW, China is no longer a place to sell European cars. It is a place to build cars specifically for Chinese expectations.
What Makes the G78 Different From the Global X5
Extended Wheelbase and Dimensions
The numbers tell the story. The 2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase features a wheelbase of 3,165 mm, or 124.6 inches. That is a 130 mm increase over the standard global X5, and here is the remarkable part: it makes the G78 the longest-wheelbase SUV BMW has ever produced. Yes, it surpasses the three-row BMW X7, a vehicle designed from the ground up to accommodate seven passengers.
Most of that extra length is dedicated to the second row. The rear doors are visibly larger, the side glass is extended, and the cabin offers significantly more legroom for passengers in the back. Ingress and egress are improved, and the overall proportions give the G78 a more commanding presence on the road.
A camouflaged prototype of the BMW X5 G78 undergoing winter testing. Image: BMWBLOG
Exterior Design Changes
BMW has not simply stretched the global X5 and called it a day. The G78 receives several China-specific design elements that distinguish it from its international sibling. The front end features slightly different light bars flanking the vertical illuminated kidney grille, a design cue that aligns with the Neue Klasse design language BMW is rolling out across its lineup.
Along the profile, BMW added design accents resembling a hockey stick near the rear pillar to emphasize the Hofmeister kink and visually differentiate the stretched model. The larger rear doors and extended side glass are immediately noticeable, giving the G78 a more limousine-like silhouette than any X5 before it. At the rear, a new camera mounted on the roof spoiler supports the China-specific driver-assistance systems.
Spy shots of the global G65 X5 have shown prototypes with Neue Klasse-inspired lighting elements, small winglets integrated into the beltline instead of traditional door handles, and a generally cleaner, more futuristic appearance. The G78 is expected to carry these design themes forward while adapting them for its longer proportions.
Interior Luxury: The Theatre Screen and Rear-Seat Comfort
If the exterior is impressive, the interior is where BMW truly flexes its engineering muscle for the Chinese market. As with every long-wheelbase BMW sold in China, the real party trick is inside the cabin.
The headline feature is the Theatre Screen. This is a 31.3-inch, 8K-resolution display mounted on the ceiling, a feature first introduced on the 7 Series before trickling down to the long-wheelbase 5 Series in select markets. For the X5 G78, it is exclusive to the Chinese version. The screen is built for both work and entertainment, handling video calls, streaming content, and gaming. In a market where rear-seat passengers expect first-class treatment, this is a serious differentiator.
The extended rear doors and stretched proportions of the G78 are clearly visible from the rear three-quarter angle. Image: BMW
BMW has upgraded all passenger seats in the stretched X5, and the vehicle comes standard with adaptive two-axle air suspension, ensuring the ride quality matches the luxury expectations of the target audience. The rear seats offer more legroom, better recline angles, and improved overall comfort compared to the standard-wheelbase model.
Up front, the cabin follows the same technology-forward approach seen in recent BMW models. A 17.9-inch central touchscreen serves as the primary infotainment hub, running BMW's latest software. To the right, a 14.6-inch passenger display provides entertainment access but blacks out for the driver when the vehicle is in motion to prevent distraction. Stretching across the base of the windshield, Panoramic Vision projects information directly into the driver's line of sight, featuring three fixed tiles and up to six customizable widgets.
This level of interior technology places the G78 firmly in the conversation about the most advanced luxury SUV cabins on the market today.
Powertrain Options: From Combustion to Electric
The Combustion-Powered X5
BMW has confirmed that the global fifth-generation X5 (G65) will be available with five different drivetrain configurations, and the Chinese long-wheelbase version is expected to mirror much of this flexibility. The combustion-powered G78 will likely offer petrol and diesel engines, potentially with mild-hybrid assistance to improve efficiency and meet evolving emissions standards.
The global G65 is expected to use BMW's proven inline-six engines, with plug-in hybrid variants also in the pipeline. A high-performance X5 M variant with a hybridized twin-turbo V8 is rumored for the global market, though it remains unclear whether this will be offered in the Chinese LWB configuration. What is clear is that BMW is committed to giving Chinese buyers choice across the powertrain spectrum.
The Fully Electric iX5
Perhaps the most exciting variant is the fully electric BMW iX5. This will be the first all-electric X5, and it represents a significant step forward for BMW's electric vehicle strategy. The iX5 is expected to feature BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology, with dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations likely forming the core of the lineup.
