Next generation BMW 3-series spotted testing again with less camo
More spy images have surfaced on the internet of the next generation BMW 3-Series. This time though, the test mule can be seen wearing less camouflage than before. This shows the larger grille in more detail and the redesigned air inlets in the lower part of the fascia are also clearly visible. the boot lid is also seemingly a more rounded-off design as compared to the older car
The test mule also shows the new 3-Series to follow a more evolutionary design brief. The basic silhouette doesn't seem to have changed a whole lot but specific design touches are more developed than the current. This can be seen in the complex 3D taillamps, a more sculpted bumper and the new headlamps. This is a similar design strategy to what BMW has followed with the latest 5-Series and 7-Series as well. Overall, the car looks a lot like a smaller 5-Series.
The earlier images had also shown the interiors.  The instrument cluster is all-digital and the floating touchscreen placed on the redesigned centre-console is also larger.
The new 3 Series is expected to arrive with a wide variety of diesel and gasoline engines in Europe, with their outputs ranging from 136PS to 380PS. The new M3/M4 will come later but step up power to around the 500PS mark. This car will be powered by BMW's latest 3.0 inline-six but will also come hybrid assistance this time around. The 2.0-litre diesel is expected to continue as the mainstay of the Indian line-up. Given that the 3 Series will be based on BMW's new CLAR architecture, the new car should weigh about 30 to 40 kgs less than the outgoing car.
The new 3-Series will compete with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Jaguar XE and so on. Traditionally BMWs have always been the most driver-oriented option in this range, but this has been changing lately with the new 5-Series and 7-Series both becoming softer and laying a more emphasis on the rear-seat passengers. This is set to continue with the new 3-Series a well but the car can be expected to retain a higher standard of dynamic ability than most rivals.
Image Source: Motor1