BMW Group has confirmed that the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase (LWB) will be introduced in selected international markets including Malaysia, following its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show 2026. The all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is scheduled to enter the market in the second half of 2026.
Developed specifically in China, for China and with China, the iX3 Long Wheelbase is the first long-wheelbase all-electric SAV based on BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture and it represents a major step forward in the brand’s electrification, digitalization, and localization strategy.
BMW Brilliance Automotive President and CEO Birgit Boehm, the model represents “The BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase marks an important milestone in how we bring innovation, driving pleasure, and digital intelligence together for the Chinese market”.
She added that Neue Klasse technologies developed in China are becoming part of BMW’s global technology roadmap and brand DNA.
According to BMW, the iX3 Long Wheelbase features a wheelbase extended by 108mm, designed to deliver significantly enhanced rear-seat comfort and overall spaciousness, which are key requirements for the Chinese premium market. At the same time, the extended vehicle still maintains balanced proportions and dynamic character that defines BMW’s SAV, without compromising on agility, steering precision and overall vehicle vehicle.
As a reference, the Standard Wheelbase iX3 which was announced in Munich last year has a wheelbase of 2,897mm. This means the LWD version’s wheelbase is 3005mm, which is longer than the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ (2972mm), Volvo EX90 (2985mm) and the BMW iX (3000mm).
In addition, a China-specific chassis and suspension setup has been developed to balance comfort and stability across urban driving, highways and long-distance driving. Central to its driving dynamics is BMW’s new Heart of Joy control unit working together with BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack. This system coordinates the powertrain, braking, energy recuperation and steering in real time, which results in smooth transitions, consistent responses and a natural, confidence-inspiring driving experience.
As a result, the iX3 delivers supreme traction and the smoothest stopping experience ever achieved by a BMW.
For the Chinese market, BMW has localised the digital experience, with around 70% of the software engineering for the Chinese version of BMW Operating System X developed locally.
The built-in navigation is developed in collaboration with Amap to provide precise visualisation of complex intersections and highway ramps, while the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is enhanced with large language models (LLM) from Alibaba and DeepSeek for faster and natural voice interaction.
The vehicle also integrates Huawei technologies such as Digital Key, HiCar and the My BMW App based on HarmonyOS NEXT to support seamless connectivity between the car, personal devices and home ecosystems.
In parallel, BMW is also developing a China-specific advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) software stack together with Momenta, optimised for local traffic conditions and scenarios.
The BMW iX3 LWB is built on an 800V architecture, featuring BMW’s Gen6 eDrive technology which utilises cylindrical battery cells. The LWB EV boasts a CLTC combined range of more than 900km, making it one of the most efficient premium EV models in the segment.
Capable of DC fast charging up to 400kW, the iX3 LWB can add over 400km of CLTC range in about 10 minutes, while a 10-80% charge takes about 21 minutes. The car also offers bi-directional charging including Vehicle-to-Load (V2L).
While the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase is developed with China as its primary market, BMW has listed Malaysia among the selected international markets planned for availability alongside Thailand, Indonesia and India after its world premiere.
In case you missed it, you can check out our first drive impressions with the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase Prototype.
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