We’ve been waiting for the new G20 BMW 3 Series for some time, and after plenty of speculation, spyshots and juicy details, it seems we’re finally reaching the end of the tunnel, as a teaser image of the seventh-generation compact executive model has surfaced on French forum Worldscoop.
While the car seen here is draped in cloth, there are a couple of obvious design details that can clearly seen – the biggest of which (quite literally) being the massive double kidney grille. Unlike other recent BMW models, this grille is still connected to the headlights, but it’s now far larger and conjoined in the centre, in a similar form to what you’d find on the new 8 Series.
Speaking of the headlights, they feature three-dimensional LED daytime running lights that are almost L-shaped. While the shape of the lamps themselves can’t be seen, previous spyshots have revealed a notched design, and you can see this in a rendering prepared by Photoshop wizard Theophilus Chin.
The Cerium Grey grille surround hints that this is the M Performance version, the M340i, which will utilise a new version of the B58 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine. Although outputs have yet to be revealed, it should make between 340 hp and 360 hp, similar to other M Performance models like the X3 and X4 M40i, the M140i and M240i and the new Z4 M40i.
There will also be a new 2.0 litre four-pot mill first seen on the facelifted MINI Hatch, which BMW says is its most powerful four-cylinder engine ever – despite using around five percent less fuel than before. This is clearly seen with the 330i already tested by publications such as Autocar, which now makes 260 hp (up from 252 hp) and 400 Nm of torque (from 350 Nm).
The entry-level 1.5 litre turbo three-pot should continue to be offered, as will the usual brace of diesel engines. As before, there’s a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox and a ZF eight-speed automatic, but this time models 330i and up will be offered exclusively with the automatic.
Under the skin, the next 3 Series will utilise a version of the modular CLAR architecture already used by the 5 and 7 Series, with a greater use of aluminium, magnesium and high-strength steel bringing total weight down by as much as 55 kg. It gets a new form of twin-rated passive dampers for improved comfort (adaptive dampers are optional) and a new optional M Sport differential.
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Irrelevant here, embarassing lineup 318 & 330e.
330e irrelevant? Dei stop talking bodoh la. Go enjoy your honda city and let the enthusiast drive their BMW.
This is defitenatly better than the current c class
better wait the S40.
Different segment, C class for uncle, 3 series for young man.
S40 is even below altis class
ALtis got no class
Do something about the direct injection, its a petrol that sounds like a diesel. Shameful when friends ask is my car diesel
The worse sounds are the C200 and E200. They are unbearable!
Why so ashamed of driving a diesel? Typical Asian “want face” complex.
Ashamed not because driving a diesel, ashamed because sound like lorry or metrobus
OMG. shut up and take my money
Some said testing here, teasing there, hiding everywhere…
Current 3 series is very poor in the back seat. The 3rd adult in the middle cannot last any trip more than 15 minutes
If you want small car with good back seat leg room, go for Almera. 3 seriea is for young executive that never carry more than 4 persons in the car.
Dun really dig the larger nostrils. Why not make it smaller and sleeker like i8?
I8 nostrils got no purpose that’s why they can cover it
If the rendering is true, i think this model will be successful like F30 here in MY.
320i or Hybrid will do the job.
grilles too big… look like an enlarged nostrils.
The big grilles function is to chase away the slow car that hogging the fast line.
For that Mesidis Panamerica grill does it better. More imposing.
no more mechanical handbrake….sad
hopefully the CKD version wont be too watered down n uses nasty hard plastics
MY DREAM CAR
I think Theophilus’ rendering might actually be better looking that the real thing. No way is BMW going to give it such a sexy roofline and rear windscreen profile. Cos that will be reserved for the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 3 Series will be a bit taller and a bit more upright. Pretty much like how it looks now. But with bigger nostrils, side air vents behind the front fender, a more upright bonnet line, longer wheelbase and wider stance.