[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

OLED / LASER headlight systems are reported to become available on the next 3, but still some can't see past the base model/equipment.

Didn't we see a tester running around that resembled a 2 Series GC or some smaller BMW sedan? If my recollection is accurate then a slightly larger 3 Series makes perfect sense.

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

Very interesting point of views.
I want to add that: for the TL, which i admit is a very good FWD on its own, but Honda never intended to hav a RWD due to higher cost of development, and because they dont believe in beung able to convince the enthusiasts to move enough of their cars.

Thats why right from the get go, they developped the TL based on the Accord, right down to the car frame and sub-frame.

However excellent the Accord may be as a FWD, it will never be able to compete against the best of Germans RWD in terms of driving dynamics and enjoyment...

Thats why even if Acura and BMW competes on the "$ame" luxury ground, Honda/Acura could only and wanted only to attract the general public who is more cost conscious and wanted a trouble free with less risks, but they wouldnt be able to capture the more driver enthusiasts among us..

There is Sport Luxury (FWD) and Spory Luxury (RWD), which the general population have no idea what it is... Acura played on that... The Proof is in one of of their FWD "drift" comercials.. Lame.

You nailed it. If I could give multiple appreciations I would here.

Everything you wrote is spot on; deeper than I provided.

But... I do think that if Honda would have tried, they could have gotten some enthusiasts with RWD and if they'd had updated their trannies earlier than they did.

I love Motorsports, big Porsche fan, and F1, DTM, etc and as result have always loved Honda too.

If the changes above would have been made, I'd be in a TL over my past 3 series cars without a second thought.

[CIWS]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

It's more fair to say the brand new Mini Clubman and the X1 share a corporate chassis.

I didn't just take one for a test drive and write an article about it. I owned one for 3 years.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by CIWS

I didn't just take one for a test drive and write an article about it. I owned one for 3 years.

I don't understand what that has to do with the new X1.

[greekcs]

I love the "oh shit" buttons on the dash.

[mynycbimmer]

looks like the weird "headlights meet the grille" look has gone, thank god.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by mynycbimmer

looks like the weird "headlights meet the grille" look has gone, thank god.

Sorry, but you can't make any judgment about anything from those photos. Nothing.

They've just done the new headlight design to the new 7er. And the X5. And the X3 & X4 and X1. They're going to be on the next 5er. If you think they're going away for the next 3er I think you're going to be disappointed.

[RPM90]

As always, it's hard to tell what it will actually look like, other than the general shape.
From this general shape it appears that BMW will stay with evolution in design, at least for the exterior. That's fine by me because I prefer seeing 8 or 10 year old BMW's, Audi's, or MB's compared to some other brands who's more daring designs help recall age rather than classic looks.

For me, I'm really looking forward to the 2 series coupe, gran-coupe/sedan, as that is the size I prefer. I'm on my third 3 series, 1-E46 and 2-F30's, and this size is a tad over the limit for how big a sport-sedan should be.
Yes the larger size of the F30 has increased BMW's 3 series sales, and it has brought customers who previously thought the 3 series was too firm and sporty to be their everyday car. The softened, tamed, and size increased basic 3 series is a sale success and those of us who have issue with what has been lost will not be heard. To BMW we are leftest agitators at a Trump rally.

Luckily, BWM hasn't dropped the 2 series, rather, they have improved it nicely.
And the M2 is garnering excellent press. Size matters, and the 2 series demonstrates that even though a larger sedan commands more attention and looks, it's the slightly smaller, more nimble, and always ready smaller coupe that can deliver as much if not more pleasure. Audi's S3 is a fantastic smaller alternative to the S4, and I prefer the S3 over the S4.

I would love to have a 2 series sedan/gran coupe with and Msport pkg.
It's going to happen.

[SCOTT26]

Render for Evolution.

[hollandog]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Render for Evolution.

This looks like a more realistic render.

[Emilim]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Render for Evolution.

It looks more believable but that's probably because all they did was take the F30 M Sport face and squished it a bit. C for effort.

[hollandog]

any words on Android auto support? I heard carplay is coming but I'm an Android guy...

