BMW has teased the 2026 iX3 Long Wheelbase, a stretched version of its Neue Klasse electric SUV with 108mm extra wheelbase for enhanced rear-seat space tailored to Chinese buyers. This model promises over 900 km CLTC range and 400 kW charging, debuting at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. For EV enthusiasts eyeing premium SUVs, it highlights BMW’s localization strategy in Asia’s largest market.
Background: BMW’s Push into China’s EV Market
BMW has long customized vehicles for China, where rear-seat passengers often prioritize chauffeur-driven luxury. The standard iX3, built on the Neue Klasse platform with sixth-generation eDrive and 800V architecture, already sets benchmarks for efficiency. This Long Wheelbase (LWB) variant, codenamed NA6, extends that formula by 108mm in wheelbase to boost rear legroom, transforming the SUV into a mobile lounge without sacrificing sporty handling.
China represents BMW’s largest single market, driving innovations like 70% locally developed software. Partnerships with Alibaba, DeepSeek, Huawei, Momenta, and Amap enable features unmatched elsewhere. While the global iX3 launches mid-2026 with variants like the 50 xDrive (345 kW, 108 kWh battery, 805 km range), the LWB stays Asia-focused, joining stretched 3 Series models from BMW and rivals like Audi and Mercedes.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase Extension | 108 mm longer than the standard iX3 |
| Range (CLTC) | Exceeding 900 km |
| Charging Speed | Up to 400 kW; 400+ km in 10 min; 10-80% in 21 min |
| Architecture | 800V with sixth-gen eDrive, cylindrical cells |
| Infotainment | Panoramic iDrive, OS X (70% local software) |
| Markets | China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India (H2 2026) |
| Debut | Beijing Auto Show 2026 (April) |
| Drivetrain (Global iX3 ref) | Dual-motor (e.g., 345 kW/645 Nm in 50 xDrive) |
| Additional Features | V2L, Soft Stop, Heart of Joy control unit |
Note: Exact power, battery size, and pricing details not yet confirmed. Standard iX3 wheelbase is approximately 2,897 mm; LWB adds 108 mm.
Design and Space: Rear-Focused Luxury
The 108mm wheelbase stretch directly enhances rear-seat comfort, catering to China’s premium buyers who value space over driver-centric dynamics. BMW maintains SAV proportions for agility, with a China-tuned chassis and suspension delivering softer ride quality suited to local roads. The ‘Heart of Joy’ control unit integrates motor, brakes, and steering for precise real-time responses, while ‘Soft Stop’ eliminates end-of-braking jerks for smoother urban driving.
Exterior lines remain sharp, but the elongated body prioritizes rear spaciousness. Track widths (1,628 mm front, 1,633 mm rear on standard) suggest a similar stance, preserving handling. This setup balances lounge-like rear with front-row sportiness, though real-world tests are needed to verify claims.
Powertrain and Efficiency: 800V Excellence
Sharing the Neue Klasse’s 800V system, the iX3 LWB supports 400 kW DC charging, adding over 400 km range in 10 minutes—ideal for China’s dense fast-charger network. CLTC range tops 900 km, but this optimistic cycle overstates real-world figures compared to WLTP (global iX3 at 805 km). Cylindrical cells and BMW Energy Master boost efficiency; V2L adds practicality for powering devices.
Battery size matches the global model’s 108 kWh (unconfirmed for LWB), with no added capacity despite the stretch. Dual-motor all-wheel drive is implied, mirroring the 50 xDrive’s 345 kW/645 Nm. Acceleration and top speed details await confirmation, but BMW emphasizes seamless power delivery.
Technology and Localization: AI-Powered for China
The cabin ditches buttons for Panoramic iDrive: a head-up display spans the windshield base, paired with a central screen for controls. Operating System X integrates 70% Chinese software, with Amap navigation for complex junctions and Momenta ADAS for chaotic traffic. The Intelligent Personal Assistant uses Alibaba/DeepSeek LLMs for natural voice interaction.
Huawei ties enable phone-as-key, HiCar, and HarmonyOS NEXT for smart home links. ‘Shy-tech’ haptic steering wheel and multifunction controls enhance usability. This deep localization raises questions: will global models adopt these? Privacy and data concerns linger with heavy local tech reliance.
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Wheelbase | Range (Cycle) | Charging | Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW iX3 LWB | +108 mm (est. 3,005 mm) | 900+ km CLTC | 400 kW | China/Asia |
| Mercedes EQE SUV LWB | Stretched for China | ~800 km CLTC | ~200 kW | China-focused |
| Audi Q6 e-tron LWB | Extended variant | ~625 km WLTP | 270 kW | China/Asia |
| Standard BMW iX3 | 2,897 mm | 805 km (est. WLTP) | 400 kW | Global |
The iX3 LWB outranges stretched rivals on paper, with superior charging, but CLTC inflates numbers. Mercedes and Audi offer similar LWB luxury, yet BMW’s 800V edge and AI integrations stand out. Vs. standard iX3, the space gain comes at the cost of global availability.
Verdict
The BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase excels as a rear-seat palace with cutting-edge EV tech, ideal for affluent Chinese families or executives valuing chauffeured comfort and 400 kW charging. It’s less compelling for driver-focused buyers outside Asia, where the standard iX3 suffices. Unanswered: exact pricing, WLTP range, and M variant potential. BMW’s ‘In China, for China’ bet strengthens its EV leadership there, but global fans may envy the perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
unlike the global model’s WLTP-focused specs like 805 km for the 50 xDrive.
