BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase Moves Toward Global Debut in 2026

BMW Group has announced the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase, developed for China and set to debut at the Beijing Auto Show 2026. Learn what defines this new electric SUV.

BMW Group continues its preparations for the world premiere of the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase, an all-electric SUV positioned as a key milestone in the brand’s 2026 product strategy. The model is set to make its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, with market entry planned for the second half of the year.

Developed specifically for China, the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase follows the company’s guiding principle of “In China, for China, and with China.” At the same time, BMW sees the technologies introduced with this model as a foundation for future electric vehicles across its global portfolio.

The iX3 Long Wheelbase is the first long-wheelbase, fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle based on BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture. Its wheelbase has been extended by 108 millimetres, significantly enhancing rear-seat comfort and overall interior space, while BMW emphasizes that the vehicle’s proportions and dynamic character have been preserved.

A China-specific chassis and suspension setup has been developed to balance ride comfort and stability under local driving conditions. Vehicle dynamics are managed by the new Heart of Joy control unit together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, which coordinates powertrain, braking, energy recuperation and steering in real time. This also enables features such as the Soft Stop function for particularly smooth deceleration.

On the digital side, the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase introduces BMW Panoramic iDrive, built on BMW Operating System X. The system follows a “Visual Cone” concept, combining panoramic projection, a 3D head-up display, a driver-oriented central screen and a multifunction steering wheel with illuminated controls and haptic feedback, designed to keep key information within the driver’s natural field of vision.

The software environment has been deeply localized for China. A large share of the operating system has been developed locally, navigation is adapted to complex urban road layouts, and the voice assistant uses large language models to enable more natural interaction. Integration with Huawei technologies further connects the vehicle with the user’s digital ecosystem, while a dedicated driver assistance software stack is being developed together with Momenta to address dense urban traffic and long-distance driving scenarios.

Technically, the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase is based on an 800-volt electrical architecture and sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, featuring cylindrical battery cells and the BMW Energy Master control unit. In its China specification, the model is rated for a combined range of over 900 kilometres (CLTC). With charging power of up to 400 kW, more than 400 kilometres of range can be added in around ten minutes, while charging from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 21 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load functionality further extends everyday usability.

Following its world premiere, the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase is planned for sale not only in China but also in selected international markets, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. The model underlines BMW’s approach of combining local development with technologies that are intended to shape the brand’s future electric lineup worldwide.