The BMW iX3 succeeds where many foreign electric cars fail in China.

Nearly 100,000 orders in one year. The BMW iX3 has been a real success for BMW in Europe. This electric SUV also shows strong potential to be a huge hit in China, which is excellent news for BMW.

Introduced a year ago at the Munich Auto Show, the BMW iX3 launched with great momentum. No BMW model had ever sold in such large numbers and at such a rapid pace before. Although it was initially available only in its most premium version during the first months, it alone accounts for one-third of all electric BMWs sold in Europe since the start of the year. For BMW, the best results might not even be found here, as customers in China are also rushing to buy it.

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In China, the ix3 is available only with a large battery. Thanks to its highly favorable CLTC cycle, it boasts an impressive range of 919 km. Notable differences from the European version include a longer wheelbase by 108 mm, a locally developed semi-autonomous driving system in partnership with Momenta, and the integration of AI assistants from DeepSeek and Alibaba’s Qwen.

If the latest electric vehicle offers from foreign manufacturers are still struggling, the iX3 seems to have convinced Chinese customers. Better yet, it manages this by maintaining a selling price higher than that of local brands. It is said to have received hundreds of thousands of firm orders even before it became available at dealerships.

And this is likely where BMW’s main problem lies. Deliveries to customers will not begin until November, and the first units will not be on display at dealerships for several weeks. For now, dealers are complaining that they can only sell images, not actual cars...

Trying to launch orders too early may lead to significant disappointment. Chinese customers are not used to waiting, and some might change their minds before delivery. To retain them, the brand has implemented a reward system for those who are more patient.

It doesn’t matter if a few customers leave. For BMW, the goal is within reach. It is on track to succeed in its transition to electric vehicles in the Chinese market—a highly competitive market that has become hostile toward foreign automakers. Those who fail to make this transition will be driven out of the market.