Munich. The new BMW X5 for the Chinese market is setting out to build on its success story to date with the help of fresh design flourishes and an extensive technological update. Having already enjoyed considerable popularity in China since their initial launch, the two variants of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) for the executive segment now have even greater appeal, thanks mainly to their increased sense of visual presence, the upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and their efficient, electrified engines. The new BMW X5 for China therefore has the ideal tools to further consolidate its position as the market leader in its segment. The new BMW X5 xDrive30Li (fuel consumption combined: 8.7 l/100 km [32.5 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 208 g/km in the WLTP cycle) and new BMW X5 xDrive40Li (fuel consumption combined: 8.9 l/100 km [31.7 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions combined: 213 g/km in the WLTP cycle) are making their public debut at the Chengdu Motor Show on 25 August 2023.

The overall concept of the BMW X5 xDrive30Li and BMW X5 xDrive40Li models caters specifically to the requirements of target groups in China. The extra 130 millimetres of wheelbase compared with the version of the BMW X5 available in other markets around the world means that passengers in the rear enjoy extremely generous legroom. The rear doors have likewise been widened, making it easier to get in and out. There are also specially designed seats and exclusive equipment features that serve to enhance long-distance comfort. The new editions of the BMW X5 models for China will be built at the Dadong plant of the BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. joint venture in Shenyang, and their launch is due to get underway in September 2023.

Visually powerful exterior design for greater presence.

The fresh interpretation of the headlights and kidney grille – both signature BMW design elements – gives the front end greater presence while emphasising the aura of supreme assurance around the new BMW X5 xDrive30Li and BMW X5 xDrive40Li. The outline of the new headlight units is 35 millimetres narrower than before. Their daytime driving light elements pointing outwards in the shape of an arrow also perform the role of turn signal indicators. Matrix LED headlights with adaptive control and BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam come as standard on the new BMW X5 xDrive40Li and are available as an option for the new BMW X5 xDrive30Li. The rear light units have also been restyled and now feature sculptural fibre-optic light guide elements for the rear and brake lights with a particularly eye-catching arrangement that creates a uniformly illuminated X motif.

The BMW kidney grille Iconic Glow is fitted as standard on both model variants of the new BMW X5 for China. Its cascade lighting adds an unmistakable visual touch, especially in the dark, and is now combined with a chrome surface finish. The air curtains for the front apron and the air breathers on the front side panels have also been redesigned as part of the exterior styling modifications. The choice of body colours now includes a Frozen paint finish for the first time. The BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic option with its matt shimmer allows the clearly designed surfaces of the SAV to stand out to notably striking effect.

The new edition of the BMW X5 for China is available in two equipment lines. Both model variants come equipped as standard with an M Sport package, whose numerous design elements in Black high-gloss bring the SAV’s sense of sporting refinement to the fore. The optional M Sport package Luxury further embellishes the vehicle’s imposing looks by adding exclusive inlays in Pearl-effect Chrome for the front and rear aprons, the side skirts, the air breathers, the side window borders and the roof rails.

Progressive premium interior ambience including digital cockpit.

Inside, the surfaces of the instrument panel, door panels and model-specific comfort seats are trimmed in very fine-grained Sensafin, underlining the premium character of the new BMW X5 for China. The Travel & Comfort System that comes as standard includes USB-C ports on the front seat backs.

The new BMW X5 xDrive30Li and BMW X5 xDrive40Li both feature the latest-generation BMW iDrive display and control/operation system with QuickSelect. It is based on BMW Operating System 8.5 and offers brand new graphics including a home screen with an exceptionally clear layout. The improved menu structure that takes its cue from consumer electronics devices helps to deliver a focused, commanding driving experience by always showing the right information in the right place. The QuickSelect rapid-access tech makes selecting and operating vehicle functions and digital services remarkably simple and intuitive. This, together with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, means that the upgraded BMW iDrive has been carefully geared to operation using touch and voice control. The BMW Curved Display also provides the perfect stage for the new BMW iDrive in the Chinese version of the new BMW X5. It is composed of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display that merge into a single high-resolution, fully digital unit. Adding to the appeal of the BMW Curved Display are its frameless design and glass surface angled slightly towards the driver.

Electroplated detailing on the steering wheel and the insides of the doors, a smartphone tray with inductive charging that has been designed exclusively for the Chinese market, metal grilles for the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System’s speakers, Crafted Clarity glass applications for selected controls, the new-look selector lever and the ambient light bar with its effective backlighting put the finishing touches to the progressive premium ambience inside the cabin. The panoramic glass sunroof fitted as standard, meanwhile, can be ordered in the Sky Lounge version as an option.

Choice of profiles for targeted customisation, innovative automated driving and parking systems.

