WITH ONE MAJOR styling update since its debut in 2005, the current generation E90 BMW 3 Series is due for retirement in the next couple of years.
Despite wearing some of the heaviest camouflage that we’ve seen on a BMW, new spy photos obtained this week show that development of the next generation 3 Series is well underway.
BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies is expected to be a major element in the new 3 Series, with low-drag aerodynamics and smaller-capacity engines playing a role.
One of the new EfficientDynamics features will be an aerodynamic ‘air curtain’. A series of ducts and vents around the bodywork designed to direct air more cleanly around high-drag areas, such as the wheel-wells.
Ever-tightening emissions and fuel consumption regulations are expected to see the new 3 Series debut with a three-cylinder turbocharged engine, developing an estimated 110 to 125 kW and 200 to 300 Nm.
One rumoured addition to the engine range is a less-complex version of the hybrid drive system set to debut in the 7 Series and X6.
While BMW already has a range of fuel-efficient diesel engines on offer, the hybrid option is expected to be aimed primarily at the US market, where diesel take-up rates are lower than in Europe.
Thanks to the heavy camouflage, styling remains unclear for now. BMW has hinted in the past that the next 3 Series would draw inspiration from the Concept CS - elements of which can already be seen in the new 5 Series GT.
Our rendering, above, offers one idea of how the next 3 Series might appear.
The bonnet and belt-line are expected to sit higher than on the current model, offering improved pedestrian protection, as this rendering of the 2012 3 Series Touring demonstrates.
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This could be based on a current E90 that has the rear doors lengthened slightly. No doubt it is wearing disguised panels to keep us guessing. Whatever they do with the styling, I hope they will allow space for a spare tyre this time. I refuse to drive on run-flats, due to the harsh ride and poorer road-holding.
Harsh ride and poorer road holding??? Don’t think so! My 3 series is one of the finer rides I’ve owned and the handling is right up there (as other BMW owners will know).
Saying that, I would be very happy if BMW started using the new ‘puncture proof’ conti’s, as found in the passat CC. Now those are good!
Yes.. 18″ run-flats (Pontenza RFT II) have horrible ride quality. The road-holding on bumpy roads reminds me of Skippy the bush kangaroo..