Because China is fond of long wheelbases.
Automakers around the world have seen some changes and adjustments due to the Chinese market’s boom. One of the most prominent is the long-wheelbase model, which is usually reserved for China. Many platforms have been modified to increase the distance between the wheels, from compacts up to crossovers.
It is a cultural thing in Japan. It’s a sign you have the money to purchase a more expensive model. You also show people you can afford to pay a chauffeur and sit in the back. BMW is one of the world’s most prestigious automakers. BMW has offered stretched versions of its cars in China for quite some time. But, their most popular crossover models don’t receive this treatment.
The X1 is their only long-wheelbase crossover, but this will change very soon. According to a file posted by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China (or MIIT), BMW will soon offer a stretched version of its X5. There are also a few specifications.
The file shows that the extended X5 measures 199.2 ins (5,050 mm), from bumper to bumper. The wheelbase measures 122.2 inches (3.105 mm), while the width and height remain the same as in the standard version. The overall length of the X5 is 5.4 in (137 mm), and its wheelbase is extended by 5.1 in (approx. 130 mm).
Other details: The model photographed by MIIT is the M-Sport X5xDrive40Li. It’s the M-Sport model, with the larger wheel, tire and combination and the laser headlights. This car is equipped with the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo straight-6 engine. The badge reading ’40’ indicates this. It produces 329 horsepower (245 Kilowatts) as well as 322 pound-feet (322 Newton-meters). BMW offers the turbocharged four there as well, although it is not known if it will come with the long-wheelbase.
The long-wheelbase X5 won’t reach North America. It might remain in China. It will be interesting to see if BMW is open to the possibility of an X7L. BMW doesn’t have a direct competitor for the Mercedes-Maybach GTS. The standard X7 still has more inches than the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, even though it doesn’t have a long wheelbase model.