BMW will bring the next-generation X5 to India exclusively in long wheelbase specification, targeting the second half of 2027.
The new X5 will adopt BMW's Neue Klasse design language, featuring a radical exterior and an overhauled interior.
Why India is Getting the LWB Version
Indian Buyers Have Shown a Clear Preference for Extra Space
BMW's decision to bring the next-generation X5 to India in long wheelbase guise is not a surprise if you have been following the brand's strategy here.
The Bavarian manufacturer currently retails three LWB models in the country, the 3 Series LWB, the 5 Series LWB, and the iX1 LWB, all of which were originally developed for the Chinese market. These cars have found a natural home in India as well, largely because a significant portion of luxury car buyers in the segment are chauffeur-driven and value rear-seat space above most other attributes.
With that formula clearly working, BMW has opted to extend the same approach to the next-generation X5. The SUV will be adapted for an LWB configuration for the Chinese market, and that same version will make its way to India. It is a sensible move, and one that aligns neatly with what the Indian luxury buyer has consistently asked for.
When to Expect the New X5 in India
A Second-Half 2027 Arrival Looks Most Realistic
Given that the next-generation X5 has not yet been officially revealed globally, buyers should not expect a swift turnaround. The additional engineering work required for LWB adaptation will add to the lead time, and BMW India is not expected to launch the new X5 before the latter half of 2027.
In the meantime, BMW India has a busy schedule ahead of it. The i5 LWB is slated to arrive this year, while the iX3 LWB will follow in 2027.
What the Next-Gen X5 Will Bring to the Table
Neue Klasse Design Marks a Radical Departure
Leaked images of the next-generation X5 prototype have already made the rounds, and they confirm a dramatic visual overhaul.
Up front, the SUV gets sharply styled blacked-out sections housing the headlamps, with vertically arranged illuminated kidney grilles positioned between them.
At the rear, a sporty sloping roofline and wide wraparound LED tail-lamps round off the new look. It is one of the first internal combustion-powered BMWs to adopt the Neue Klasse design language, which has already debuted on the iX3 and i3 electric vehicles.
Interior to Feature the Latest BMW Technology
Inside, the next-generation X5 is expected to feature an entirely new cabin layout. Anticipated highlights include a large rhomboid touchscreen, a pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display, and a quad-spoke steering wheel, all of which have been seen in the brand's more recent models.
Petrol, Diesel, PHEV, and EV Options on the Cards
On the powertrain front, the new X5 is expected to offer petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options in most markets, including India. A fully electric iX5 variant is also planned for global markets, and it is set to carry the largest battery pack BMW has ever fitted to one of its EVs.
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