The fully electric BMW iX5 will share production lines with the combustion G78 at the Shenyang plant. Image: Car and Driver
Range figures vary by testing cycle. Under the European WLTP standard, the iX5 is expected to deliver approximately 525 miles on a single charge. EPA estimates for the US market suggest around 435 miles. In China, BMW cites a maximum range of 621 miles, though this figure comes from the CLTC test cycle, which is known for producing more optimistic results than European or American testing procedures.
Reports suggest the iX5 could feature a battery pack as large as 148 kWh, which would make it the biggest battery ever fitted to a BMW electric vehicle. However, this specification has not been officially confirmed by the company and should be treated as a reported figure until BMW releases official technical data.
Momenta ADAS: A China-Specific Technology Partnership
One of the most significant developments surrounding the G78 is BMW's partnership with Momenta, a Chinese technology company specializing in autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems. During the quarterly earnings call Q&A session, BMW CFO Walter Mertl confirmed that the China-specific X5 will feature ADAS technology co-developed with Momenta.
This is not a new relationship. BMW has already worked with Momenta on the ADAS systems for the Neue Klasse i3 and iX3, both of which debuted as China-specific models at the Beijing Auto Show. The collaboration makes strategic sense. Chinese consumers have some of the highest expectations for driver-assistance technology in the world, and local partnerships allow BMW to develop systems that are finely tuned to Chinese road conditions, traffic patterns, and regulatory requirements.
A new camera mounted on the roof spoiler of the G78 likely supports these China-specific autonomous driving and driver-assistance functions. While BMW offers Highway Assistant and other advanced features in global markets, the Momenta partnership suggests the Chinese X5 could receive capabilities tailored specifically for local infrastructure and driving behavior.
This approach also highlights a broader industry trend: global automakers are increasingly partnering with local technology firms rather than attempting to transplant Western-developed systems into fundamentally different markets. For BMW, the Momenta collaboration is as much about competitive positioning as it is about technical capability.
Production at BMW's Dadong Plant
The G78 is expected to be produced at BMW's Dadong plant in Shenyang, one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the BMW Group's global network. This plant is also expected to build the first-ever fully electric iX5, suggesting the combustion and electric variants could share production lines, a strategy that maximizes manufacturing flexibility and efficiency.
BMW has localized the majority of its Chinese production over the past two decades. Most models sold in China are now built locally, with only a handful of exceptions. The 7 Series and the entire iX lineup are produced exclusively at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, while the XM is built solely at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA. Everything else, from the 3 Series to the X5, is manufactured in China for the Chinese market.
This localization strategy has paid dividends. Local production eliminates import duties, reduces logistics costs, and allows BMW to price its vehicles more competitively against both established rivals and the growing number of aggressive domestic Chinese brands. In a market where BYD, NIO, and other local manufacturers are gaining ground rapidly, every cost advantage matters.
Will the X5 LWB Come to India or Other Markets?
BMW has explicitly ruled out selling long-wheelbase models in North America, citing expected low demand in a market where buyers typically prefer to drive themselves rather than be chauffeured. However, the availability of LWB models has expanded beyond China in recent years, and the G78 may not remain a China-exclusive forever.
According to a report from Autocar, BMW is evaluating the X5 G78 for launch in India, where it would join the already successful long-wheelbase 3 Series, 5 Series, and iX1. SUVs account for well over half of BMW India's total sales, making them the brand's biggest growth driver. In a market where chauffeur-driven luxury is increasingly common, a long-wheelbase X5 could differentiate BMW from rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q7 by offering superior rear-seat accommodation.
BMW has also confirmed that the roomier iX3 NA6 long-wheelbase variant is headed to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The company has stated it remains open to selling long-wheelbase vehicles in additional markets, but only if it sees sufficient customer demand. For now, China remains the primary focus, with India as a possible secondary market.
For buyers in Europe and North America, the message is clear: if you want a bigger BMW SUV, the next-generation X7 (G67) and its fully electric iX7 counterpart remain the only options. The G78 is engineered for a specific cultural and market context, and BMW shows no signs of diluting that focus.
How the G78 Fits Into BMW's 2027 Product Offensive
The X5 Long Wheelbase is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. BMW has announced a product offensive that will bring more than 40 new model launches by the end of 2027. This includes the global G65 X5, the G78 LWB for China, the electric iX5, the next-generation X7 (G67), the electric iX7, the i3 Touring electric wagon, and the yet-to-be-announced iX4.
