BMW has announced that it will bring the iX3 to India in the long-wheelbase (LWB) guise. The standard iX3 was revealed in 2025 as the first model under the Neue Klasse EV range. Its LWB version is being developed for the Chinese market and will launch in India in 2027.
- The iX3 LWB’s wheelbase is 108mm longer than the standard version’s
- The eSUV will likely feature revisions to its chassis and suspension for our roads
- It is expected to be powered by the standard iX3’s dual-motor setup
Why an iX3 long wheelbase for India?
As China has a huge demand for high-end luxury cars with long wheelbases, luxury carmakers have been selling LWB versions of their standard cars there for years. The trend has picked up in India over the last few years, fuelled by a rise in chauffeur-driven customers who want to enjoy additional rear legroom. India received its first taste of LWB in 2018 when Mercedes launched the E-Class Long Wheelbase. BMW hopped on the bandwagon in 2021 by launching the 3 Series Gran Limousine and following up with LWB versions of the 5 Series, iX1 and 7 Series in subsequent years. An LWB version of the i5 is also on the cards.
Moreover, the standard iX3 has a wheelbase similar to that of the iX1 LWB, which has already been a strong success in India. BMW believes that for a larger, more premium SUV, Indian buyers will expect more legroom and rear-seat comfort – key purchase factors in this segment. This explains the LWB strategy, extending the brand’s approach with sedans such as the 3 Series Gran Limousine to other models.
BMW iX3 LWB details
Gets a 108mm longer wheelbase than the standard iX3
In comparison to the standard iX3, which gets a 2,898mm wheelbase, the LWB version is longer by 108mm, bringing it to 3,006mm. As with the other LWB models in its lineup, its chassis and suspension setup are expected to be reworked for our road conditions.
Expect the LWB version to carry over the 108.7kWh battery pack from the standard iX3, which is based on an 800V architecture. This is paired with a dual-motor setup that produces 469hp and 645Nm of torque. The standard iX3 offers a claimed range of up to 805km on the WLTP cycle and supports 400kW DC fast charging and 22kW AC charging.
BMW iX3 LWB expected exterior and interior details
Overall exterior and interior design to remain unchanged except for longer rear doors
BMW previewed the iX3 LWB in prototype guise in January this year. The exterior design will largely remain similar to that of the standard version, which includes sharply designed LED headlamps and tail-lamps, a vertical grille, smooth body surfaces, a sporty look for the spoiler and rear bumper and wheel sizes that could possibly range from 20 to 22 inches. An important design difference will be longer rear doors, like with most LWBs.
While images of its interior were not revealed, the iX3 LWB could retain the standard version’s cabin layout, comprising a digital driver’s display spanning the length of the windshield, a 17.9-inch infotainment system, an optional panoramic glass roof and a 4-spoke steering wheel with haptic feedback. The cabin is expected to offer multiple colour themes and seat finish options as well.
When it arrives in 2027, the iX3 LWB promises to be the most advanced BMW ever sold in India, combining space and comfort with the Neue Klasse’s radical design, futuristic interiors and long-range capability. The wait until 2027 might feel frustrating, but it ensures we get the LWB version that better suits our market. If the success of the iX1 LWB is any indicator, BMW could be looking at its next big hit.
With inputs from Hormazd Sorabjee
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
