BMW has opened pre-sales in China for the long-wheelbase Neue Klasse BMW iX3, introducing the first long-wheelbase all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) based on BMW’s dedicated Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform. Developed specifically for the Chinese market, the model combines increased rear-seat space with BMW’s latest electric powertrain, charging and digital technologies.
The new iX3 is available in three variants, with prices starting at 269,900 yuan ($39,800). Deliveries are scheduled to begin in November, with BMW stating that the pre-sales prices will remain the same as the official launch prices nationwide.
BMW iX3 Pricing and Variants
The China-specific long-wheelbase BMW iX3 is offered in three variants:
- BMW iX3 30L: 269,900 yuan
- BMW iX3 40L xDrive: 299,900 yuan
- BMW iX3 50L xDrive: 339,900 yuan
BMW says the models will use uniform pricing nationwide, while the announced pre-sales prices will also serve as their official launch prices.
Dimensions and Long-Wheelbase Design
The long-wheelbase iX3 measures 4,885 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width and 1,635 mm in height.
Its wheelbase stretches to 3,005 mm, which is 108 mm longer than the standard-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3. BMW has used much of the additional length to increase space and comfort for second-row passengers.
The China-market model also features semi-hidden door handles that support both electric and mechanical operation. This differs from the pop-out door-handle design used on the international version.
Electric Powertrain
The iX3 uses BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology and an 800-volt high-voltage electrical architecture.
The model is equipped with a large-format cylindrical-cell battery with approximately 108 kWh of capacity. BMW also uses Cell-to-Pack technology, eliminating traditional battery modules to improve packaging efficiency.
The vehicle’s energy consumption is as low as 15.1 kWh per 100 km.
At the top end of the range, BMW says the iX3 can deliver more than 900 km of CLTC driving range.
BMW iX3 50L xDrive Performance
The range-topping iX3 50L xDrive uses electric motors on both the front and rear axles, providing all-wheel drive.
The dual-motor system produces a combined maximum output of 351 kW (477 hp).
This configuration gives the flagship version a significant performance advantage while retaining the long-range characteristics of the Neue Klasse electric platform.
Fast Charging
The 800-volt architecture allows the long-wheelbase iX3 to support high-speed charging.
BMW says a 10-minute charging session can add approximately 400 km of CLTC range.
Charging from 10% to 80% takes approximately 21 minutes, providing a relatively short charging window for a battery of around 108 kWh.
Intelligent Driving Technology
The China-specific iX3 features an end-to-end advanced driver-assistance system jointly developed by BMW and Chinese driving-assistance technology provider Momenta.
The system is designed to support both urban roads and highways, reflecting BMW’s effort to adapt its intelligent driving technology to China’s rapidly developing smart vehicle market.
Using a local technology partner also allows BMW to tailor the vehicle’s driver-assistance capabilities more closely to local road conditions and consumer expectations.
Panoramic iDrive and Digital Cockpit
The long-wheelbase iX3 introduces BMW’s Panoramic iDrive system.
Its digital cockpit includes BMW Panoramic Vision, a 3D head-up display and a 17.9-inch central touchscreen.
Panoramic Vision projects a nearly 40-inch 4K display across the lower portion of the windshield, providing drivers with information without requiring them to look down toward the central screen.
The system represents a major change in BMW’s approach to in-car displays and forms part of the Neue Klasse’s new digital interface.
Localized Software and AI
BMW has also adapted the iX3’s software ecosystem for Chinese consumers.
The infotainment system supports Huawei HiCar and Apple CarPlay, while integrating Alibaba’s AI large language models and DeepSeek capabilities.
The combination of international smartphone platforms and locally developed AI services reflects BMW’s efforts to compete with Chinese EV manufacturers that increasingly differentiate their vehicles through software and connected services.
Production in China
The long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 was jointly developed for the Chinese market and will be produced by BMW Brilliance at its joint-venture manufacturing plant in Shenyang.
The China-specific wheelbase, localized intelligent-driving technology and integration of domestic AI services are part of BMW’s broader strategy to develop vehicles specifically around the requirements of the Chinese market.
BMW iX3 Long-Wheelbase Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | BMW iX3 Long-Wheelbase |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | All-electric SAV |
| Market | China |
| Variants | 3 |
| Drive | RWD / xDrive AWD, depending on variant |
| Length | 4,885 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,005 mm |
| Wheelbase increase vs. standard model | 108 mm |
| Battery | Approx. 108 kWh |
| Battery type | Large-format cylindrical cells |
| Battery technology | Cell-to-Pack |
| Architecture | 800V |
| eDrive generation | Sixth generation |
| Energy consumption | As low as 15.1 kWh/100 km |
| Maximum CLTC range | More than 900 km |
| 10-minute charging | About 400 km CLTC range added |
| 10%-80% charging | 21 minutes |
| iX3 30L price | 269,900 yuan |
| iX3 40L xDrive price | 299,900 yuan |
| iX3 50L xDrive price | 339,900 yuan |
| iX3 50L xDrive output | 351 kW (477 hp) |
| Intelligent driving | BMW + Momenta |
| Driving assistance | Urban and highway |
| Central display | 17.9-inch |
| Panoramic Vision | Nearly 40-inch 4K projection |
| 3D head-up display | Yes |
| Smartphone connectivity | Huawei HiCar / Apple CarPlay |
| AI services | Alibaba AI / DeepSeek |
| Production | BMW Brilliance, Shenyang |
| Deliveries | November |
Conclusion
The long-wheelbase BMW iX3 represents a significant localization of BMW’s Neue Klasse electric vehicle strategy for China. Its 3,005 mm wheelbase adds 108 mm compared with the standard-wheelbase model, with the additional space primarily benefiting rear passengers.
The electric SUV combines BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology with an approximately 108 kWh battery, an 800-volt architecture and Cell-to-Pack construction. With more than 900 km of claimed CLTC range and the ability to add approximately 400 km in 10 minutes, the iX3 is positioned to compete on both range and charging performance.
BMW has also placed considerable emphasis on software, integrating Momenta-developed intelligent driving, Alibaba AI and DeepSeek, alongside Huawei HiCar and Apple CarPlay. Produced by BMW Brilliance in Shenyang, the China-specific iX3 demonstrates BMW’s efforts to combine Neue Klasse technology with features and specifications tailored specifically to Chinese EV buyers.