The global BMW X5 G65 prototype undergoing road testing ahead of its summer debut. Image: BMWBLOG
The sheer pace of this rollout is staggering. At the Beijing Auto Show alone, BMW debuted the long-wheelbase i3 and iX3 Neue Klasse EVs alongside a globally available 7 Series facelift. The company is effectively running two parallel product strategies: one for the world, and one heavily customized for China.
This dual-track approach is not without risk. Developing China-specific models requires significant investment in engineering, manufacturing, and localization. But for BMW, the alternative, losing ground to domestic Chinese brands in the world's largest automotive market, is not acceptable. The G78 is the latest and perhaps most important expression of this strategy. It is a vehicle designed from the ground up to win in China, and everything about it, from the 3,165 mm wheelbase to the Momenta ADAS partnership, reflects that singular focus.
For enthusiasts following the latest automotive developments from around the world, the G78 represents a fascinating case study in how global luxury brands adapt to local market demands.
Video: See the Next-Generation BMW X5 in Action
Get a closer look at the upcoming fifth-generation BMW X5 family, including spy footage of prototypes undergoing final testing at the Nurburgring and design analysis of what to expect from the G65 and G78.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase G78?
The 2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase, codenamed G78, is a China-specific version of the fifth-generation BMW X5 with an extended wheelbase, enhanced rear-seat comfort, and market-specific technology including ADAS co-developed with Momenta. It will be available with both combustion and fully electric powertrains when it goes on sale in 2027.
When will the BMW X5 LWB launch in China?
BMW CFO Walter Mertl confirmed during a quarterly earnings call that the long-wheelbase X5 G78 will launch in China in 2027. Both the combustion-powered X5 and the fully electric iX5 are expected to go on sale at the beginning of 2027.
How much longer is the Chinese X5 compared to the global version?
The 2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase for China features a wheelbase of 3,165 mm (124.6 inches), which is 130 mm longer than the standard global X5. This makes it the longest-wheelbase BMW SUV ever produced, even surpassing the three-row BMW X7.
What is Momenta and why is BMW partnering with them?
Momenta is a Chinese technology company specializing in autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems. BMW is partnering with Momenta to co-develop ADAS technology specifically for the Chinese market, building on their existing collaboration for the Neue Klasse i3 and iX3 models. This partnership allows BMW to tailor driver-assistance features to Chinese road conditions and regulatory requirements.
Will the BMW X5 Long Wheelbase be sold outside China?
BMW has officially ruled out selling long-wheelbase models in North America. However, reports from Autocar suggest the X5 G78 may also launch in India, where BMW already sells long-wheelbase versions of the 3 Series, 5 Series, and iX1. The company remains open to expanding LWB availability to additional markets if customer demand is sufficient. For now, China is the confirmed market.
What powertrain options will the 2027 BMW X5 LWB offer?
The 2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase will be available with multiple powertrain options including combustion engines and a fully electric iX5 variant. The global G65 platform supports petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and electric configurations. The iX5 is expected to feature BMW's sixth-generation eDrive technology. Official specifications for the Chinese market have not yet been released.
What makes the interior of the Chinese X5 LWB special?
The Chinese X5 LWB features a chauffeur-focused interior with significantly more rear legroom, larger rear doors, and the exclusive Theatre Screen. This is a 31.3-inch 8K resolution display mounted on the ceiling, first introduced on the 7 Series. The cabin also includes a 17.9-inch central touchscreen, a 14.6-inch passenger display, and the Panoramic Vision windshield projection system.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 BMW X5 Long Wheelbase G78 is more than just a stretched SUV. It is a statement about where BMW sees its future, and that future is deeply rooted in China. From the 3,165 mm wheelbase that eclipses the X7 to the Momenta co-developed ADAS systems, every element of the G78 has been engineered with Chinese buyers in mind.
For the global audience, the G78 offers a fascinating glimpse into how luxury automakers are adapting to a multipolar automotive world. The days of selling identical cars across every continent are fading. In their place, we are seeing vehicles like the G78: products so specifically tailored to one market that they would feel out of place anywhere else.
Whether you are a potential buyer in China, an enthusiast watching from abroad, or an industry analyst tracking BMW's competitive strategy, the G78 is a vehicle worth understanding. It represents the cutting edge of BMW's localization philosophy, and it sets the template for how the company plans to compete in the world's most demanding automotive market over the next decade.
As we await the global debut of the G65 this summer and the Chinese G78 in 2027, one thing is already clear: BMW is betting big on China, and the X5 Long Wheelbase is the vehicle that carries that bet.
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