BMW launches extended electric iX3 model in China
BMW is beginning the rollout of its Neue Klasse platform in China with a version of the iX3 electric crossover specifically developed for this market. This model has received an extended wheelbase for more rear seat space, as well as technologies and safety systems adapted to local requirements.
The official premiere of the BMW iX3 LWB is scheduled for the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026, however the company has already published photos of the model. Externally, the car is similar to the standard version but has a number of differences.
External changes and features
The rear doors have become longer due to the increased wheelbase, and the door handles now have a semi-enclosed design. This change is not only aesthetic: it complies with Chinese regulations that limit the use of electronically controlled handles. A new camera sensor has also appeared on the roof spoiler, and there are inscriptions in Chinese on the rear door, emphasizing the focus on the local market.
According to Josef Borrell, CEO of BMW Brilliance, “The new generation BMW iX3 with a long wheelbase is an important milestone for us in combining innovation, driving pleasure and digital intelligence for the Chinese market.”
Technical specifications and dimensions
The main change is an additional 108 mm (4.25 inches) to the wheelbase, which now stands at 3005 mm. This is 30 mm more than the ICE-powered X3 LWB version and matches the wheelbase of the current X5 model. The car’s overall length, if the overhangs remain unchanged, will be about 4890 mm.
Localized software
The interior will likely be similar to the standard iX3, but the main news concerns the software. The new BMW X operating system is set to integrate Huawei HarmonyOS Next, artificial intelligence from Alibaba and DeepSeek, as well as Amap navigation with 3D maps. Furthermore, BMW is deploying a “China-exclusive driver assistance system for all scenarios,” developed jointly with Momenta, which promises to be “deeply adapted for Chinese users.”
Powertrain and production
The powertrain of the iX3 50L xDrive is identical to the standard iX3 version: two electric motors with a combined output of 463 hp, torque of 645 Nm, and a battery capacity of 108.7 kWh. The CLTC cycle range is over 900 km, with support for fast charging up to 400 kW. This iX3 version will be exclusive to China and will be produced locally at the BMW Brilliance plant in Shenyang.
This move by BMW clearly demonstrates a strategy of deep adaptation for one of the world’s most important automotive markets. Chinese buyers often prefer extended versions of luxury cars due to greater comfort for rear-seat passengers, which is particularly relevant for business clients and families. The integration of local technological solutions, such as HarmonyOS and Amap navigation, is no less important, as it simplifies interaction with the car for local drivers accustomed to these ecosystems. The success of the iX3 LWB could become a model for further localization of other models by the group, which aims to maintain its leading position in the face of fierce competition from Chinese EV manufacturers. The focus on a long wheelbase and local software solutions shows that global automakers must offer not just export versions, but products created with the specific needs of consumers in each region in mind.