BMW 3 Series Hits 2 Million Sales in China; New i3 to Debut at Chengdu Auto Show

On August 6, BMW Brilliance Automotive announced that cumulative sales of the BMW 3 Series in China have surpassed 2 million units. Simultaneously, the all-new long-wheelbase BMW i3—developed on BMW’s Neue Klasse dedicated electric vehicle platform—will make its full public debut at the Chengdu Auto Show. Production and market launch of this model are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024 by BMW Brilliance Automotive. Featuring an 800V high-voltage architecture, the vehicle can gain 400 km of CLTC-rated range with just 10 minutes of charging, delivering a total CLTC combined range exceeding 1,000 km. The 2026 BMW 3 Series went on sale on March 3, 2026, with a starting price of RMB 318,000. The new model carries forward the front-end design language of the Neue Klasse era, featuring slightly revised headlights and kidney grille, while continuing to utilize the upgraded CLAR platform. Inside, it aligns with the i3 and iX3, equipped with BMW’s latest infotainment system and the Panoramic iDrive head-up display. The cabin of the new-generation long-wheelbase i3 embodies a “driver-centric” philosophy and is expected to offer a white-and-gray two-tone interior. It will feature a 17.9-inch borderless central touchscreen, a 43.3-inch panoramic vision display aligned with the driver’s eye line, a 3D head-up display, a bespoke multifunction steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable multifunction seats, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.