The BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase Won’t Be Exclusive To China

BMW has been making and promoting long-wheelbase automobiles in China for effectively over a decade. Initially, solely sedans have been stretched to supply further rear legroom. Right now, nevertheless, the lineup additionally contains regional long-wheelbase variations of the X1, X3, and X5. The subsequent mannequin to obtain the LWB remedy would be the iX3 “NA6,” BMW’s first Neue Klasse mannequin for China.

Some could also be stunned to be taught the automobile received’t be unique to the Chinese language market. BMW plans to promote the roomier iX3 in “chosen worldwide markets,” naming 4 for now: India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It’s too early to say whether or not these areas will get each variations or solely the LWB. In Thailand and Indonesia, BMW is already promoting the standard-wheelbase iX3 “NA5.”

Providing the elongated iX3 elsewhere seemingly means manufacturing received’t be restricted to China, both. That wouldn’t be with out precedent. As just lately as final 12 months, the long-wheelbase iX1 grew to become the primary electrical BMW inbuilt India. For now, the corporate isn’t saying whether or not the stretched iX3 will likely be produced at its Chennai plant or at different amenities outdoors China.

So simply how massive is that this camouflaged iX3? BMW is stretching the wheelbase by 108 millimeters, or 4.2 inches. That brings the full distance between the axles to a beneficiant 3005 millimeters (118.3 inches), barely greater than the iX’s wheelbase. The latter is predicted to turn out to be redundant within the coming years as BMW rolls out the iX5 and iX7.

Naturally, China would be the first market to obtain the iX3 Lengthy Wheelbase. It goes on sale within the second half of the 12 months, following its world premiere on the Beijing Auto Present within the second half of April.

It’s a vital mannequin for BMW in China, the place gross sales proceed to slip. Demand fell by 12.5% final 12 months, with BMW and MINI delivering a mixed 625,527 automobiles. For context, BMW Group gross sales in China have dropped by greater than 200,000 items since peaking at almost 848,000 in 2021.

The iX3 NA6 is one among greater than 20 new automobiles BMW plans to launch in China this 12 months. This product offensive is being strengthened by worth cuts on no fewer than 31 models, aimed toward countering the continued gross sales decline.