Spy photographers caught the first full-fledged prototype for the next-generation BMW 3 Series being trailered between development labs in Munich, Germany. Based on the 7-year gap between the E46 BMW 3 Series (1999) and E90 3 Series (2006) sedans, we're likely looking at either the 2012 or 2013 BMW 3 Series sedan here.
Although 3 Series mules have been on the scene for a while, this prototype is believed to have all of the final styling hiding beneath the camouflage. As on the next-gen BMW 5 Series, the redesign appears to a be a conservative one. The front end appears broader, though, and the car seems to have a slightly wider track and a longer wheelbase and body.
Second photo is after the jump.
subytrojan says:
11:25 AM, 11/ 4/09
The front fender gap is the most I've ever seen on a 3er. I wonder if the tailpipes suggest it will use the N54 motor.
altimadude00 says:
11:59 AM, 11/ 4/09
I need that squiggle paint job on my next car because it would be easy peezy to find it in the parking lot.
joefrompa says:
04:30 AM, 11/ 5/09
It's probably setup for transport with spacers in it's springs, hence the fender gap. Also, I think the euro-versions tend to have greater fender gaps overall.
Pictures don't give a good feeling on depth, but the interior looks a bit more spacious (as expected). Looking forward to this new 3-series, since I don't care for the interior of the current 3-series. Hoping a variation of the new 7-series instrument panel makes it into the 3-series. It took BMW's classic cues and worked some magic on them while maintaining a timeless look.
rascal99 says:
11:55 AM, 11/ 5/09
Gee it's going to be bigger. What a surprise. Now it will be ugly and even bigger. Well, hopefully they will fix some of the current styling "miscues".
zoomzoomn says:
06:02 AM, 11/ 6/09
I hope that they keep the round lamps on this car! : )
ctm06 says:
07:41 AM, 11/ 6/09
It seems that BMW is heading back to the design philosophy of "same sausage, different lengths" that they employed a few generations ago before Bangle revolutionized the design and made each model distinct yet still with a familial resemblance that people would still recognize their cars Bimmers.
ryesurf says:
05:49 AM, 11/11/09
So let's see, using my 2006 N52-powered E91 as an benchmark - which has taken BMW 3-1/2 years to address the noisy hydraulic valve adjuster issue - given that this new model will hit the streets in 2012 you may be able to buy a FULLY-SORTED one by 2016! Sounds about right to me...
cjw88 says:
11:05 AM, 11/11/09
This is waaaaay off topic, but I just find it fairly amusing how small those trailer wheels are. Although, I'm from Texas.
I need to see the car without the camo to really comment on the head and taillights just yet.
grover432 says:
08:04 PM, 11/15/09
It wouldn't surprise me if the next 3 series is larger. The 3 series has gotten larger with each series change and is now as large as a mid 80's 5 series. The current 3 series suffers from lack of rear seat leg room and limits it as a family sedan. Of course many will argue that it is a sports sedan and doesn't need all of the space. I'd say the 1 series has taken the place of the 3 series as the manufacturer's sports sedan or coupe rather and if you want the sharp handling of a tight 4 seater, it is no longer the 3 series, but now the 1 series.
roar02ram says:
07:09 PM, 11/28/09
I see hints/remnants of a Bangle-butt on this car. The 3 was probably the best execution of that concept, but still, it's interesting that it's being retained.
Too bad they can't go with a sharper front treatment a la the '80s 3. It would've been SOMETHING different...BMWs are starting to look a bit dated.
cr_driver says:
04:41 PM, 12/ 4/09
The 3 series is too darn small and has a lousy interior, they better change that.
Looking forward for the new amazing engines that BMW for sure will develop as always.
sgude says:
11:01 AM, 12/ 7/09
The profile of the doors looks exactly like the profile of my E46 3-series. In fact, I think the new 5-series looks a lot like the E46 3 series.