BMW iX3 50L xDrive Opens Pre-Sales In China

BMW Opens Pre-Sales For Long-Wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 In China

BMW has opened pre-sales in China for the long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3, introducing a localized electric SAV based on its dedicated Neue Klasse EV platform. The German luxury automaker announced the model at the 2026 Chengdu Auto Show, which opened on Friday. The China-market vehicle is offered in three variants, with prices starting at 269,900 yuan ($39,800), while deliveries are scheduled to begin in November. BMW said the pre-sales prices will remain the same as the official launch prices, with uniform nationwide pricing across China.

Three Variants And Nationwide Pricing

The three variants comprise the iX3 30L at 269,900 yuan, the iX3 40L xDrive at 299,900 yuan and the iX3 50L xDrive at 339,900 yuan. The long-wheelbase model was developed specifically for the Chinese market and represents BMW's first long-wheelbase all-electric SAV based on the Neue Klasse EV platform. Its China-specific positioning is intended to address local consumer requirements while retaining the underlying technology architecture of the Neue Klasse family. BMW has also emphasized consistent pricing across the country, meaning customers will see the same pre-sales and official launch prices when the vehicle enters deliveries.

Longer Wheelbase Creates More Rear Passenger Space

The China-specific Neue Klasse iX3 measures 4,885 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width and 1,635 mm in height, with a 3,005 mm wheelbase. Its wheelbase is 108 mm longer than the standard-wheelbase version, with the additional length primarily dedicated to improving second-row passenger space. The model also receives market-specific semi-hidden door handles that support both electric and mechanical operation. This differs from the pop-out door-handle design used on the overseas version, highlighting how BMW has adapted the vehicle beyond simply extending its dimensions for the Chinese market.

Localized Intelligent Driving And Software Ecosystem

On the intelligent-driving side, the vehicle features an end-to-end advanced driver-assistance system jointly developed by BMW and Chinese driving-assistance solution provider Momenta (HKEX: 6880). The system covers both urban roads and highways, giving the China-market iX3 a locally developed driver-assistance capability. BMW is also integrating services designed specifically for Chinese users. The infotainment system supports Huawei HiCar and Apple CarPlay, while Alibaba's AI large language models and DeepSeek capabilities are integrated into the vehicle's software environment. These additions underline BMW's effort to build a more localized digital ecosystem around its electric vehicles in China.

BMW Panoramic iDrive Adds Expanded Displays

The model introduces BMW Panoramic iDrive, incorporating 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, creating a broader visual interface for vehicle information and functions. The technology forms part of BMW's wider Neue Klasse cockpit strategy, which places greater emphasis on digital interaction and driver-focused information presentation. Combined with the localized connectivity and artificial-intelligence services, the system gives the China-specific iX3 a technology package designed to compete in a market where software, connected services and intelligent-driving functions are increasingly important.

800-Volt Architecture And Long-Range Electric Powertrain

The long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 uses sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology together with an 800-volt high-voltage architecture. Its battery is a roughly 108 kWh large-format cylindrical-cell pack using Cell to Pack, or module-free, technology. BMW said energy consumption can be as low as 15.1 kWh per 100 km, while the top-end version achieves more than 900 km of CLTC range. These specifications position the model around long-distance usability as well as charging performance, with the high-voltage system supporting faster replenishment compared with conventional electric-vehicle architectures.

Fast Charging And 477-Horsepower Top Variant

BMW states that a 10-minute fast-charge session can add approximately 400 km of CLTC range, while charging from 10% to 80% takes 21 minutes. The range and charging figures are based on the CLTC testing cycle specified for the Chinese market. At the top of the lineup, the iX3 50L xDrive uses dual motors positioned at the front and rear, producing a combined maximum output of 351 kW, equivalent to 477 hp. The combination of dual-motor performance, an 800-volt electrical architecture, large battery capacity and high charging capability gives the flagship version a broad technical specification for China's competitive premium EV segment.

BMW Brilliance To Produce China-Specific Model

The long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 was jointly developed and will be produced by BMW Brilliance at the joint-venture plant in Shenyang. The production arrangement reinforces the vehicle's role as a China-specific Neue Klasse product rather than a simple adaptation of the overseas model. The longer wheelbase, market-specific door handles, locally developed driving-assistance technology and integration of domestic AI services collectively demonstrate the degree of localization behind the vehicle. BMW is therefore using the new electric SAV to combine its Neue Klasse vehicle architecture with technologies and specifications tailored to the expectations of Chinese consumers.

China Localization Becomes Central To BMW's EV Strategy

The China-only long-wheelbase configuration, cooperation with a local driving-assistance supplier and integration of domestic AI services point to a broader localization strategy for BMW's electric-vehicle business. Rather than relying solely on global vehicle specifications, the automaker has adapted physical dimensions, software functions, intelligent-driving technology and digital services for the Chinese market. With pre-sales beginning at 269,900 yuan and deliveries scheduled for November, the Neue Klasse iX3 will provide BMW with a significant new electric offering in China. Its combination of localized technology, premium digital features, extended rear-seat space and high-voltage charging capability reflects the changing requirements of China's premium EV market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 in China?
BMW has opened pre-sales for three long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 variants in China, with nationwide pricing beginning at 269,900 yuan for the entry version. The iX3 40L xDrive is priced at 299,900 yuan, while the iX3 50L xDrive costs 339,900 yuan. BMW has confirmed that the pre-sales prices will remain unchanged when the models officially launch. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in November, giving Chinese customers access to a market-specific electric SAV based on BMW's Neue Klasse dedicated EV platform.

What is the range of the new long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3?
The top-end long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 is rated for more than 900 km of CLTC range, according to BMW's stated specifications. The vehicle uses a roughly 108 kWh large-format cylindrical-cell battery, Cell to Pack technology and an 800-volt high-voltage architecture. BMW also reports energy consumption as low as 15.1 kWh per 100 km. Charging performance is another key feature, with a 10-minute fast-charge session capable of adding about 400 km of CLTC range and a 10% to 80% charging time of 21 minutes.

What makes the China-market Neue Klasse iX3 different?
The China-market model receives several adaptations developed specifically for local customers, including a 108 mm longer wheelbase and market-specific semi-hidden door handles. Its intelligent-driving system was jointly developed with Chinese provider Momenta, while the infotainment system integrates Huawei HiCar, Apple CarPlay, Alibaba AI large language models and DeepSeek capabilities. The vehicle also features BMW Panoramic iDrive and is produced by BMW Brilliance in Shenyang. These changes demonstrate BMW's strategy of combining its global Neue Klasse technology with China-specific hardware and software.