- 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 start within the second half of the 12 months.
BMW is getting ready to start European deliveries of its essential new electrical SUV, the iX3, this spring. But it surely’s altering the formulation 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 occurring sale in China within the second a part of the 12 months.
Till it’s absolutely unveiled, we are able to get a good suggestion of what it should appear to be due to a set of images displaying a camouflaged prototype. The facet profile images instantly present the additional house 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 so much just like the BMW iX from the facet.
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Supply: BMW
All the additional size is supposed to boost rear seat house, 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 stability between consolation and stability throughout a variety of driving situations.” This probably means it’s softer than the standard-wheelbase iX3 offered elsewhere, which is what Chinese language consumers choose.
BMW additionally describes the iX3 LWB as following an “in China, for China, and with China” philosophy. Nevertheless, will probably be offered in different markets, together with Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. There’s 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 by way of 2026, though BMW didn’t say what the annual manufacturing goal is for this mannequin. The principle manufacturing unit in Hungary, the place the common iX3 is being constructed, plans to ramp as much as 150,000 items per 12 months beginning in 2027, however the China plant might 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 probably received’t change for the lengthy model, which is anticipated to exceed 560 miles (900 km) on the CLTC check cycle. That’s extra optimistic than the iX3’s WLTP ranking of as much as 500 miles (805 km), which in flip is increased than its anticipated 400-mile (640 km) EPA vary in america.
One factor that can be completely different in China is the working system working within the iX3L. BMW says it’s 70% domestically developed and options giant language mannequin integration from Alibaba and DeepSeek for the automobile’s AI-powered voice assistant. The motive force help techniques are additionally completely different and are “tailor-made to native site visitors situations and utilization situations.”
