- The new model will be built by the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture.
- The most powerful version produces 258 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.
- BMW will also sell a standard wheelbase version of the X3 that’s made in the U.S.
Chinese buyers may be gradually moving away from German luxury cars and towards homegrown alternatives, but there remains plenty of demand for European models. Case in point, a new long-wheelbase version of the BMW X3 has just been launched in China, where it will also be built.
This special version of the X3 will be sold in 25L xDrive and 30L xDrive versions, both of which will be manufactured at the Shenyang site operated by the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture. For those shoppers not interested in a long-wheelbase X3, BMW will also sell the new model in standard wheelbase M50 xDrive guise, a variant that is built in Spartanburg in the U.S. and exported to China.
Read: 2025 BMW X3 Gains Hybrid Power And Curved Display, Saves Big Changes For Next Year’s iX3
The design of the Chinese X3 is largely identical to the global model that premiered in June. That means it has relatively simple and unfussed exterior lines and details, albeit in a slightly stretched package with a 110 mm (4.3-inch) longer wheelbase. All up, China’s X3 is 4,865 mm (191.5 inches) long and 1,920 mm (75.6 inches) wide, and BMW has fitted the X3 25L xDrive as standard with the M Sport Package, providing it with a slightly sportier appearance. All versions have an illuminated kidney grille and the choice of six paint finishes, including a Frozen option.
Found in the cabin are all the same new features as the 2025 X3 that will be offered elsewhere. This includes the large BMW Curved Display, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and the BMW Interaction Bar on the dashboard. Fitted as standard are ‘Veganza’ sports seats in three two-tone colors, wireless smartphone charging, and a panoramic glass roof with optional lighting.
Both Chinese-made X3 models have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In the case of the X3 25L xDrive, this engine is good for 190 hp (140 kW) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque, while it has been uprated to 258 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) in the X3 30L xDrive. Mated to both options is an eight-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive.
