BMW has revealed its latest-gen X3 long wheelbase, which will initially launch in China. It joins the X1 and X5 in BMW’s line-up of LWB SUVs in China.
- BMW X3 LWB gets two powertrain options in China
- Gets similar feature list as standard X3
- Could go on sale in India in future
The new BMW X3 LWB has been designed for buyers looking for more legroom in the second row. At 4,865mm, it is 110mm longer than the standard SUV and also comes with an M Sport design package in higher variants.
The X3 L gets two powertrain options and will be manufactured at BMW’s Shenyang site, in partnership with China’s Brilliance Automotive. It comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 190hp and 258hp power outputs. Both options are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
In China, BMW will also sell the standard wheelbase X3 with the M50 xDrive powertrain option, which will be imported from the United States.
All X3 variants get an illuminated kidney grille and the choice of six paint options, including a Frozen option. On the inside, it gets the BMW Curved Display, a flat bottom steering wheel and the unique BMW interaction bar on the dashboard.
BMW X3 LWB China only for now
BMW has been clear about introducing its LWB SUV line-up outside China. The German brand has hinted at bringing LWB SUVs to India. In a recent interaction with Autocar India, Jean-Philippe Parain, the company’s Senior Vice President for sales regions Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, said, “SUVs still make up more than 50 percent of BMW’s India sales. So it’s really really important. And we are looking at all options. We understood that long wheelbase is important for the Indian market; because of the time spent on the road, space is a key feature”.