[BMWSHL]

Originally Posted by nanceman

Could not possibly agree more. I've had so many F3X cars for a few days at a time for various reasons (had a small warranty part not come in so got to keep it for 4 days) and then for the day here and there. it's just painfully numb, I have an E92 335is now and there is no way I'm getting rid of it nor under stating how underwhelming the F3X was to me in comparison for making me grin. Test driving a CPO '11 328i sport pack and new '15 328i sport pack back to back a while ago was staggering. The F30 was a great commuter, the E90 put a massive grin on my face. I will need to replace my current daily lease ('15 GTI) in summer 2018 and I'm really hoping the G20 out as a MY18 in 2017 will pull me in to order one.

Don't get me wrong, I'd still pick an F30 over a B8 without hesitation, I just want something that feels more alive and fun. I'm just crossing my fingers that I won't be in the very last F30 if the G20 moves back toward an E46/E90 when it comes to feedback and dynamics.

Right on. I've had the F30 as a loaner many times and everytime I'm shaking my head thinking to myself how can this be the successor to their flagship 3er? The steering is so disconnected, it literally drives like a Hyundai (not that there's anything wrong with it), but it is the 3er we're talking about. The brakes were just as bad. Not to mention the Mickey Mouse drive switches (econ, comfort, sport), really? The start/stop function is a complete joke?

If the G20 is bigger, then it will likely inherit some of these not so attractive features from the F30. Heck, they sold a ton of F30s, so they figured the formula worked. It is unforunatley to see a benchmark of its class transitioning into something that is lackluster in performance. The ethusiasts will probably have to go with the 2er to get the same drive and feel of a true ultimate driving machine. I drove the M235 the other day, and it is a ton of fun to drive. Steering is a tad light, but handles and feels like the 3er (E90 and before) if not better.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by hollandog

any words on Android auto support? I heard carplay is coming but I'm an Android guy...

No way these kinds of details would be available this early...however it's almost guaranteed since they've committed to supporting both platforms on new vehicles:

http://fortune.com/2015/11/03/apple-...roid-auto-bmw/

[hollandog]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

No way these kinds of details would be available this early...however it's almost guaranteed since they've committed to supporting both platforms on new vehicles:

http://fortune.com/2015/11/03/apple-...roid-auto-bmw/

according to this source Carply should be coming soon. I hope Android Auto is the same.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...hlight=carplay

[Diver]

The M340i designation appears to follow the success of the M235i. However, there is another trend here. With tightening efficiency rules the number of more powerful cars built is limited by forcing buyers to take a complete performance package at a higher price. No more mushbuckets with souped up motors.

[rugbyfool89]

Originally Posted by chiefneil

Longer and wider wheelbase, active anti-roll bars, active steering - sounds like the 3 is taking a couple more steps towards becoming the new 5 series.

I hope there's a RWD 1- or 2-series alternative for those that prefer smaller and simpler. I know that's probably wishful thinking with all the talk of FWD on the smaller platforms.

First thing I was thinking when I read "longer wheelbase" SMDH. Was really hoping BMW was done with the upsizing.

[the_phew]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Render for Evolution.

If it has the chrome side skirt things like on the 7-series (and that render I think?), I'm out. Nothing says "I pimped my ride at Pep Boys" more than tacked-on chrome accessories.

Although I'm probably done with the 3-series regardless; I thought I was buying something sporty/engaging, but BMW boondogled me into a Buick (the 6MT is the only saving grace, and even that's rubbery). This transformation yielded massive sales numbers for BMW, so I expect they'll continue further down that road with the G20.

After hearing about the next-gen M2 Gran Coupe, I'll just drive a GTI or similar until ~2021 when that is available, provided 1) it's a hatchback like the 4GC and 2) they offer a 6MT.

[mmzcee]

why is this being tested in germany? Thought it was gonna be built in Mexico loll

[raysspl]

Man, oh man, can't wait

[AKRAPOVICOWNS]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Render for Evolution.

It will hardly be thiat sleek..even in heavy camo you can see how awfully big the headlights are, even using those fake ones, you can see that the slot for the headlights might be even bigger than the current car.

Also, the front is even more "smashed", than the f30..like if a elephant sat on the front end. I hope that this is all camo doing its job, at this stage is hard to tell. Hope im wrong about those things. I like the headlights on that rendering.

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by AKRAPOVICOWNS

It will hardly be thiat sleek..even in heavy camo you can see how awfully big the headlights are, even using those fake ones, you can see that the slot for the headlights might be even bigger than the current car.

Also, the front is even more "smashed", than the f30..like if a elephant sat on the front end. I hope that this is all camo doing its job, at this stage is hard to tell. Hope im wrong about those things. I like the headlights on that rendering.

Its all a question of perspective.