BMW will unveil the iX3 Long Wheelbase at the Beijing Auto Show in 2026, introducing the first long-wheelbase all-electric sports activity vehicle built on the company’s new Neue Klasse architecture. Developed primarily for China, the model will enter production in the second half of 2026 before expanding to other Asian markets including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and India.
The iX3 Long Wheelbase marks BMW’s first application of the Neue Klasse platform in an extended-wheelbase format, with the distance between the axles stretched by 108 millimetres compared with the standard model to improve rear-seat comfort. The vehicle adopts an 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast charging at up to 400 kilowatts. BMW said this allows more than 400 kilometres of driving range to be added in around 10 minutes under optimal conditions.
Using sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology and cylindrical battery cells, the iX3 Long Wheelbase achieves a combined range of more than 900 kilometres under China’s CLTC test cycle. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes about 21 minutes, while vehicle-to-load functionality allows the battery to supply power to external devices.
BMW said the model has been tuned specifically for Chinese driving conditions, with a locally developed chassis and suspension setup aimed at balancing ride comfort and stability in both urban and highway environments. Vehicle dynamics are coordinated by the Heart of Joy control unit and BMW’s Dynamic Performance Control software, which manage the powertrain, braking, steering and energy recuperation in real time. The company said a new “Soft Stop” braking function delivers its smoothest braking performance to date.
Inside, the iX3 Long Wheelbase debuts BMW Panoramic iDrive, based on Operating System X. The interface combines a panoramic head-up display spanning the lower edge of the windscreen, a 3D head-up display, a driver-focused central screen and a multifunction steering wheel with illuminated controls and haptic feedback. BMW said around 70 per cent of the Chinese-market software for Operating System X was developed locally, including navigation integration with Amap for detailed junction and ramp guidance.
Voice interaction is handled by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which incorporates large language models from Alibaba and DeepSeek, while connectivity features include Huawei’s Digital Key, HiCar integration and a locally adapted My BMW App built on HarmonyOS NEXT.
Advanced driver assistance is another area of localisation. BMW is developing a China-specific ADAS software stack in partnership with Momenta, targeting complex urban traffic, highways and long-distance travel scenarios common in the Chinese market.
Production of the iX3 Long Wheelbase will be handled by BMW Brilliance Automotive, with the vehicle launching first in China before being rolled out to selected Asian markets. “Neue Klasse technologies developed in China are becoming an integral part of BMW’s global technology roadmap and brand DNA,” said Birgit Boehm, president and chief executive of BMW Brilliance Automotive.