The Neue Klasse BMW iX3 adopts BMW’s latest design language, with a vertically oriented kidney grille and distinctive lighting signatures. Credit: BMW China
- The long-wheelbase Neue Klasse BMW iX3 is offered in 3 variants, with deliveries set to begin in November.
- The China-only model has a 3,005 mm wheelbase and features a driver-assistance system jointly developed by BMW and Momenta.
BMW has opened pre-sales in China for the long-wheelbase Neue Klasse BMW iX3, bringing a localized model based on its Neue Klasse dedicated electric vehicle platform to market.
The German luxury automaker announced at the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show, which opened on Friday, that the model is offered in 3 variants, starting at 269,900 yuan ($39,800), with deliveries set to begin in November.
The BMW iX3 30L starts at 269,900 yuan, the iX3 40L xDrive at 299,900 yuan, and the iX3 50L xDrive at 339,900 yuan. BMW said the models will have uniform nationwide pricing and that the pre-sales prices will be the same as their official launch prices.
The long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 was developed specifically for the Chinese market and is BMW’s first long-wheelbase all-electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) based on the Neue Klasse EV platform.
The model measures 4,885 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width and 1,635 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,005 mm. Its wheelbase is 108 mm longer than that of the standard-wheelbase version, with the additional length primarily used to improve second-row passenger space.
The China version also features market-specific semi-hidden door handles that support both electric and mechanical operation, differing from the pop-out design used on the overseas version.
On the intelligent-driving front, the model features an end-to-end advanced driver-assistance system jointly developed by BMW and Chinese driving-assistance solution provider Momenta (HKEX: 6880), covering both urban roads and highways.
Its infotainment system supports Huawei HiCar and Apple CarPlay, while integrating Alibaba’s AI large language models and DeepSeek capabilities, reflecting BMW’s efforts to strengthen its localized software ecosystem for the Chinese market.
The model also introduces BMW Panoramic iDrive, including 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 section of the windshield.
The powertrain uses sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology and an 800-volt high-voltage architecture, along with a roughly 108 kWh large-format cylindrical-cell battery and Cell to Pack module-free technology.
BMW said the model has energy consumption as low as 15.1 kWh per 100 km and a CLTC range of more than 900 km at the top end.
A 10-minute fast charge can add about 400 km of CLTC range, while charging from 10% to 80% takes 21 minutes.
The top-spec iX3 50L xDrive uses dual front and rear motors with a combined maximum output of 351 kW (477 hp).
The long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 was jointly developed and will be produced by BMW Brilliance at the joint-venture plant in Shenyang.
The China-only long wheelbase, use of a local driving-assistance supplier and integration of domestic AI services underscore BMW’s efforts to better tailor its EVs to the needs of Chinese consumers.
BMW’s three China-built models on the combustion-electric platform — the i3, i5 and iX1 — are set to exit simultaneously.
($1 = 6.7817 yuan)
