BMW iX5 LWB debuts with a range of over 620 miles and a huge Theater Screen [Images]

This is a car story, not a home energy one, so there's not much here for planning upgrades to your house. Still, a quick rundown: BMW has unveiled a long-wheelbase version of its electric iX5 SUV, built specifically for the Chinese market and set to launch there in 2027. The stretched version is 130 mm longer than the iX5 sold in the US and Europe, with a redesigned front end, a different interior color scheme, and special seating up front and in back.

The standout feature is a large 8K entertainment screen for rear passengers, plus a new dashboard display system and, for the first time, a screen for the front passenger. BMW says the car will get a driving range of more than 620 miles on China's CLTC test cycle, though that figure tends to run higher than US EPA estimates for the same battery and car. For comparison, the version of the iX5 sold in Europe uses a 141 kWh battery for a rated range of about 525 miles, and the version expected to reach the US is estimated around 435 miles with a slightly bigger 144 kWh battery.

None of this changes anything for home charging or rebates — it is simply a preview of a new SUV trim built for China. If you are shopping for an electric vehicle to pair with home solar or a charger, the regular iX5 headed to the US remains the more relevant version to watch for actual range and pricing.