Spy Shots: Next BMW 3 Series Spotted Testing

The next-generation BMW 3 Series is in the pipeline and the sedan is expected to arrive in 2018.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

Our German spy photographers have been working hard this week; first, they gave us a glimpse of the new BMW X5 and now, the next-generation BMW 3 Series as it undergoes testing. The 3 Series is BMW’s bread-and-butter model in South Africa and it remains a strong seller. These images, however, reveal the new styling direction for the 7th-generation 3 Series, which appears to be much rounder and with the car sitting lower to the road than the current iteration. The rear-end has been completely redesigned, hence the heavy camouflage, and features a larger rear windscreen.

When the new BMW 3 Series arrives in 2018, it’s expected to be more efficient and dynamic, with a softer ride quality and enhanced cornering ability. Based on the brand's new CLAR architecture, the BMW 3 Series will weigh less too, which will further improve dynamics and performance.

The interior will feature a high-quality fascia with a minimalistic design. A large touchscreen with gesture control and voice activation is also likely to feature in the new BMW 3 Series.