China’s preference for long-wheelbase vehicles has led BMW to reveal an extended version of the fourth-generation (G45) X3 tailored specifically for the Chinese market. This marks the first occasion the X3 has been offered with a longer wheelbase, as prior models of the brand’s Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in China adhered to the standard global dimensions.
Manufactured at BMW Brilliance Automotive’s Shenyang plant, the X3 LWB maintains many features from the standard model but boasts a lengthened roofline, extending the overall length from 4,755 mm to 4,865 mm. The width remains unchanged at 1,920 mm.
The additional 110 mm is allocated to the wheelbase, which now spans 2,975 mm. This extension enhances rear passenger legroom and incorporates a sizable panoramic glass roof, which can be upgraded with Sky Lounge lighting.
The X3 LWB is equipped with a B48 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine available in two power levels. The base X3 25L xDrive generates 190 PS (188 hp or 140 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, while the X3 30L xDrive delivers 258 PS (255 hp or 190 kW) and 400 Nm.
The new petrol variants adopt a fresh naming convention, dropping the ‘i’ suffix, a change also seen in the latest 1 Series models. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The X3 holds remarkable importance for BMW in China, with approximately 156,000 units of the previous generation delivered last year, making the introduction of this extended version a strategic move to enhance its appeal.