BMW will introduce the Neue Klasse iX3 and i3 in China on November 25 and 27, marking another step in the expansion of its next-generation electric vehicle portfolio in the market.
The Neue Klasse iX3 is scheduled to launch on November 25, with test drives and customer deliveries commencing on the same day, according to BMW China. Customers who have already placed reservations will be able to convert them directly into confirmed orders. Meanwhile, the Neue Klasse i3 will make its debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show on November 27, when order books will officially open. Customers will be able to place firm orders without requiring a prior reservation. Both models will be offered under a nationwide uniform pricing strategy in China.
The announcement also provides a confirmed delivery schedule for the iX3, following BMW’s earlier indication that customer deliveries would begin sometime in November.
BMW began accepting reservations for the China-specific long-wheelbase Neue Klasse iX3 on August 21, with pre-sales prices starting at 269,900 yuan ($40,170) for the base iX3 30L variant.
The remaining two versions, the iX3 40L xDrive and iX3 50L xDrive, were priced at 299,900 yuan and 339,900 yuan. BMW had also indicated that the pre-sales prices would remain unchanged.
Underpinned by BMW’s Neue Klasse EV architecture, the long-wheelbase iX3 features a 3,005 mm wheelbase, 108 mm longer than the standard-wheelbase version sold in overseas markets. As part of its China-focused strategy, BMW is adapting its vehicles with extended wheelbases and locally developed software. The China-spec iX3 will offer a driver-assistance system co-developed with Momenta.
BMW has also localized battery production to support the rollout of its next-generation EVs. On October 15, the company announced that mass production of its sixth-generation (Gen6) high-voltage batteries had commenced in Shenyang, with initial supply designated for the Neue Klasse iX3 and i3.
BMW also revealed that the long-wheelbase Neue Klasse i3 had completed a 1,213-kilometer drive test without requiring a recharge.
The launch of the new models comes as BMW seeks to strengthen its position in China amid declining sales. BMW and Mini delivered roughly 376,000 vehicles in the country during the first three quarters of the year, representing a 21.8% year-on-year decrease.
EV WORLD | Honda Alpha EV to Make Global Debut with India as Production Hub
