BMW engineers are currently testing the next generation of the best-selling 3 Series.
Codenamed G20, the upcoming 3 Series is expected to be launched in 2017 and comes with many changes from the recently facelifted current generation. The next generation of BMW’s best-selling nameplate will get a longer wheelbase to give its rear passengers more room.
Instead of gaining weight from the increase in size, the forthcoming 3 Series G20 will be lighter than the current model. We expect BMW to trickle some of its carbon fiber technology into its smallest sedan to make this happen.
Even if the next 3 Series doesn’t use CFRP parts, the car is set to be lighter than its current equivalent. Just like its larger siblings, the upcoming 3 Series will get even more safety tech and an advanced infotainment system. As usual, the technologies first shown in the 7 Series will eventually be offered in the smaller sedan. One might expect the future 3 Series to be able to park itself and even to get the fancy key with a touch screen as an option, a feature first implemented on the current 7 Series.
BMW has been testing a lot of prototypes these days, as the 3 Series was spotted by our friends at CarPix and SB-Medien on the same week as the mule of the future X5 and the prototype of the roadster developed with Toyota. However, these are not the first spyshots of the upcoming 3 Series, as the prototype was also spotted last week in Germany.
The platform of the G20 3 Series will be significantly updated from what the current model brings to the table. As usual, the engine range will be improved. BMW won’t give up on hybrid versions with a plug-in charge function, and the 3 Series is undoubtedly set to receive a performance version after it goes to market as well.
Instead of gaining weight from the increase in size, the forthcoming 3 Series G20 will be lighter than the current model. We expect BMW to trickle some of its carbon fiber technology into its smallest sedan to make this happen.
Even if the next 3 Series doesn’t use CFRP parts, the car is set to be lighter than its current equivalent. Just like its larger siblings, the upcoming 3 Series will get even more safety tech and an advanced infotainment system. As usual, the technologies first shown in the 7 Series will eventually be offered in the smaller sedan. One might expect the future 3 Series to be able to park itself and even to get the fancy key with a touch screen as an option, a feature first implemented on the current 7 Series.
BMW has been testing a lot of prototypes these days, as the 3 Series was spotted by our friends at CarPix and SB-Medien on the same week as the mule of the future X5 and the prototype of the roadster developed with Toyota. However, these are not the first spyshots of the upcoming 3 Series, as the prototype was also spotted last week in Germany.
The platform of the G20 3 Series will be significantly updated from what the current model brings to the table. As usual, the engine range will be improved. BMW won’t give up on hybrid versions with a plug-in charge function, and the 3 Series is undoubtedly set to receive a performance version after it goes to market as well.