2022 BMW 3 Series facelift – first images of G20 LCI appear; slimmer headlamps, new grille and interior

2022 BMW 3 Series facelift – first images of G20 LCI appear; slimmer headlamps, new grille and interior

In March this year, the BMW i3 was revealed for China as a fully electric version of the G20 3 Series that was first introduced in 2018. Codenamed G28, the i3’s design was noticeably different from the current 3 Series, and if we used our imagination to strip away the EV-specific cues, we were essentially getting a preview for what a facelift (or Life Cycle Impulse if you prefer BMW speak) for what the new 3er will look like.

Well, we no longer need to use our imagination further as images of the 3 Series facelift have surfaced in China’s ministry of industry and information technology, giving us a very clear look at the design changes made. According to Chinese media outlets, the revised 3er is set to be launched in China in the second half of this year.

In these images, we see several units of the facelifted 3 Series in a variety of colours and with differing trim and wheel combinations. Focusing on the common revisions first, there’s a new octagonal-shaped grille that gains a bit of vertical height when compared to the one it replaces. Various grille frame finishes as well as inserts are available depending on the vehicle specification.

Said grille is flanked by slimmer headlamps that no longer have a “claw” design and feature inverted L-shaped LED daytime running lights. Referring to the fender badges, all the cars pictured appear to be dressed in a M Sport kit, which has been updated. The front bumper, which is visually different from the i3’s, is now dominated by a large central intake, accompanied by L-shaped trim at the corners.

As for the rear bumper, it too has a more commanding presence thanks to the large, diffuser-like element that links to the angular air outlets at the sides. The entire bottom section is finished in black for contrast and instead of circular exhaust finishers, there are trapezoidal-shaped ones instead. The taillights and overall profile of the 3 Series appear to be unchanged from before, and China will continue to get the sedan in standard- and long-wheelbase configurations.

2022 BMW 3 Series facelift – first images of G20 LCI appear; slimmer headlamps, new grille and interior

BMW i3 interior

Inside, the facelifted 3 Series will mimic the i3 by gaining a large widescreen display that is linked to the latest BMW Operating System 8 – also seen in the i4. The EV’s front living space will also be carried over and sees the omission of things like the favourites row, the small display screen for the climate system and the controls for the climate system itself (this has been integrated into the touchscreen).

Engine-wise, expect a range a range of three-, four- and six-cylinder engines, possibly augmented by mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid tech. Based on these images, variants that will be available in China include the 320i, 320Li, 325Li and 330Li.

GALLERY: 2019 G20 BMW 330i M Sport (Malaysia market)

GALLERY: BMW i3 (China market)

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard's strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Mr Loba Loba on May 13, 2022 at 5:23 pm

    Gaya n mutu. Kereta balik raya 2023

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 1
  • Why the rear bumper so ugly?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 10
  • 7yearsfd1 on May 13, 2022 at 7:20 pm

    Like : 2022 BMW G20 3 Series Facelift
    Dislike : 2021 Mercedes Benz W206 C Class

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 8
  • ughh..the old exterior is much better.
    what with the new big ugly butt? and slim lamp?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
  • The new face looks busy and incoherent. The bottom half of the new back is downright ugly. What were they thinking??Much prefer the current G20 exterior.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Ardon on May 15, 2022 at 8:05 am

    Its a kim inspired rear bump

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Avocado-ing on May 15, 2022 at 8:52 pm

    Wow. What were the designers thinking.

    The 3-series now loses the iconic tiger-clawed eyes and the rear bumper is utterly obnoxious.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
 

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