BMW has revealed a China-specific, long-wheelbase version of the 2027 iX3 with a significant last-minute exterior change: conventional pull-up door handles replace the global model’s electronic pop-out units. The electric SUV will make its public debut at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show on April 24, with sales expected to begin shortly afterward and deliveries likely in the second half of 2026.

The change is tied to a new Chinese vehicle regulation taking effect January 1, 2027. The rule bans flush, retracting door handles over safety concerns. Vehicles already approved for sale by that date have until January 1, 2029, to comply, but BMW is applying the redesign before the long-wheelbase iX3 officially arrives.

Why the China iX3 has different door handles

BMW’s earlier teaser images showed a prototype with the same flush handles used by the global iX3. The production-bound Chinese model instead uses handles that pull upward, apparently following the approach already seen on combustion-engine BMW models such as the X3.

The stretched iX3 also receives a revised roof spoiler with a centrally mounted camera. That hardware supports advanced driver-assistance systems developed with Momenta, a Chinese company focused on self-driving technology.

Although designed for China, the long-wheelbase iX3 will not remain exclusive to that market. BMW plans to offer it in at least India, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia as well.

Long-wheelbase dimensions and electric range

The Chinese iX3 adds 108 millimeters, or 4.2 inches, to the global model’s wheelbase, bringing the total to 3,005 mm, or 118.3 inches. The extra length produces longer rear doors and a slightly roomier greenhouse.

BMW says the China-market iX3 will travel more than 900 kilometers, or 559 miles, on a charge. That figure uses China’s CLTC testing cycle, which generally produces higher results than WLTP and especially EPA testing. BMW has not disclosed the battery’s capacity, though it is expected to be close to the global iX3’s 108.7-kWh net capacity.

The SUV supports charging at up to 400 kW. BMW says a 10-to-80-percent charge takes 21 minutes, while about 10 minutes can add more than 400 km, or 249 miles, of CLTC-rated range.

Power and performance expectations

China will initially receive the dual-motor iX3 50 xDrive, although BMW has not yet announced its combined output. The figure is expected to be close to the standard-wheelbase model’s 463 horsepower and 645 Newton-meters, or 476 pound-feet, of torque.

The added body length will likely increase weight beyond the European model’s 2,285 kg, or 5,038 pounds. BMW has not published acceleration figures for the stretched version, but the standard iX3 50 xDrive reaches 62 mph, or 100 km/h, in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, or 210 km/h.

BMW is expected to release the remaining details when the long-wheelbase iX3 premieres at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show.