All-New BMW iX3 Long-Wheelbase Completes 805-km Non-Recharging Endurance Challenge Around Qinghai Lake

A prototype of the all-new BMW iX3 50L xDrive, produced by BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA), completed a real-world range test in Qinghai Province at the end of May. Starting from Xining at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters, the vehicle drove along the Qinghai Lake Grand Loop route, traversing mountain passes reaching nearly 4,000 meters in elevation. Covering a total distance of 805.8 kilometers without any recharging, the car still retained 2% state of charge upon completion. The average energy consumption throughout the journey was 12.6 kWh per 100 km, yielding a theoretical range exceeding 840 km and achieving a real-world range efficiency of over 90%. The entire test was conducted in Efficient driving mode, with the climate control system automatically adjusting cabin temperature to simulate typical long-distance road-trip conditions for users. The route featured a cumulative elevation change of nearly 2,000 meters and encountered diverse weather conditions—including heavy snow, torrential rain, and intense ultraviolet radiation—posing comprehensive challenges to the powertrain efficiency, energy management, and thermal systems. This model marks the first long-wheelbase all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) developed specifically for the Chinese market on BMW’s Neue Klasse EV platform. With a wheelbase of 3,005 mm—108 mm longer than the standard version—the additional length is entirely dedicated to enhancing rear knee room. Measuring 4,885 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height, the vehicle offers a maximum rear seatback recline angle of 121 degrees, along with thicker and longer seat cushions. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage compartment capacity expands to 1,900 liters—150 liters more than the standard version. The vehicle is developed and manufactured at BBA’s Shenyang plant. Technologically, the new model features BMW’s sixth-generation high-voltage battery, utilizing large cylindrical cells with a capacity of 108.7 kWh, paired with BMW’s proprietary “Intelligent Energy Management System,” which dynamically allocates electrical energy based on road type, elevation, and driving conditions. The drivetrain combines an electrically excited synchronous motor with an asynchronous motor, reducing energy losses by up to 40% compared to the previous generation and improving drive efficiency by as much as 20%. The integrated “Heart of Joy” control unit—dubbed the “Driving Super Brain”—deeply coordinates the electric drive, braking, and regenerative braking systems, enabling deceleration through regenerative braking alone in 98% of everyday braking scenarios. During the test, the nearly 2,000-meter cumulative descent significantly enhanced kinetic energy recovery on the return leg of the journey. Built on an 800V high-voltage architecture, the vehicle supports a peak charging power of 400 kW, capable of adding approximately 400 km of range in just 10 minutes and charging from 10% to 80% in under 21 minutes. The test vehicle was a pre-production prototype; certain exterior details differ from the final production version—for instance, it retained the older retractable door handles, whereas the production model will feature conventional BMW-style handles. Additionally, the test car was equipped with 21-inch aerodynamic wheels, not the smallest and most energy-efficient wheel option. The long-wheelbase version of the all-new BMW iX3 is scheduled to launch in the Chinese market in the second half of 2026. The standard-wheelbase NA5 iX3, designed for other global markets, is also built on the Neue Klasse platform and shares the same sixth-generation battery system and electric drive architecture.