BMW Is Constructing A Lengthy-Wheelbase iX3 In China

• BMW reveals camouflaged model of the long-wheelbase iX3 destined for China and different Asian markets.
• It is 4.25 inches (10.8 centimeters) longer than the common iX3 and has extra space for rear passengers.
• Trial manufacturing started in China in December, and deliveries are anticipated to begin within the second half of the yr.

BMW is making ready to start European deliveries of its vital new electrical SUV, the iX3, this spring. Nevertheless it’s altering the method barely for the Chinese language market, the place a long-wheelbase variant is being readied for launch. The stretched iX3 can be unveiled on the 2026 Beijing Auto Present in April earlier than happening sale in China within the second a part of the yr.

Till it’s totally unveiled, we are able to get a good suggestion of what it can seem like because of a set of images exhibiting a camouflaged prototype. The facet profile images instantly present the additional area between the 2 axles, that are 4.25 inches (10.8 centimeters)additional aside than in the usual mannequin, and the brand new proportions make it look rather a lot like the BMW iX from the facet.

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Supply: BMW

All the additional size is supposed to boost rear seat area, which must be fairly spectacular provided that the iX3 is already fairly accommodating within the second row. BMW additionally cites {that a} “China-specific chassis and suspension setup has been developed to make sure a refined steadiness between consolation and stability throughout a variety of driving situations.” This doubtless means it’s softer than the standard-wheelbase iX3 offered elsewhere, which is what Chinese language patrons favor.

BMW additionally describes the iX3 LWB as following an “in China, for China, and with China” philosophy. Nonetheless, will probably be offered in different markets, together with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. There may be little likelihood of seeing it in Western markets, although, since these long-wheelbase variations of fashions we already get right here virtually by no means attain our shores.

Trial manufacturing of the iX3 LWB started in December on the BMW Brilliance plant in Shenyang, and it’ll ramp up via 2026, though BMW didn’t say what the annual manufacturing goal is for this mannequin. The primary manufacturing facility in Hungary, the place the common iX3 is being constructed, plans to ramp as much as 150,000 items per yr beginning in 2027, however the China plant may even exceed that if there may be demand.

Except for the stretched physique, the iX3L is equivalent to its standard-length counterpart. It rides on the identical 800-volt Neue Klasse platform, which options BMW’s sixth-generation electrical powertrain and battery know-how. BMW doesn’t quote its particular battery capability, nevertheless it doubtless gained’t change for the lengthy model, which is predicted to exceed 560 miles (900 km) on the CLTC take a look at cycle. That’s extra optimistic than the iX3’s WLTP ranking of as much as 500 miles (805 km), which in flip is greater than its anticipated 400-mile (640 km) EPA vary in the US.

One factor that can be totally different in China is the working system working within the iX3L. BMW says it’s 70% regionally developed and options giant language mannequin integration from Alibaba and DeepSeek for the automobile’s AI-powered voice assistant. The driving force help programs are additionally totally different and are “tailor-made to native visitors circumstances and utilization situations.”