BMW is preparing to unveil the iX3 Long Wheelbase (NA6 codename) at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, marking the first long-wheelbase electric SAV based on the Neue Klasse architecture. The electric SUV, developed specifically for the Chinese market, will be launched in the second half of 2026 with a CLTC range of over 900 kilometers and ultra-fast charging options. Like all China-specific models, BMW has extended the wheelbase of the iX3. It is now 108 millimeters longer than the regular iX3 (NA5) and offers significantly more space in the rear seats – a crucial factor for Chinese premium buyers. The LWB model strengthens the iX3’s competitive position in a segment full of new models such as the Zeekr 7X.
The model features China-specific chassis and suspension tuning designed to balance comfort and stability under various driving conditions. Like the regular iX3, the long-wheelbase NA6 iX3 uses BMW’s new Heart of Joy ECU paired with the Dynamic Performance Control software package, which coordinates powertrain, braking, recuperation and steering functions in real time.
There’s no official information on performance, but the BMW iX3 50L xDrive will likely use dual motors producing 463 hp and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h.
Localized digital experience with Panoramic iDrive
The iX3 Long Wheelbase will also use the new BMW Panoramic iDrive, the next generation interface based on iDrive X. BMW has localized around 70 percent of the software for the Chinese market. Amap-powered navigation includes detailed visualizations of complex intersections and highway entrances, while the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant leverages large language models from Alibaba and DeepSeek for more natural language commands.
Integration into the Huawei ecosystem includes Digital Key, HiCar and a My BMW app based on HarmonyOS NEXT. BMW is also developing a China-specific ADAS stack, Momenta, tailored to local traffic patterns and designed for complex urban environments.
Sixth generation eDrive with 800V architecture
The iX3 Long Wheelbase runs on an 800-volt electrical architecture with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, including cylindrical battery cells and BMW’s in-house Energy Master system. The setup enables a range of over 900 kilometers on the CLTC cycle. The charging performance is also impressive: with up to 400 kW maximum charging power, the iX3 LWB can add more than 400 kilometers of range in around ten minutes. A 10-80 percent charge takes approximately 21 minutes. Thanks to the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, the SUV can supply power to external devices.
After debuting at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026, the iX3 Long Wheelbase will initially be launched in China before expanding to select Southeast Asian markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. The model is currently undergoing validation testing both in China and internationally.
