[DC-T]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

opinions?

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/3-s...to-rival-tesla

BMW plans to fight back against the Audi A4, Jaguar XE and Mercedes C-Class by introducing a hi-tech 3 Series within the next 18 months – and the compact exec is set to get an all-electric version during its lifetime.

The next 3 Series, previewed in our exclusive images, will make use of carbon-fibre construction technology and a new range of three, four and six-cylinder engines to trump the likes of the A4 and XE on CO2 emissions. But the manufacturer is also planning to take on the forthcoming Tesla Model 3 by offering not only a plug-in hybrid version of the car, but also a fully electric edition.

The next-generation 3 Series, codenamed G20, gets a switch of chassis technology as the car leaves its existing platform and moves to an all-new architecture called CLAR, for Cluster Architecture. CLAR brought in carbon-fibre construction techniques to the 7 Series when it was introduced on that car earlier this year, and elements will be retained on the limousine’s smaller brother.

Achieving this integration into a car produced in significantly greater numbers has been a big challenge for BMW engineers. The lighter components, likely to be focused around the bodyshell pillars, door frames and the transmission tunnel, will help the 3 Series to shed some weight – perhaps as much as 80kg, and enough to make it the lightest car in the small executive class.

This, in turn, will allow BMW to focus on improving the car’s handling agility – a key factor against both the XE and Alfa Romeo’s much-hyped Giulia – as well as using more downsized engines. Expect the range to start with 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol power, which is, in effect, the same 136bhp unit used by the current 318i.

There will also be a three-cylinder 1.6-litre diesel with 114bhp, although the heart of the line-up will be 2.0-litre diesels in a couple of states of tune. But it’s the electrification that could really push the next 3 Series clear of its opposition. BMW is working on a radical, fully electric solution as it strives to fend off competition from the forthcoming Tesla Model 3 in key markets like the US.

The CLAR platform is claimed to have been engineered with electrification in mind, and BMW’s engineers are said to be working on the installation of a 90kWh battery pack, potentially giving the 3 Series EV – which is likely to carry the badge eDrive Sport – a range of around 300 miles.

The eDrive may not arrive until 2020, but there will be at least one plug-in hybrid from launch. It’s a new version of the 330e, using a development of the existing car’s 2.0-litre petrol engine set-up and an 87bhp electric motor – but with a larger battery pack to increase the electric-only range.

Inside, the 3 Series will get improved rear legroom as a result of a slight extension in the car’s wheelbase. And while the dash will look pretty familiar, it should benefit from a step up in material quality as BMW responds to Audi and Mercedes’ latest upgrades.

We’d expect the 3 Series to make its debut next autumn, perhaps at 2017’s Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales starting in early 2018.

[mjn77]

Looks nice, certainly better than the F30.

[gthal]

Not liking it... but hard to say with a render. Seems to be getting a "softer" look which I don't like... more Camry and less sport.

[tuco44]

Seems to be a natural evolution of the present F30, but hard to tell from these few pix. Not upset if it is accurate.

[insanecoder]

How accurate is the render? .. the rendering doesnt look too bad
but the street prototype has rounded ugly headlights and the grill looks to be the teeth of a grinning cat with its corners pointing upwards
Does the chasis really need major rework guys? How about hydraulic steering bringback?
How about give us double wishbone in the front? Ahh either way I wont be in the market for another 3series for several years still

[KingOfJericho]

Looks good but I really dislike that side detail from the 7er. Rest of the car is gorgeous.

[SCOTT26]

In this render it appears to be a collage of every BMW that exists today.
The actual car will not be that lazy.

[Chihuahua]

all electric 3er sounds good to me. price it comparably to the Tesla 3, give it a 200+ mile range, and make it drive like a BMW again and I'd strongly consider it.

[ShocknAwe]

Question isn't whether you like a fictitious rendering, rather, are you ready for the 3er to get BIGGER?

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Here's the scan of the magazine article...

[martin mustang]

The next 3 series is obviously stepping to replace the old 5, I hate the way every car model grow bigger with every model in, just like the 2 series is settling to be the new 3 series.

[BimmerMat135]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

In this render it appears to be a collage of every BMW that exists today.
The actual car will not be that lazy.

Well Scott you have been pretty quiet about the G20 So I got few questions for you it's time to throw us a bone!

I guess a design in line with the 7 serie? Is it going to look like a smaller 7 serie like the C-class look like a smaller S-class? How much carbon fiber will be use for the car? What will be the size of the battery pack in the PHEV version? Is the electric version a possibility for LCI, a fake rumor or is it going to happen before that?

Finally the most important: Alot of members have recently bought F31 in North America is Bmw taking note of this?

[Official NOCO]

It's cool to see more electric cars from BMW outside the i-series. However, the aesthetic on this is ugly. Very over designed, BMW designers really need to stick with that "timeless" look that they are known for. The crazy curves and bends on the sheet metal might work for Mazda, but this is too much.

[clbmw]

Welcome addition to the range and looking sharp.

Please please BMW don't ditch the 6 pot on every hybrid, I'd love a 335e estate next but I'm not hopeful you'll make me one

[stvding]

Gonna ditch my f32 for G20 340i or whatever name it will have in early 2018!!!!

[marcva]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Question isn't whether you like a fictitious rendering, rather, are you ready for the 3er to get BIGGER?

As long as they give me my 4 dr M2 I don't care what they do with the 3 series.

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by BimmerMat135

Well Scott you have been pretty quiet about the G20 So I got few questions for you it's time to throw us a bone!

I guess a design in line with the 7 serie? Is it going to look like a smaller 7 serie like the C-class look like a smaller S-class? How much carbon fiber will be use for the car? What will be the size of the battery pack in the PHEV version? Is the electric version a possibility for LCI, a fake rumor or is it going to happen before that?

Finally the most important: Alot of members have recently bought F31 in North America is Bmw taking note of this?

No. It will not be a smaller 7er. It will have that typical BMW 3er identity.
CFRP is one of many intelligent material mix utilised in the new CLAR Architecture.
The Sportier eDrive model is expected to be an M model joining the M550e.
The eDrive/iPerformance model is the only F30 Post LCI.
Up to X10 times more people bought the X3 and X1.

[rambi]

the led at at the bottom look like old benz c class and the exhaust tubes like fat american cars with the bigger tips around it.

[bluekn8286]

I am sure BMW can produce the tech for a compelling all electric car, but, I think the interior would still be too busy and less modern when compared to the Tesla. For an all electric car: Model 3 > BMW 3 Series (based on what we know now)

[mookie45]

The round rear lights remind me of a Ferrari

[ASAP]

Whew... its a good thing bmw will continue to make enthusiast cars, because I thought I was losing my mind...

[Pentium]

Originally Posted by tuco44

Seems to be a natural evolution of the present F30, but hard to tell from these few pix. Not upset if it is accurate.

It's like E90 and F30 have made a baby