BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase to debut at Beijing Auto Show 2026, Malaysia named as one of the selected markets

KUALA LUMPUR:  BMW is lining up the world premiere of the BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase, a new all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SUV in BMW language) that the company calls its most advanced intelligent EV to date.

Developed with China as the main focus, the iX3 Long Wheelbase will make its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, before going on sale in the second half of 2026.

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The interesting bit for us, BMW says the iX3 Long Wheelbase is planned not just for China, but also for selected international markets, and Malaysia is on that list, alongside Thailand, Indonesia, and India. If that plan holds, Malaysia is essentially being treated as an early wave market for this Neue Klasse-based EV.

BMW says this is its first long-wheelbase all-electric SAV (BMW talk for SUV) built on the brand’s Neue Klasse architecture, positioned as a key move in BMW’s broader electrification, digital, and localisation push.

As the name suggests, the “Long Wheelbase” angle is about cabin packaging. BMW says the iX3 LWB gets a wheelbase extension of 108 mm, aimed squarely at improving rear-seat comfort and overall spaciousness, a big selling point in China’s premium segment. BMW also claims it has managed to stretch the body without messing up the proportions or the core “BMW SAV” stance.

To support that, there’s a China-specific chassis and suspension tune, intended to balance comfort and stability across typical use cases, urban driving, highways, and longer trips. BMW also says agility, steering precision, and vehicle control aren’t compromised by the longer wheelbase.

BMW highlights a new control brain called Heart of Joy, paired with BMW Dynamic Performance Control software. The company says it manages the powertrain, braking, energy recuperation, and steering in real time, to make responses smoother and more consistent.

One specific claim BMW is pushing is a Soft Stop function, which it says delivers “the smoothest stopping process ever achieved by a BMW”, basically promising cleaner, less jerky braking as you come to a stop.

BMW Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X, with China-first software localisation

Inside, the iX3 Long Wheelbase is set to debut BMW Panoramic iDrive, which BMW positions as the next step in its driver-focused interface approach. It runs on BMW Operating System X, and the layout is built around what BMW calls a “Visual Cone”, combining:

• BMW Panoramic Vision

• 3D Head-Up Display

• A driver-oriented Central Display

• A “shy-tech” multifunction steering wheel with illuminated controls and haptic feedback

BMW’s argument here is simple, keep critical info within the driver’s natural line of sight, reduce cognitive load, and improve safety.

For China, BMW says the software goes deep on localisation, claiming the Chinese version of Operating System X includes around 70% locally developed software engineering. It also name-drops a few big partnerships, Amap for navigation visualisation (especially complex junctions and ramps), plus voice and AI enhancements via large language models from Alibaba and DeepSeek.

Connectivity-wise, BMW mentions Huawei integration, including Digital Key, HiCar, and a HarmonyOS NEXT-based My BMW App experience, aiming for tighter interaction between the car, phone, and home ecosystem.

On the driver assist side, BMW says it is developing a China-specific ADAS software stack with Momenta, tailored to local traffic behaviour and driving scenarios, including complex city environments, highways, and long-distance travel.

BMW’s China boss, Birgit Boehm, frames the iX3 LWB as part of a wider tech pipeline that goes beyond China:

“The BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase marks an important milestone in how we bring innovation, driving pleasure, and digital intelligence together for the Chinese market,” said Birgit Boehm, President and CEO of BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. “Neue Klasse technologies developed in China are becoming an integral part of BMW’s global technology roadmap and brand DNA.”

800V architecture, 400 kW charging claim, and over 900 km CLTC range

Under the floor, BMW says the iX3 Long Wheelbase uses an 800-volt electrical architecture and sixth-generation BMW eDrive tech. Key highlights include cylindrical battery cells and the BMW Energy Master (BMW says it’s developed in-house), forming the foundation for some very ambitious headline numbers.

BMW claims:

• CLTC combined range exceeding 900 km

• Up to 400 kW DC charging capacity

• More than 400 km of range added in about 10 minutes

• 10% to 80% in around 21 minutes

As always with range and charging figures, it’s worth noting these are manufacturer claims using CLTC, which is typically more optimistic than WLTP. Still, the numbers give a clear signal of where BMW wants Neue Klasse to sit, right at the sharp end of the premium EV space.

BMW also confirms vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, letting the car power external electrical devices, a practical feature that’s increasingly expected in newer EVs.

BMW says the iX3 Long Wheelbase is currently going through development and validation work in China and internationally. After its Beijing Auto Show 2026 debut, the plan is for China to lead rollout, followed by selected markets including Malaysia.

For BMW Malaysia watchers, that “selected market” line is good news. If Malaysia does get the iX3 Long Wheelbase, it suggests BMW sees our region as strategically important for its Neue Klasse EV transition, not just as a late adopter market that gets products years after China and Europe.

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