Photo: CarPix
One of the biggest facelifts that will be launched by BMW in the following months is for their best selling model, the 3 Series. Since the current model is turning 4 in 2015, the familiar Life Cycle Impulse the Germans apply to all of their cars will be implemented on it as well.
So, what will change. Quite a lot actually. If you were watching us closely, you probably already heard that the Munich-based company wants to introduce the new B-family of engines on the upcoming model, a move that would familiarize most BMW drivers with the new modular units.
The N55 units on the BMW 335i will be replaced by new B48 and B58 engines that will also introduce the 330i and 340i nameplates to the market. The 330i will be using a variant of the B48 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that will be making close to 300 HP while the 340i will be using the new B58 6-cylinder inline turbocharged petrol unit, making around 330 HP.
Unfortunately, the US market seems to have been left out by BMW regarding the new models. The N20 units (that are supposed to be replaced by the B48 engines) will continue to be sold on the North American continent. That means that the US won’t get the 330i or 340i but will be kept to the 328i and 335i models just as before, according to our reliable source inside BMW. This would be a peculiar move, as the company is known to pay close attention to the requirements of its second biggest market in the world.
A plug-in hybrid model will also be launched under the 330e nameplate. It will be featuring a new-gen 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor derived from the i3 for a combined power output close to 300 HP.
These changes will apply to both the sedan and touring models (wagon) that were both caught testing by our spy photographers. The touring model was even towing a trailer, probably testing the suspension and brakes in harsh conditions.
As far as styling changes will go, don’t expect big surprises. Those are planned for the new model, in 2018.
The N55 units on the BMW 335i will be replaced by new B48 and B58 engines that will also introduce the 330i and 340i nameplates to the market. The 330i will be using a variant of the B48 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that will be making close to 300 HP while the 340i will be using the new B58 6-cylinder inline turbocharged petrol unit, making around 330 HP.
Unfortunately, the US market seems to have been left out by BMW regarding the new models. The N20 units (that are supposed to be replaced by the B48 engines) will continue to be sold on the North American continent. That means that the US won’t get the 330i or 340i but will be kept to the 328i and 335i models just as before, according to our reliable source inside BMW. This would be a peculiar move, as the company is known to pay close attention to the requirements of its second biggest market in the world.
A plug-in hybrid model will also be launched under the 330e nameplate. It will be featuring a new-gen 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor derived from the i3 for a combined power output close to 300 HP.
These changes will apply to both the sedan and touring models (wagon) that were both caught testing by our spy photographers. The touring model was even towing a trailer, probably testing the suspension and brakes in harsh conditions.
As far as styling changes will go, don’t expect big surprises. Those are planned for the new model, in 2018.
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