Besides the two design and equipment lines M Sport package and M Sport package Luxury, there is also a choice of two profiles for the new BMW X5 xDrive30Li and BMW X5 xDrive40Li that add further top-quality comfort features and chassis and assistance systems to the already extensive standard specification. The profiles have been compiled specifically for each model variant, with highlights including adaptive two-axle air suspension, M Sport brakes,
21-inch light-alloy wheels, active seat ventilation and a Heat Comfort package.
A range of individual options are additionally available, such as an Anthracite-coloured M headliner, M seat belts, extended M High-gloss Shadowline trim,
22-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design and BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design that are also 22 inches in diameter.

There is a wider selection of automated driving and parking systems, too. BMW Driving Assistant Professional adds a number of features, including the Steering and Lane Control Assistant and Highway Assistant. An updated version of the Reversing Assistant is one of the functions forming part of the BMW Parking Assistant Professional package, along with the Manoeuvre Assistant that allows automated parking and manoeuvring to be controlled from outside the vehicle using a smartphone.

Engines with 48V mild hybrid technology, new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

The two petrol engines available for the new BMW X5 for the Chinese market are part of the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines and now come with 48V mild hybrid technology. Both channel their power through to the road via a new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard. Electrification of the power units results in extremely rapid response to the slightest movement of the accelerator, both when pulling away and when putting in a sudden burst of speed. And it has the additional effect of increasing engine efficiency, which is further helped by the refined BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line petrol unit in the new BMW X5 xDrive30Li delivers an output of 190 kW/258 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds. The straight-six petrol engine under the bonnet of the new BMW X5 xDrive40Li generates maximum output of 280 kW/380 hp from its 3.0-litre displacement with torque peaking at 520 Nm (383 lb-ft). This means the car can race to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 5.5 seconds. The BMW X5 xDrive40Li is also capable of driving on pure electric power at very low speeds.

+++ Local production of BMW X5 launches in China +++ Increasing flexibility and strong focus on digitalisation +++ Nedeljković: “Our Chinese production sites are highly significant for the BMW Group” +++

Shenyang. After comprehensive construction work, the new extension to Plant #Dadong is ready to open. Owned by the joint venture ##BMW Brilliance## Automotive Ltd (BBA), the plant will simultaneously launch production of the ##BMW X5## with extended wheelbase in its new extension, exclusively for the Chinese market. A global success story, the X5 has so far only been made at the BMW Group’s US plant, in #Spartanburg. The new plant extension offers additional production capacity globally. With the completion of the construction, the #Dadong plant will follow the principles of the BMW iFACTORY. LEAN. GREEN. DIGITAL.

“Plant Dadong proves the strength of our team”, says Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production: “Despite the challenges of the last three years, this complex construction project was completed fully on schedule. Our Chinese production sites are highly significant for the BMW Group. Last year almost one in every three BMW Group vehicles delivered around the world was manufactured in Shenyang.”

BMW Brilliance Plant Dadong is where the localisation of BMW vehicles in China first began. Today the plant is a pioneer of “Industry 4.0” car production and perfectly matches to BMW iFACTORY – the masterplan for the future of production. With the upgrade now complete, it offers fully flexible production of combustion-powered, plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles. This enhanced flexibility allows it to respond quickly to future market trends and the changing wishes of customers. Extending the plant, further focal points were digitalisation and sustainability, with innovative production technologies further reducing the plant’s environmental impact.

Franz Decker, President and CEO of BMW Brilliance: “In China, we are determined to lead from the forefront: green, lean, digital! Driven by technology and innovation we create more value for our customers. Building on 100 years of BMW manufacturing experience we build-up one of China’s most advanced and intelligent production sites here in Shenyang. Plant Dadong extension will once again set benchmarks on sustainability, productivity, digitalization and agility.”

Besides the newly introduced BMW X5, Plant Dadong already produces the BMW 5 Series and X3 for the Chinese market. It is also the only facility to make the fully electric BMW iX3 for the world market. Together with BBA’s second facility, Plant Tiexi, it produced a combined total of more than 700,000 vehicles last year, making Shenyang not only the highest-volume manufacturing location of the BMW Group but also the largest premium manufacturer in China. Plant Tiexi produces the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series as well as the BMW X1 and X2. In the summer, the new plant, Plant Lydia will open, as the home of the new BMW i3, a fully electric 3 Series made exclusively for the Chinese market.

With the local Powertrain plant, which manufactures combustion engines as well as high-voltage batteries, Shenyang will be home to four production facilities. Extensive R&D work is also carried out there. Since 2010, the joint venture BBA has invested around 83 billion RMB in plants, facilities, projects and R&D activities in Shenyang.

