Photo: CarPix
BMW has been losing ground to Mercedes-Benz lately, and it's been losing is fast. That means a lot is hanging on the shoulders of its next generation 3 Series range, one of the brand's best-selling models, if not the best.
It seems like nowadays it's all about the SUVs, but you can't just brush aside a model so important as the 3 Series. We see it here under its sedan guise, but it will eventually get a Touring version, a roomier GT body style plus the one we're all waiting for: the new M3.
Despite what BMW might be saying, the 3 Series also forms the basis for the 4 Series, the car previously known as the 3 Series Coupe. And that one has its own range of different models as well, so I believe we've established the 3 Series is quite a significant member of the Bavarian lineup.
The new generation has already been spotted quite a few times, with the latest batch showing the production ready body hiding under all that funky-patterned wrap. However, the car we have here could be the M Sport version as attested by the larger brakes, the trunk spoiler lip and the wider camouflage cutouts on the front bumper.
The CLAR architecture that underpins the new 7 and 5 Series models will make its way under the 3 Series' skin as well, meaning we should expect a more lightweight car and a generous choice of engines. The powertrains will likely vary from the surprisingly vigorous 1.5-liter 3-cylinder units to the usual straight sixes that BMW is so famous for. We don't have any details yet, but we'd be surprised if they didn't offer better performance and lower fuel consumption.
The new 3 Series will also get a hybrid version, and rumor has it BMW has chosen its strongest selling model to be one of the electric vehicles it plans to offer as well. There is no official word on that last part, but considering what's happening over in Stuttgart with the new EQ sub-brand, if BMW will want to remain relevant, it's going to have to drive on the electric avenue with more conviction.
Talking about a camouflaged car's design is like trying to tell what somebody that's wearing a full mask looks like, but we'll give it a go anyway. What's plainly obvious is the fact that BMW is in the "evolution" phase. The new 3 Series, codenamed G20, will bear strong similarities with the existing model, to put it mildly.
There is a strange roundness to its rear side, though, that we're not used to from BMW, but that could all be down to some padding meant to mask the actual shape. In any case, the G20 3 Series looks as planted as ever. Which it should, considering it's expected to be wider and slightly longer than the outgoing car.
The launch date has not been set yet, but expect it to come in the second part of the year - perhaps near the Frankfurt show? That means the new 3 Series will have just enough time to make its way to the dealers before the end of next year. Frankly, even if it came out tomorrow it still wouldn't be too soon for BMW.
Despite what BMW might be saying, the 3 Series also forms the basis for the 4 Series, the car previously known as the 3 Series Coupe. And that one has its own range of different models as well, so I believe we've established the 3 Series is quite a significant member of the Bavarian lineup.
The new generation has already been spotted quite a few times, with the latest batch showing the production ready body hiding under all that funky-patterned wrap. However, the car we have here could be the M Sport version as attested by the larger brakes, the trunk spoiler lip and the wider camouflage cutouts on the front bumper.
The CLAR architecture that underpins the new 7 and 5 Series models will make its way under the 3 Series' skin as well, meaning we should expect a more lightweight car and a generous choice of engines. The powertrains will likely vary from the surprisingly vigorous 1.5-liter 3-cylinder units to the usual straight sixes that BMW is so famous for. We don't have any details yet, but we'd be surprised if they didn't offer better performance and lower fuel consumption.
The new 3 Series will also get a hybrid version, and rumor has it BMW has chosen its strongest selling model to be one of the electric vehicles it plans to offer as well. There is no official word on that last part, but considering what's happening over in Stuttgart with the new EQ sub-brand, if BMW will want to remain relevant, it's going to have to drive on the electric avenue with more conviction.
Talking about a camouflaged car's design is like trying to tell what somebody that's wearing a full mask looks like, but we'll give it a go anyway. What's plainly obvious is the fact that BMW is in the "evolution" phase. The new 3 Series, codenamed G20, will bear strong similarities with the existing model, to put it mildly.
There is a strange roundness to its rear side, though, that we're not used to from BMW, but that could all be down to some padding meant to mask the actual shape. In any case, the G20 3 Series looks as planted as ever. Which it should, considering it's expected to be wider and slightly longer than the outgoing car.
The launch date has not been set yet, but expect it to come in the second part of the year - perhaps near the Frankfurt show? That means the new 3 Series will have just enough time to make its way to the dealers before the end of next year. Frankly, even if it came out tomorrow it still wouldn't be too soon for BMW.
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