2026 Chengdu Auto Show Preview: All-New BMW i3 Interior Debut, Multiple Flagship Models Including BYD Han and Sealion 08 Unveiled

The 2026 Chengdu International Auto Show is set to open soon — a key platform ahead of the golden September–October consumer season — with multiple automakers unveiling new models. Among them, Brilliance BMW's all-new BMW i3 long-wheelbase edition will publicly debut its interior design for the first time at the show, making it one of the most anticipated luxury electric sedans on display.

All-New BMW i3: China-Specific Design + 800V High-Voltage Architecture

The all-new BMW i3 long-wheelbase edition features the 'Digital Angel Light Wing' front fascia, integrating dual-kidney grilles with quad-headlight units; radar and cameras are discreetly embedded behind the headlight assemblies. Its dimensions measure 4760/1865/1480 mm (L/W/H), with a wheelbase of 2897 mm. Exclusive paint options include Isle of Man Green, while China-specific details include semi-concealed door handles and an illuminated M logo on the C-pillar.

Inside, the vehicle continues the driver-centric Everus philosophy, adopting a white-and-gray two-tone color scheme. It features the Panoramic iDrive+ smart cockpit, including a 17.9-inch borderless central touchscreen, a 43.3-inch horizon-level panoramic display, and a 3D head-up display. Standard equipment includes three-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable multi-function seats, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

Key Specs: 912km CLTC Range, Production Starts January 2027

Built on an 800V high-voltage architecture, the car adopts the sixth-generation eDrive electric drive system, achieving a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds. Its battery capacity is 108 kWh, delivering up to 906 km CLTC range in the launch edition and up to 912 km in standard configurations. The model is scheduled to enter mass production in China in January 2027, with the initial offering being the BMW i3 40 Long-Wheelbase variant.

Multi-Brand Lineup: BYD Han, Sealion 08 and Others Join the Stage

In addition to BMW i3, BYD Han will make its world premiere, offering both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) variants: the PHEV version pairs a 1.5T engine with an electric motor, delivering 370 km WLTC pure-electric range; the BEV all-wheel-drive version achieves 0–100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and up to 1008 km CLTC range. BYD Sealion 08 is expected to launch, with PHEV versions offering 275–300 km WLTC pure-electric range and BEV versions delivering 710–900 km CLTC range.

AUDI-SAIC ID. ERA 5S will officially go on sale, with a pre-order price range of RMB 119,900–149,900; MG 07 PHEV will also officially launch, offering 245 km CLTC pure-electric range; the all-new BMW iX3 long-wheelbase edition will open pre-orders, with CLTC pure-electric range exceeding 900 km; Jetta M6, the new Lynk & Co 20, and Cadillac XT5 PHEV will all appear under labels such as 'anticipated world premiere' or 'anticipated launch'.

Insight: Accelerated Localization, Luxury EVs Enter the Experience Deep-Water Zone

This BMW i3 long-wheelbase edition moves beyond raw spec-sheet competition, emphasizing deep localization through China-specific UI, semi-concealed door handles, illuminated M badges, and exclusive Isle of Man Green paint. While its 912 km range and 800V fast-charging capability rank among industry leaders, its true differentiators lie in cockpit interaction logic and localized intelligent driving adaptation — signaling that joint-venture luxury EVs have shifted from 'technology importation' to 'experience redefinition'.