BMW X3 gets LWB version in China for first time – stretched G45 gets 110mm longer wheelbase

China loves long-wheelbase cars, so it’s no surprise that BMW is launching a stretched version of the fourth-generation X3 (G45) for its customers. Incidentally, this is the first time the X3 has been offered with an extended wheelbase, as previous generations of the brand’s Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) sold in the country had a standard wheelbase like the rest of the world.

Produced by BMW Brilliance Automotive at a plant in Shenyang, the X3 LWB shares many design cues with the standard wheelbase model, but with a longer roofline that sees overall length increase from 4,755mm to 4,865mm – the width remains the same at 1,920mm.

The extra 110mm is attributed to the wheelbase which is now 2,975mm long, giving passengers more legroom in the rear, as well as a large panoramic glass roof which can be optionally fitted with Sky Lounge lighting.

The X3 LWB is powered by a 2.0-litre B48 turbocharged inline-four petrol engine, available in two power outputs. The base X3 25L xDrive develops 190 PS (188 hp or 140 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, while the X3 30L xDrive develops 258 PS (255 hp or 190 kW) and 400 Nm.

As you can see, the petrol variants have dropped the ‘i’ suffix, a new naming system that the latest 1 Series also follows. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and an xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The X3 is an important model for BMW in China, with nearly 156,000 units of the previous generation delivered to customers last year. The introduction of a highly coveted LWB version is therefore intended to broaden and strengthen the SAV’s appeal.

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