BMW teases the 2026 iX3 long-wheelbase for the Chinese market

BMW is working on a new version of its new and already popular SUV. The company shared details about the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase - quite a different vehicle from the standard iX3 we usually see. It was designed specifically for customers in China who want more room in the back. Unfortunately, the rest of the world gets only the standard model; this stretched version is meant to satisfy the unique tastes of the Chinese market.

The most obvious change is the size. BMW added 4.25 inches to the distance between the front and back wheels. This makes the iX3 much more comfortable for people sitting in the rear seats. In China, many luxury car owners prefer to be driven around rather than driving themselves. This extra space turns the back of the SUV into a small lounge. But even with the longer body, BMW says the car still feels sporty and easy to steer.

The stretched iX3 uses the same 800V architecture that we already know from the standard version. Thanks to the new tech, the car can charge very fast - if you find a powerful charger (and there are plenty of those in China), the iX3 can handle up to 400 kW of power.

This allows the car to add about 249 miles of driving range in just 10 minutes. For those who are worried about how far they can go, the car has a total range of more than 559 miles. That is a long way to travel before needing a plug, but the extra mileage isn't the result of a bigger battery. BMW missed the trick here; the longer range is just a result of China's CLTC testing scheme, known for being extremely optimistic.

Inside, the cabin looks very futuristic. BMW removed most of the physical buttons. Instead, it uses a system called Panoramic iDrive, with all the information projected across the bottom of the windshield so the driver can keep their eyes on the road. The main infotainment screen provides additional info and is used for media and vehicle control.

The BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase sets a new bar for how electric cars interact with their owners through deep local partnerships. BMW built the car's brain using the new Operating System X, but roughly 70 percent of the software was created right in China.

By teaming up with local tech giants like Alibaba and DeepSeek, BMW upgraded its Intelligent Personal Assistant with advanced AI to make voice commands feel like a natural conversation. The new version also features seamless integration with Huawei technology, allowing drivers to use their phones as digital keys and connect the SUV to their smart home systems through HarmonyOS NEXT.

BMW worked with Momenta to create a driver-assistance system specifically for the busy and complex streets of China. This helps the car navigate everything from crowded city intersections to long highway stretches with ease. To keep the ride steady, the vehicle uses the "Heart of Joy" control unit, which acts as a central hub for the motor, brakes, and steering. It works in real-time to make sure the car reacts instantly to the driver's input.

One interesting feature is the "Soft Stop" function. It helps the car come to a complete halt without that annoying jerk at the end. The car also uses a special suspension setup tuned specifically for Chinese roads, promising a mix of comfort and stability during long trips. That statement right there simply means that the BMW China-only version has a softer ride than its European cousin.

The BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase will make its first public appearance at the Beijing Auto Show in 2026. After that, it will go on sale in China and a few other Asian countries, like India and Thailand, later in the year. While people in the US and Europe might want this extra legroom, BMW has no plans to bring this specific version to those markets. It seems some of the best perks are staying overseas for now.

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