Latest BMW 3 Series teaser shows off evolutionary design
Thinly-veiled teaser for hotly anticipated compact exec, which will debut in full at the Paris Motor Show
BMW has released another teaser image for its upcoming 3 Series saloon, ahead of its public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
Showing the car under a thin cloth cover, it reveals some more of the car’s frontal styling, including bold LED daytime running lights and a more prominent version of the brand’s iconic ‘kidney’ grilles.
The new 3 Series is likely to sit atop BMW’s latest scalable platform – the same underpinnings as the latest 5 Series and X3 SUV. BMW’s focus will remain on ensuring it’s one of the best-driving cars in its class, but there’ll be a new range of ultra-clean hybrid models – plus, for the first time, a fully electric option.
Badged i4, the electric option could offer over 400 miles of range, but is likely to remain a niche option. Those in need of more range could opt for one of two plug-in hybrid versions, expected to be badged 325e and 330e respectively.
The bulk of sales will still go to standard petrol and diesel models, though, with models ranging from modest 318i and 318d powertrains to an eventual high-performance M3. The majority of cars will be paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and xDrive four-wheel drive is likely to offered on selected models too.
Design-wise, the teaser image shows that the changes are likely to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Expect to see the brand’s trademark sharp lines, sleeker and slimmer head- and tail-lights plus a larger interpretation of the kidney grille.
It’s expected to be a similar story on the inside, where we’d anticipate a digital instrument display on most models, paired with a high-set infotainment screen and the latest iteration of the iDrive infotainment system.
The BMW 3 Series will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show taking place from October 4 to 14, before going on sale in 2019.
