BMW has revealed first details of the stretched Neue Klasse-based iX3 model, called officially as the iX3 Long Wheelbase (LWB) for the time being. Developed specifically for China, the model is slated for a global debut at the Beijing Auto Show 2026 and will see a market launch in the second half of 2026. But the big news? It’s also coming to Malaysia.
While a specific local debut timeline has not been provided, Malaysia is one of among only a handful of countries earmarked to receive the iX3 Long Wheelbase. Other confirmed markets lucky enough to share China’s ‘exclusive’ stretched-out iX3 include Thailand, Indonesia, and India.
The iX3 LWB is currently still under development, as as such still remains under heavy camouflage – as seen here during the media pre-drive session held recently in China. Despite the camo wrap, it’s pretty obvious that the production version will still mostly mirror the design of the standard iX3, save for the obvious elongated proportions.
As the first LWB all-electric model built on BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture, this variant features a wheelbase extended by 108 millimetres compared to the standard iX3. This should translate to improved comfort for rear seat occupants and a more spacious interior.
Likewise, the interior of the stretched model has yet to be revealed, but logic suggests it will follow the standard iX3’s lead. This includes the brand-new BMW Panoramic iDrive system and a minimalist interior.
Despite its extended proportions, BMW assures that the iX3 Long Wheelbase will not compromise on agility or steering precision thanks to a chassis and suspension setup tailored for the Chinese domestic market.
This is thanks to the new Heart of Joy control unit, together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack, managing powertrain, braking, energy recuperation, and steering functions in real time to deliver a better driving experience. With the unique Soft Stop function, BMW says the iX3 Long Wheelbase has the smoothest stopping process ever achieved by a BMW.
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In addition to the suspension setup, the iX3 Long Wheelbase in China will also feature a localised derivative of the BMW Operating System X, which incorporates approximately 70% locally developed software engineering.
The Chinese domestic interface supports navigation developed in collaboration with Amap, providing precise visualisation of complex intersections and highway ramps. Furthermore, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant gains enhancements through large language models from Alibaba and DeepSeek, resulting in a more natural and conversational interaction.
Adding to the localisation efforts, the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase also integrates Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT system. This supports seamless connectivity between the car, personal devices, and home ecosystems.
Safety is similarly high-tech, with BMW developing a China-specific ADAS software stack in collaboration with Momenta. Tailored to local traffic conditions, the system is designed to deliver highly capable driver-assistance functions optimised for complex urban environments, highways, and long-distance travel.
Global models, like the Malaysia-bound iX3 Long Wheelbase, will most likely adopt a different configuration for its chassis tuning, as well as software – although BMW has yet to formally confirm.
The BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase features the company’s Gen6 eDrive technology and is underpinned by an 800V architecture. This allows for a combined CLTC-range of over 900 km. It supports DC charging at 400 kW, which enables the SUV to regain 400 km of range in just 10 minutes of plugging in.
Specific outputs for the iX3 Long Wheelbase were not disclosed, but the powertrain is expected to remain consistent with the standard model. Referencing the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, that variant features a dual-motor setup providing 469 hp (345 kW) and 645 Nm. This enables a 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. Equipped with a 108.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the iX3 50 xDrive has a range of 805 km (WLTP).
