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2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots Show Lower Rear End

It seems that BMW has decided to let its prototypes blossom this week. To be more specific, after the 2018 BMW X5 moved from early test mule to pre-production prototype (here are the spyshots), the time has come for the 2018 BMW 3 Series to go down this path.
2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots 15 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2018 BMW 3 Series Pre-Production Prototype First Spyshots2016 BMW 3 Series2016 BMW 3 Series2016 BMW 3 Series2016 BMW 3 Series
As in the case of the SAV, the sedan is still covered in camo (actually, the X5 appears to only have the psychedelic wrap on, while the 3er still packs some cladding).

However, now that the G20 3 Series has reached this development stage, we can easily notice some of its design features. For instance, both the front and rear ends seems to pack a more rounded appearance.

And we still have to wait for an episode further along the strip-tease process to be sure of the exact styling cues, the extremities of the sedan are clearly lower, with this being particularly obvious when it comes to the rear.

Speaking of which, the rear window seems to have grown in size a bit compared to that of the current model - we've added some F30 photos from our review of the 2016 3 Series in the gallery, so you can easily compare the two.

The extra practicality brought by that rear window should be just one of the extra features delivered by the cabin of the next-gen 3. While the rear legroom is expected to grow a bit, the automaker will increase perceived quality and here's to hoping BMW interiors will finally tie Audi and Mercedes-Benz ones. As for the G20 interior spyshots we showed you, the early development stage of the prototype means we can't trust them too much.

As all future rear-wheel-drive BMWs, the new 3er will ride on the company's new CLAR architecture. You know, the Cluster Architecture modular platform that debuted in the 2016 7 Series.

Aside from weight reduction and torsional stiffness increase benefits, the new platform will also allow for a better integration of hybrid powertrains. Moreover, the G20 generation should also see BMW presenting an all-electric 3 Series.

With the F30 3 Series having received its mid-cycle revamp for the 2016 model year, the Bavarians will introduce the next 3 Series next year.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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