BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase Completes 805.8-km Real-World Range Challenge Around Qinghai Lake

On June 12, the BMW Brilliance-produced Neue Klasse iX3 50L xDrive prototype completed a real-world range challenge in Qinghai Province, China. Starting from Xining, the vehicle drove along the Qinghai Lake Grand Loop route, traversed mountain passes at nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, circled Qinghai Lake entirely, and returned to Xining—all without any recharging over the 805.8-kilometer journey, finishing with 2% state of charge remaining. The trip achieved an average energy consumption of 12.6 kWh per 100 km, translating to a theoretical range exceeding 840 km and a real-world range achievement rate surpassing 90%. Throughout the challenge, the vehicle operated in Eco Pro driving mode, with the air conditioning system set to adaptive temperature control to simulate realistic long-distance road-trip conditions. The route featured an elevation change of nearly 2,000 meters, involving repeated ascents and descents, and exposed the vehicle to diverse and demanding weather conditions—including heavy snow, torrential rain, and intense UV sunlight—thoroughly testing the efficiency of its powertrain, energy management system, and overall thermal management capabilities. The long-wheelbase version of the Neue Klasse BMW iX3 is built on BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse EV architecture, marking the platform’s first long-wheelbase all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). Its wheelbase is extended by 108 mm compared to the standard version, reaching 3,000 mm, with all added length dedicated to enhancing rear knee room. The vehicle features BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive electric drive technology, combining a front asynchronous motor and a rear excited synchronous motor, delivering a maximum output of 345 kW and peak torque of 645 N·m, enabling a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds. Equipped with a 108 kWh cylindrical-cell battery pack, it offers a CLTC-rated range exceeding 900 km, an official energy consumption of 15.1 kWh/100 km, and supports an 800V high-voltage architecture capable of adding 427 km of range in just 10 minutes of charging.