
The new domestic BMW X5 model was officially launched in China on March 31, 2022. The domestic BMW X5 comes in 4 variants, namely the xDrive-30Li M Sport Package/Premium M Sport Package and the xDrive-40Li M Sport Package/Premium M Sport Package. It also offers a choice of 5 rim designs in 20-inch, 21-inch, and 22-inch sizes. In terms of dimensions, the new domestic BMW X5 measures 5060/2004/1779 mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 3105 mm. Both the wheelbase and body length have been increased by 130 mm, the width remains unchanged, and the height has been slightly increased by 3 mm. In terms of power, the new car features a 2.0T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h. The 3.0T 6-cylinder turbocharged engine achieves a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 238 km/h.

I heard the new domestic BMW X5 is coming soon, and I've had my eye on this car for a long time. Last time I saw its concept at the auto show, the front grille with the large kidney design looked sharper, and the taillights were updated to L-shaped 3D light strips. The interior screen has been enlarged and comes with the latest iDrive system. Rumor has it that production might start at the domestic assembly line in May, with sales beginning in June. As for the price, it's estimated to start around 600,000 yuan, similar to the current model, but it now includes a 48V mild hybrid system and laser headlights, which should lower fuel consumption. Those interested in buying should keep an eye on the official website—they like surprise announcements, and you might hit the jackpot if you catch the pre-order channel. If you can't wait, the current model has significant discounts, but the new version offers much smoother infotainment performance.

As a long-time BMW enthusiast, I've studied the model's generational patterns. The current domestically produced X5 was launched in 2022, and following BMW's three-year mid-cycle refresh cadence, there will definitely be updates this year. Although it wasn't officially unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in April, the display booth left some suspense. I checked international forums and found that the European version of the X5 facelift was released last year, so the domestic version should follow suit in the third quarter, likely between July and August. The key focus is on powertrain upgrades—the 2.0T B48 engine is rumored to be tuned to 258 horsepower, and the ZF 8-speed transmission has also been recalibrated. If you visit a dealership now, salespeople might hint at availability before September but will remain vague about specific dates, as manufacturers want to avoid disrupting current inventory clearance.

Recently, I helped a friend look at cars and specifically compared the current and new X5 models. The biggest change in the new model is the rear seating space. Everyone knows the domestic version has a wheelbase extended by 13 cm, but after the facelift, the seats are also 2 cm thicker, and the backrest angle can be adjusted electrically. The safety features are also commendable, with automatic braking and lane-keeping assist standard across the range, and AR navigation in the high-end version. A friend at the dealership quietly mentioned it's in the June production plan, but chip supply is a bit unstable. My advice is not to rush into ordering; wait for feedback from the first batch of owners. BMW's new cars often have minor issues, like the current model's low-speed jerking, and the new 48V system also needs observation.

While scrolling through Douyin, I saw a car reviewer test driving the imported version of the new X5. The domestic version should be quite similar. The powertrain remains unchanged but now includes an electric motor, making the start much smoother, and the auto start-stop function no longer causes vibrations. The most surprising part is the infotainment system—the iDrive 8.5 now supports 5G and OTA updates, and the voice control can even adjust the ambient lighting. I guess the launch will be in early Q3 to catch the golden September and silver October sales season. Price-wise, the 2.0T version is estimated to start at 598,000 RMB, which is over 100,000 RMB cheaper than the imported version. However, a heads-up: the domestic version comes standard with 20-inch wheels, and upgrading to 21-inch will cost an extra 20,000 RMB. If you're in a hurry to get the car, parallel imports are available now, but they don't come with the three guarantees.


