New BMW i3 LWB Confirmed for China Production January 2027 — 800V Platform, 108 kWh, 900 km WLTP

BMW has finalized its long-wheelbase i3 (LWB) production calendar for China, confirming that the i3 40 LWB will begin assembly at BBA’s Shenyang plant in January 2027. Two additional trims — i3 30 LWB and i3 50 LWB — follow in April 2027, with the high-performance i3 M60 LWB xDrive arriving in January 2028. The new car runs BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive system, an 800V architecture, and a 108 kWh battery good for up to 900 km of WLTP range (preliminary).

The China-market i3 LWB also gets BMW Panoramic Vision (the new dashboard-wide projection display) as standard. The launch is part of BMW’s “Neue Klasse” rollout — the most ambitious EV platform change at the brand since the i3 hatchback debuted in 2013. For how other European luxury brands are responding in China, see electric MINI JCW Track Edition coverage.

Full BMW i3 China Production Schedule

Variant	SOP Date	Market
i3 50 xDrive	July 2026	Europe
i3 40 xDrive (Global) / i3 50 xDrive (US)	November 2026	Global / US
i3 M60 xDrive (Global)	March 2027	Global
i3 30 (Global)	July 2027	Global
i3 30 (US)	November 2027	US
i3 40 xDrive / 50 xDrive / M60 xDrive (LHD markets)	December 2027	LHD markets
i3 40 LWB	January 2027	China
i3 30 LWB / i3 50 LWB	April 2027	China
i3 M60 LWB xDrive	January 2028	China
i3 Touring (30 / 40 xDrive / 50 xDrive)	July 2027	Europe (estate)
i3 Touring M60 xDrive	November 2027	Europe

i3 LWB: China-Specific Dimensions

• Length × Width × Height: 4,760 × 1,865 × 1,480 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,897 mm
• Color debut: Isle of Man Green available at launch
• Platform: Neue Klasse architecture, 800V high-voltage system
• Drive system: Sixth-generation eDrive with permanent-magnet rear motor
• Battery: 108 kWh (Neue Klasse cylindrical cell pack)
• WLTP range (preliminary): Up to 900 km

The 2,897 mm wheelbase makes the China-only LWB roughly 100 mm longer in the rear cabin than the global i3 — comparable to what BMW does for the 5 Series Li and X5 LWB. The target buyer is a chauffeured C-segment owner who would otherwise consider the Mercedes EQE or Audi A6 e-tron.

Interior Trim and Tech

• Cabin themes: Essential (light grey), Contemporary (multi-color: black, digital white, chestnut brown, tequila green), BMW M Sport (black), BMW Individual (black, Adelaide grey)
• Seating: Multi-function front seats standard
• Glass: Panoramic fixed glass roof standard
• HMI: BMW Panoramic Vision standard — full-width windshield projection replacing the cluster
• Optional: HUD, Harman Kardon audio, 19-inch to 21-inch wheels, enhanced ADAS packages

Why 800V Matters for the China i3

The Neue Klasse platform’s switch to 800V is BMW’s biggest charging-architecture jump since the i3 hatchback’s launch. The benefits in China specifically:

• 10–80% in ~22 min on 400 kW DC chargers (vs ~30 min for current iX3 on 400V at the same charger).
• Compatibility with NIO Power swap network remains TBC — BMW partnered with NIO on Q1 2026 battery-swap interoperability for ICCV alliance brands.
• Lower charging losses: 800V cuts cable I²R losses by roughly 75% versus 400V at equivalent power.

Pricing Outlook

BMW has not announced China pricing for the i3 LWB. Current iX3 China prices range from ¥369,900–¥449,900. A roughly ¥40,000 LWB premium puts the new i3 LWB lineup in the ¥410,000–¥500,000 window — directly opposite Mercedes EQE (¥425,200–¥585,600) and Audi A6 e-tron Long Wheelbase (forecast ¥430,000+).

What This Means for Competition

The i3 LWB is BMW’s most-watched China EV launch since the iX3. If it executes — meaning 900 km WLTP range, sub-25-min fast charging, and a sub-¥450,000 sticker — it could anchor BMW’s NEV share at 9–10% of the brand’s China sales by 2028. Domestic premium-EV makers like NIO ET7, IM L7 and HiPhi Y are already competing in the same wheelbase class, and the BBA premium has been narrowing every quarter. For context on how Chinese premium-EV demand is currently distributed, see May 2026 China top 10 sales analysis.

FAQs

Will the BMW i3 LWB be exported from China?

The LWB version is China-specific and is expected to stay in China, similar to BMW’s other LWB variants like the 3 Series Li and X1 Li.

When will pricing be announced?

BMW typically confirms pricing 6–8 weeks before SOP. Expect official numbers in November or December 2026.

Is the i3 LWB compatible with NACS in China?

China uses the GB/T charging standard, not NACS. The i3 LWB ships with native GB/T DC and AC ports.

How does the i3 LWB differ from the i3 sedan from 2013?

The 2013 i3 was a small carbon-fiber hatchback. The new i3 is a Neue Klasse mid-size sedan that revives the nameplate on an entirely new platform — the two share only the badge.

Editor’s note: BMW lists the 900 km WLTP figure as preliminary. Final certification numbers will be released closer to launch. RMB-to-USD conversions use $1 ≈ ¥7.25.

Reviewed by Han Liu, Editor, iEVChina

Source: Autohome.com.cn