2010 BMW 3 Series Coupe Spied Testing

FOLLOWING LAST YEAR'S update to the the 3 Series sedan, BMW has begun work on a mid-life facelift for the 3 Series Coupe.

These new spy photos reveal that the Coupe’s visual changes will be minor. New front and rear bumpers, LED rear lights and updated headlights figure among the more obvious revisions.

The interior is expected to benefit from the style update with new trim options and a new centre armrest/console design.

The new 3 Series Coupe will likely see the introduction of the new fourth generation iDrive that features in the recently revealed 2010 5 Series.

Like the 2009 3 Series sedan, the refreshed Coupe will focus on improved fuel efficiency. To that end, the 2011 Coupe will get BMW's brake energy regeneration system, stop-start engine technology, electro-mechanical power steering and low rolling resistance tyres.

The 3 Series Coupe update is expected to debut at this month's Frankfurt Motor Show, landing in European showrooms before the end of next year and international markets in early 2011.

In 2011, BMW is expected to launch a production version of the 3 Series GT, inspired by the recently revealed BMW 5 Series GT.