• The new model is offered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in two different flavors.
  • Chinese X3s have a 4.37-inch longer wheelbase than normal models sold elsewhere.
  • The wheelbase increases rear knee room by 3.7 inches without impacting the weight distribution.

The facelifted BMW X3 has just launched in China, but the local model is a little different than those sold in other markets. That’s because many Chinese buyers prioritize rear legroom, so the new X3 has been unveiled with an extended wheelbase before sales begin later this month. No standard wheelbase model will be offered locally, meaning it’s either the X3 L, or no X3 at all.

It’s also the first time BMW has ever launched a long-wheelbase (LWB) variant of the X3, so this is kind of a big deal for the Chinese markets.

Read: 2025 BMW X3 Gains Hybrid Power And Curved Display, Saves Big Changes For Next Year’s iX3

First announced last year, the new BMW X3s now hitting the Chinese market will be locally built, and they come with a 4.37-inch (111 mm) longer wheelbase compared to the standard X3 sold elsewhere. This extra length translates to an additional 3.7 inches (96 mm) of rear knee room, all while maintaining the SUV’s signature 50:50 weight distribution.

The new X3 L is quite a bit larger than the model it replaces, measuring 4.9 inches (126 mm) longer and sitting 0.9 inches (25 mm) wider. However, the eye-catching design of the refreshed model does a good job of hiding the added size.

Sitting at the base of the Chinese range is the X3 xDrive 25L Luxury. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 190 hp and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. Those figures aren’t enough to get the heart racing, but they do propel the X3 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.7 seconds and through to a 133 mph (214 km/h) top speed, figures more than adequate for a vehicle like this.

BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves

Found at the top of the range is the X3 xDrive 30L. This boasts an upgraded version of the same 2.0-liter and is rated at 258 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). It can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds and continues through to 148 mph (239 km/h).

All Chinese X3s come standard with a host of features that aim to cater to the desires of local buyers. For example, both versions are equipped with LED lighting around the front kidney grilles and there are several unique digital services available through the infotainment system. Customers can choose between five different metallic finishes and one Frozen (matte) option.

BMW hasn’t yet released official pricing for the 2025 X3 L in China, but we do know that it will be built at Plant Lydia, part of BMW’s joint venture with Brilliance Automotive.

BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves
BMW’s First Long-Wheelbase X3 Gives China The Legroom It Craves