Dadong – Plant extension with superlatives

In its upgraded form, Plant Dadong now has a footprint of 910,000 m² – the equivalent of about 125 football pitches. It accommodates a press shop, a bodyshop, a paintshop and a single roof integrated logistics and assembly building with two independent production lines. The bodyshop is equipped with the KUKA’s largest Titan robot with a loading capacity of 1.3 tonnes for underbody grabbing.

Further investments have also been made in sustainability. Nearly 80 percent of finished vehicles in Shenyang are wholly or partially transported by rail, hence with nine railway lines plant Dadong has the biggest railway station in all BMW Group plant structures. The press shop offers clean separation of scrap aluminium and steel for circularity, thereby making a major contribution to the further reduction of CO₂ emissions. The paintshop in Plant Dadong has already achieved zero fresh water consumption, and energy consumption efficiency is set to be increased even further.

Plant Dadong’s solar array has also been upgraded. This year, its 179,000m² of panels are expected to produce more than 21 MWh of energy from renewable sources. BBA Shenyang production base now owns 290,000 m² covered area of solar panel system, ranking No.1 in Liaoning Province. In addition, the plant has introduced further charging points in car parks for employees to charge their cars.

Digitalisation sets standards

Dadong has also received a digitalisation upgrade. Benefit-driven digital projects are implemented in five core areas: Digital Platform, Planning, Production, Logistics, and Campus. Data science, artificial intelligence and virtual planning are opening up new dimensions in automotive production, making it faster, more precise and more transparent and taking efficiency, flexibility, sustainability and quality to an entirely new level.

Process control and various parameter data are monitored and analysed in real-time throughout the entire production process chain, allowing potential problems to be detected quickly and resolved.

Munich. The BMW Group is stepping up its long-term involvement in China at the same time as continuing to expand production capacity for the globally successful BMW X5. An additional variant of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) developed and produced exclusively for the Chinese market will soon be rolling off the production line of the BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. Dadong plant in Shenyang following a major expansion of the joint venture’s facility. This will mark the first time that executive-segment BMW X models have been manufactured in China. Set to be available in China from April 2022, the BMW X5 xDrive30Li (fuel consumption combined: 8.9 l/100 km [31.7 mpg imp] as per WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 213 g/km as per WLTP) and BMW X5 xDrive40Li (fuel consumption combined: 9.3 l/100 km [30.4 mpg imp] as per WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 222 g/km as per WLTP) boast an exceptionally spacious rear passenger compartment and exclusive equipment features.

The BMW X5 will continue to be produced for the USA and export worldwide at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US state of South Carolina, previously the sole manufacturing facility for the SAV. The capacity freed up as a result of the start of production in Shenyang will be immediately utilised to meet the high demand for the X models in the U.S. and across global markets. Plant Spartanburg is the largest facility in the BMW Group’s worldwide production network and the centre of competence for BMW X models. The plant produces the two best-selling BMW models in the US – the BMW X5 and X3 – among others and will also begin manufacture of the first high-performance hybrid electric model from BMW M GmbH, the BMW XM, towards the end of 2022.

With the introduction of the new models for China and production at theBMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. joint venture, the BMW Group is responding to the sustained growth in global demand for the BMW X5.

A team of engineers based at the BMW Group’s Munich HQ, as well as Spartanburg and Shenyang worked closely together on the development of the new BMW X5 xDrive30Li and BMW X5 xDrive40Li. Preparation for production was also a joint effort. The outcome is two variants of the SAV which combine the brand’s signature driving pleasure and the hallmark versatility of BMW X models with unrivalled space in the second row and commensurately high levels of passenger comfort.

In keeping with the motto “made in China, for China”, the BMW X5 model variants manufactured in Shenyang cater perfectly to the preferences of customers in the world’s largest car market. Their wheelbase has been extended by 130 millimetres compared to US-built BMW X5 models, all of this extra length is used to enhance seating comfort and legroom for second-row passengers. What is more, occupants in the rear are able to get in and out with exceptional ease thanks to the long rear doors. Standard specification for the new models has also been tailored precisely to the requirements of Chinese customers, comprising features such as specially designed comfort seats and four degrees of extra backrest tilt for the rear seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, ambient lighting as well as a bespoke M Aerodynamics package. Meanwhile, an electroplated finish for selected controls, speakers with perforated metal covers and a newly designed smartphone tray with inductive charging create a modern, premium ambience inside the cabin.

The specially tuned chassis technology, including electronically controlled dampers as standard and – optionally on the new BMW X5 xDrive40Li – two-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling, strikes the perfect balance between sportiness and comfort. There is a choice of two efficient petrol engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (four-cylinder engine with new BMW X5 xDrive30Li, six-cylinder in-line engine with new BMW X5 xDrive40Li) whose power is directed to the road via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.