Development of the next-generation G20 BMW 3 Series appears to be progressing nicely ahead of its slated debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. The latest version of the benchmark compact executive has been spotted by our spy photographers yet again, and the camouflage is slowly peeling back to reveal more of the car underneath.
The images show a car that is more muscular than before, with prominent rear haunches and what appears to be an evolution of the G30 5 Series‘ twisting shoulder surfacing. Despite similar proportions as the outgoing F30, this should provide the new 3er with a more dynamic look.
At the front of the car is a larger double kidney grille flanked by more modern-looking headlights – here, they feature LED technology and three-dimensional hexagonal corona rings. Around the back, the L-shaped tail lights also appear to be full LED, just like the facelifted F30.
Previous photos of the interior show a futuristic cabin that takes a few cues from recent BMW concepts like the 8 Series and Z4. There are slimmer, sleeker air vents, redesigned switchgear and large new displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster – the latter being digital for the first time.
Under the skin, the new 3 Series will ride on the modular Cluster Architecture (CLAR) that is expected to shave more than a few kilograms from the not-exactly-portly F30, despite an expected increase in size. All this without using carbon-fibre like the G12 7 Series – instead, the G20 should make increased use of other lightweight materials such as aluminium, much like the G30 and the G01 X3.
Engine choices are expected to run the gamut of the usual three-, four- and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, including the revised three- and four-pot engines already seen on the facelifted 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer. Also expected is a plug-in hybrid (like the current 330e) as well as a fully-electric variant using the same powertrain as the X3 EV coming in 2020.
The usual high-performance M3 will feature later on, powered by new S58 3.0 litre twin-turbo straight-six that will also make its way to the X3 and X4 M, with output set to jump by 10% to 465 hp. Expect it to be mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission rather than the current seven-speed dual-clutch unit, mirroring a similar switch BMW made on the F90 M5.
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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- Spy-Shots of Cars This image has been optimized for a calibrated screen with a Gamma of 2.2 and a colour temperature of 6500°K
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Habis lah all the 3 series in mudah. Sure price collapse soon.
Just like 5 series F10, can even get RM100k now also from RM388k.
Good to look for some good deals now.
Wait a darn minute. When reduced prices, u pulak hentam no RV. So mana mau ni?
Which world u came from that has bog standard cars RV higher than purchase price?
This is a luxury new car, and someone is so funny and keep on talking about old model price.
(Like) G20 BMW 3Series.
(Dislike) 2018 Merc C-Class facelift
Oh no it’s going to grow longer again. Current F30 already 4.6m long so this fella should be around 4.7m in length. Good thing is it’s going to be lighter.
no matter how good the c class is, 3er always is the benchmark
This was on my shopping list, but the interior looks disappointing to say the least. It looks 3 years behind Merc and Audi.
Wishlist for the G20 in Malaysia:
– Please give folding rear seats. 60/40 also good enough if 40/20/40 is too difficult. The C Class offers this.
– Please give reverse camera, keyless entry and go in all trims.
– Please don’t stop selling the 330i just because the 330e is cheaper. Some people need the boot space which the PHEV can’t deliver. Give buyers more choice. Current F30 is a pathetic 2 car lineup. One is not fast enough, and the other has a small boot. I know the M3 doesn’t sell well here, so why not bring in the 340i instead? It’s still a hoot to drive.
– Please bring in a Touring/Wagon. I know there’s no market for them here, but they look so cool in a sea of sedans and SUVs. They are as practical as SUVs too, and drive like a car.
Otherwise, i think the F30 is a good compromise of fun and comfort. Steering is vague (though sharp), but then so is the competition, except the Giulia (or so I read).
Jaguar XE.
Bingo! I think that’s a wishlist for myself too. The plug-in hybrids represent too much of a compromise (ie. daily recharging, heavy, reduced boot space etc). I suppose the next best option would be the 3 GT, if you can look past the “looks”.