BMW unveils China specs for new iX3 and long-wheelbase i3

BMW has confirmed launch dates and technical details for two new electric models bound for China, signaling a direct push into a market dominated by local electric manufacturers. The updated iX3 crossover will reach showrooms on 25 November and the long-wheelbase i3 sedan will be unveiled at the Guangzhou Auto Show on 27 November.

Pre-sales for the iX3 long-wheelbase variant began in August. BMW lists prices from 269,900 yuan to 339,900 yuan, roughly 40,300 to 50,700 US dollars as shown in the company's materials. The iX3's most visible design cues include a three-dimensional illuminated grille and digital "angel eye" lighting made up of 322 LEDs. The SUV measures 4,885 millimetres long, 1,895 millimetres wide and 1,635 millimetres tall, with a 3,005 millimetre wheelbase.

Interior, software and powertrain choices

The iX3 cabin features BMW's panoramic iDrive environment with a near-windshield 40-inch 4K display and a 17.9-inch touchscreen tilted 17.5 degrees toward the driver. Software compatibility includes Huawei HiCar and Apple CarPlay, and BMW says the car will integrate Alibaba's large language model alongside a system named DeepSic AI.

BMW published technical specifications for three iX3 variants. The 30L produces 265 horsepower and 500 newton metres of torque, packs a 77 kWh CATL LFP battery and is rated at 630 kilometres CLTC and about 510 kilometres WLTP. The 40L xDrive makes 469 horsepower and 645 newton metres, uses an 86.9 kWh CATL NCM pack with a 702 kilometre CLTC rating and an estimated 569 kilometres WLTP. The top 50L xDrive shares 469 horsepower and 645 newton metres but carries a 113.4 kWh Eve Energy NCM battery, with 919 kilometres CLTC and 744 kilometres WLTP range.

The new long-wheelbase i3 is built on a dedicated 800 volt electric architecture and is slated for series production in China from January 2027. Its body measures 4,864 millimetres long, 1,865 millimetres wide and 1,490 millimetres tall, and it shares the iX3's 3,005 millimetre wheelbase.

Inside the i3, BMW fits a bezel-less 17.9-inch display, a 43.3-inch panoramic head-up display and a Harman Kardon professional audio system. The sedan uses a single sixth-generation electric motor rated at 315 horsepower, will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h.

BMW also says it recorded a range of 1,213 kilometres in prior tests, equivalent to 983 kilometres under WLTP criteria.