BMW has developed a long wheelbase (LWB) variant of its iX3 SUV on its Neue Klasse architecture, specifically for the Chinese car market.
The company says the vehicle embodies the guiding principle of “In China, for China, and with China”. Developed specifically for the Chinese market, the model will celebrate its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show 2026 and is scheduled to enter the market in the second half of the year.
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With a wheelbase extended by 108 millimetres, BMW maintains that the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase delivers significantly enhanced rear-seat comfort and overall spaciousness—key attributes for customers in the Chinese premium segment [a market quirk legacy that goes back to the days of chauffeur-driven VIPs in China – typically government representatives, Communist Party leaders and bosses of state enterprises – ed].
A China-specific chassis and suspension setup has been developed to ensure a refined balance between comfort and stability across a wide range of driving scenarios, from everyday urban use to dynamic long-distance travel. BMW says the long-wheelbase configuration has been integrated without compromising agility, steering precision, or overall vehicle control.
Central to the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour is BMW’s new ‘Heart of Joy’ control unit together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack. This system, BMW says, coordinates powertrain, braking, energy recuperation, and steering functions in real time, enabling smooth transitions, consistent responses, and a natural, confidence-inspiring driving experience. The claimed result is ‘supreme traction’ and BMW also says the ‘Soft Stop’ function creates the ‘smoothest stopping process ever achieved by a BMW’.
Integration with Huawei technologies—including Digital Key, HiCar, and the My BMW App based on HarmonyOS NEXT—supports ‘seamless connectivity between the vehicle, personal devices, and home ecosystems’.
In parallel, BMW is developing a China-specific Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) software stack in collaboration with Momenta. Tailored to local traffic conditions and usage scenarios, the system is designed to deliver highly capable driver-assistance functions optimized for complex urban environments, highways, and long-distance travel in China, further enhancing safety, comfort, and driving confidence.
Built on an 800-volt electrical architecture, the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase features sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, including cylindrical battery cells and the in-house-developed BMW Energy Master. This technology foundation enables a CLTC combined range exceeding 900 kilometers, positioning the vehicle among the most efficient premium electric models in its segment.
With a maximum charging capacity of up to 400 kW, the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase can add more than 400 kilometres of range in approximately ten minutes, while charging from 10 to 80 percent takes around 21 minutes. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality further expands everyday usability by allowing external electrical devices to be powered directly from the vehicle.
Mainly, but not just China
The BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase is currently undergoing comprehensive development and validation programs in China and internationally. Following its world premiere, the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase is planned for availability in China and selected international markets, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India.
