BMW is preparing for the official premiere of the extended iX3 in China. Although the brand showcased a prototype with flush-mounted door handles in the first teasers at the beginning of the year, the production version received classic handles that need to be pulled up. The reason is not cost-saving but new strict safety regulations that force automakers to reconsider "fashionable" trends.
Return to classics due to safety
Starting January 1, 2027, a new standard for vehicles will come into effect in China, prohibiting certain types of retractable electronic handles. The main complaint from regulators is safety: in the event of a crash and power loss, these doors often cannot be opened from the outside without specialized tools. Models that undergo homologation before this date have time to adapt until 2029, but BMW decided not to wait and changed the iX3 design even before the start of mass production. The crossover will immediately have mechanical handles borrowed from the X3 with ICE.
More space and local technologies
The version for China traditionally received an extended wheelbase by 108 mm, now totaling 3005 mm. This added space for rear passengers and visually elongated the rear doors. Besides other dimensions, the Chinese iX3 received specific equipment: an additional central camera appeared on the rear spoiler. It is part of the driver assistance systems complex (ADAS), developed in partnership with Momenta, a company specializing in autonomous driving technologies for the local market.
The manufacturer claims a range of over 900 km on a single charge. However, it should be noted that these figures are based on the CLTC cycle, known for its excessive optimism compared to the European WLTP. What is truly impressive is the charging speed: the system supports power up to 400 kW, allowing energy replenishment from 10 to 80% in just 21 minutes. Only 10 minutes at a charging station should provide about 400 km of range (again, according to the CLTC cycle).
Dynamics and expectations
The first modification to hit the market will be the iX3 50 xDrive with two electric motors. It is expected to have a power of about 463 hp and 645 Nm of torque, identical to the global version. Due to the increased wheelbase, the car will be heavier than the European counterpart, which weighs 2285 kg. This may slightly impair dynamics, but the benchmark remains acceleration to "hundred" in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.
The official premiere of the novelty will take place next month at the Beijing Auto Show. Although the model is oriented towards China, BMW plans to sell the extended iX3 in four other markets, including India and Indonesia. Supply is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.
