Alongside the 7-Series facelift reveal, BMW also unveiled long-wheelbase versions of the Neue Klasse i3 sedan and iX3 SUV in Beijing, China. Importantly, the iX3 LWB will launch in India as the carmaker's first Neue Klasse electric model in 2027.
- Both models have a wheelbase of over 3 metres.
- Powered by a 108.7 kWh battery pack.
BMW iX3 and i3 long wheelbase details
Both models have an over-3-metre-long wheelbase
BMW has stated that both the iX3 and i3 LWB get a wheelbase of over 3 metres. In the case of the iX3 LWB, the wheelbase is 108mm longer than its standard version, bringing it to 3,006mm. Although BMW hasn't given the exact wheelbase measurement of the i3 LWB, given that the regular i3 has a near-identical wheelbase (2897mm) to the regular iX3 (2898mm), the i3 LWB can be expected to have a similar wheelbase as the iX3 LWB.
Wheelbase aside, the iX3 LWB and i3 LWB retain a similar design to their standard versions, but get a slightly different look for their rear doors due to the extended wheelbase. The biggest change here is the presence of a recessed space for the door handles due to China’s ban on powered flush-fitting door handles from January 2027.
BMW iX3 and i3 long wheelbase interior and features
Both feature a 17.9-inch screen and a windscreen-length digital driver's display
The interiors of the long wheelbase iX3 and i3 retain an identical design to their standard versions. This includes a digital driver’s display spanning the length of the windshield, and a rhomboidal 17.9-inch infotainment system dominating the dashboard. For the Chinese market, BMW has collaborated with local companies for a China-specific version of the BMW Operating System X. Other features include powered front seats, ambient lighting, Level 2 ADAS, and a wireless phone charging pad. The iX3 LWB's cabin is available in an all-white or a brown and cream theme, while the i3 LWB gets a black and brown theme.
BMW iX3 and i3 long wheelbase powertrain
Dual-motor setup produces 469hp and 645Nm of torque
Both the iX3 and i3 long wheelbase versions are powered by their standard versions' 108.7 kWh battery pack. It is paired with a dual-motor setup that produces 469hp and 645Nm of torque. Both utilise an 800V architecture that supports DC charging speeds of up to 400kW. On the CLTC-cycle, the claimed range of the iX3 LWB and the i3 LWB is over 900km and over 1000km, respectively.
BMW iX3 and i3 long wheelbase launch details
iX3 LWB due in 2027
BMW has confirmed that the iX3 long wheelbase will launch in India in 2027. But the same for the i3 has not been confirmed. However, we could expect it to come here, considering BMW already sells the ICE-powered 3 Series Gran Limousine, which is also a long-wheelbase car. Moreover, LWB cars are getting increasingly popular among luxury buyers, so there's definitely a business case there.
Suraj Viswanathan
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
