2019 BMW 3-Series spy shots and movie
Feast your eyes on the latest spy shots of a prototype for BMW’s next-generation 3-Series, arguably the automaker’s most significant model of the next few years. It is expected to be exposed in late two thousand seventeen or early the following year, as a two thousand nineteen model.
Like past generations, this fresh 3-Series, code-named the G20, will likely end up the benchmark for the puny sedan segment when it comes to significant metrics such as driving dynamics and spectacle. However, Mercedes-Benz and even Cadillac with their latest puny sedan offerings have left BMW in catch-up mode.
Fortunately for BMW, its engineers have developed one of the most advanced platforms in the business. That platform is the multi-material constructed CLAR modular design that made its debut in the two thousand sixteen 7-Series and has since appeared in the two thousand seventeen 5-Series.
The platform incorporates lightweight materials such as aluminum, magnesium and, in the case of the 7-Series, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. It should bring weight savings of around eighty eight pounds for the 3-Series. It can also support alternative powertrains including plug-in hybrid and battery-electric applications. The 3-Series will be BMW’s smallest model spawned from it.
Looking at the spy shots, evolutionary styling has clearly been adopted. All the signature BMW styling cues are present, such as the kidney grille, Hofmeister kink and brief overhangs. However, the front of the car shows up lower and broader than before, which should give the fresh 3-Series a very sporty look, just like Jaguar’s svelte XE.
Tho’ it’s hard to gauge from the grainy shot of the interior, it looks like there’s a digital instrument cluster. This will likely be teamed with an advanced infotainment system accomplish with voice activation and gesture control. The driver should also have access to total a suite of electronic driver aids including some semi-autonomous modes.
2018 BMW 3-Series spy shots – Picture via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
The core powertrains for the United States should remain turbocharged 4- and 6-cylinder inline engines displacing Two.0 and Trio.0 liters respectively. In other markets we’ll see BMW introduce its 1.5-liter inline-3.
Diesel and plug-in hybrid options should be available in most markets, with the latter possibly utilizing two electrical motors (one driving the front axle and the other integrated with the transmission) in a setup known as Power eDrive. BMW’s current plug-in hybrid 3-Series relies on a single electrified motor integrated with the transmission.
Of course, there will also be a high-performance M3 variant. Don’t be astonished if this one gets the Power eDrive system mentioned above. A prototype version of the system shown in two thousand fourteen used a turbocharged Two.0-liter inline-4 and two electrified motors to develop as much as six hundred seventy horsepower!