Spied: 2012 BMW 3 Series - The most revealing shots yet!

BMW’s marketing machine continues to pull forward and today, we have another batch of images of the next generation BMW 3-series which will be launched in 2012. While the details have been very sketchy up to this point, we’re glad to see that BMW decided to remove most of the car’s camouflage and give us a better impression of the new model.

The proportions of a typical 3-series, evident since the E36 through to the E46 and currently the E90, will remain – meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner. The overall look will be slimmer and more toned compared to the current 3 series

The typical BMW glasshouse remains with the new design link of a shadow Hofmeister kick as featured on the 7-series and X1. The front of the car receives a widened but not too large kidney grille, smaller than at the current 5-series with shapely lighting units surrounding the grille. Under each headlight unit there is a semi circle shape which in the centre allows for a V shaped opening where the kidney grille is placed. The rear of the car offers a typical BMW layout with the classic L-shape lighting units.

The Coupe and Cabrio models will again take on a different appearance from the Sedan and Touring. Again the front and rear appearance will separate from the sedan with unique shaped lighting units and design sculpture.

The Cabrio will retain the folding hardtop as BMW have found today’s model to be the most successful 3-series cabrio ever. Customers also like how the hardtop E93 has successful retained a coherent design instead of sitting under the A-pillar or having the rear end raised to accommodate the roof.

Like the 1-series, the new 3-series will take advantage of the new modular platform, again this allows BMW to spin off extra models, makes savings in costs and enables production to be very efficient.

BMW will also enable the next 3-series to feature the very latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies – like the 1-series there will be an active hybrid model using a range extended 3 cylinder engine connected to an electric motor as well as lightweight resistance tires, aerodynamically designed alloy wheels, BMW’s active aerodynamics, solar roof panel for extra energy efficiency in the use of interior controls, brake energy regeneration, stop-start and pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential. Pictures and video below:

YouTube - ‪Teamspeed.com Spy Video: 2013 Bmw 3 Series Sedan‬‏

 

Spied again on the road in black below:
(This one is the F30 335i)

 

More shots:

 

Can't wait to drive the new 3! Good lines and the proportions look right. The new led angel eyes are sweet.

Thanks for the pics, DJ.

 

Great pics! But those amber turns on the mirrors...

 

I think it looks well proportioned so far unlike a certain Merc SL we keep seeing.

 

Yep. Looks like another 3 series. lol

 

Supposedly , yes. NOT a fan. Really think signals on side mirrors are absolutely terrible. At first I thought it was reflective tape for saftey/visability during night testing.
haha! The joke is - look, BMW just refreshed the current 3er sedan. The window shape and hoffmeister kink look like a carryover from the E90. Reminds me of the classic 911. If it isn't broken don't fix it. The 3 series is bread and butter for BMW.

The new F30 will probably blend design elements form the current 5er with a more aggressive front end. Think 5 Series meets Z4. I like this era of styling for BMW.

 

I know man; but this is the thing- the 3 series is not, nor ever will be a low production car such as the 911. There SHOULD be differences that make the discernable from the last ten years- especailly on a heavil leased/quick turn over car as the 3 series.

You can quote me: BMW has gone coward on their cars. And that's a shame.

 

New Video added to OP!