[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Next-gen BMW 3 Series (G20) prototype breaks cover

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Updated August 28, 2018

Latest spy video of the G20 M340i on the Nurburgring.

Updated August 8, 2018

Spied for the first time today was the full electric G20 3 Series prototype. Telltale signs include a vanity (nonfunctional) grille and skinny tires, as well as the legally required "Electric Test Vehicle" sticker. And while it shows an exhaust, they're reportedly fake and left on the vehicle to deceive.

We do not yet have numbers on the range for the electric 3 Series, but considering its competition range from 200-300 miles per charge, that's the likely range we'll see.

Our photographer also observed a Tesla 3 being used by the BMW test crew to evaluate.

All electric G20 3 Series spied for first time

Updated as of August 5, 2018

Scott26 shares this preproduction G20 M340i close-up with BIMMERPOST.





Updated as of August 3, 2018

Ahead of this Sunday's press embargoed G20 3 Series preproduction drive reviews, here are the first official camouflaged G20 photos released by BMW. The official G20 3 Series reveal will come next month.









Updated as of June 27, 2018

Our latest G20 info (from future model info compilation by ynguldyn) reveals the following about the next gen G20 3 Series:

• Production begins November 2018
• B47 and B58 engines
• 48V electrical system
• G20 model list as it stands now (other models are possible, but no earlier than late 2019):

• 318d: non-US, B47, 148hp, manual and automatic, RWD.
• 320d: non-US, B47, 188hp, manual RWD, automatic RWD and xDrive.
• 330d: non-US, B57, 262hp, automatic RWD and xDrive (xDrive possibly delayed intro).
• 320i: non-US, B48 168hp 1.6L or 181hp 2.0L depending on the market, automatic RWD and xDrive (xDrive possibly delayed intro).
• 330i: all markets, B48, 255hp, automatic RWD and xDrive (non-US xDrive possibly delayed intro).
• M340i: all markets, B58, 385hp, automatic RWD (US only) and xDrive, delayed intro.
• 330e: all markets, B48+electic motor, 248hp, automatic RWD and xDrive (xDrive US only), delayed intro, with US possibly having to wait longer than Europe.

Follow all our G20 3 Series updates @ http://www.bimmerpost.com/category/3-series/


Updated Video: June 27, 2018

Updated Photos: May 22, 2018

BMW G20 3 Series

Update: May 2, 2018

The G20 3 Series has been spied inside and out in the latest sighting. For a preview of what the exterior styling will look like, have a look at our recent renderings!

BMW G20 3 Series

Update: March 20, 2018

Here's a look at the G20 prototypes spotted today - M Sport and standard models.

BMW G20 3 Series

Update: February 22, 2018

The G20 3 Series prototype has now dropped major camouflage! See here are two prototypes - a standard model and the M340i. Visible now is the front fascia shape, headlight shape, kidney grille shape, side body character lines, tail light shape, rear bumper shape (with vents on the M340i's M Sport bumper)!

G20 M340i Drops Major Camouflage

G20 3 Series Drops Major Camouflage

Update: February 5, 2018

The G20 3 Series has now been spied undergoing cold climate testing.

BMW 3 Series G20 in Cold Climate Testing

Update: November 22, 2017

Here is the latest video of the G20 M340i testing at the Nurburgring.

Update: October 17, 2017

This G20 3 Series prototype has been spied wearing the same production LED headlights, tail lights and camouflage as the last sighting, but it provides us the most revealing look at the interior yet. Seen for the first time is the full digital instrument panel and the new style shifter fashioned after the new F90 M5 shifter. The center air vents have been lowered, new air vents sit atop the dash, iDrive control knob moved forward, and new angular door handle pulls.

The lowering of the center air vents also lowers the position of the iDrive screen (perhaps for a more integrated look) as well as allowing for air vents to be added to the top of the dashboard. And if that's the edge of the iDrive screen we see extending all the way to the gauge display hood, then expect a much larger screen than the current version.

According to our future models crystal ball, the 2019 3 Series (G20) will come to US as 330i, 330e and M340i (in choice of sDrive or xDrive for all models). The B48TU engine that will power the 330i will receive a small power increase to 255hp.

The G20 will come with a host of cool toys. The instrument panel seen in these photos is the same one from the upcoming 8 Series, a special differential will be included with the M Sport Package, ambient light, laser lights (even for US cars), significantly improved autonomous driving capabilities, remote engine start, and much more.

BMW 3 Series (G20) Hybrid Spied Showing Interior

Update: August 9, 2017

The G20 3 Series has finally revealed some production parts as we now get our first look at the production LED headlights and tail lights. These headlights feature a closed loop design. It remains to be seen whether these are intended for the base model, with higher end models featuring the current open L-shaped styling.

And while we now see the lighting elements of the production tail lights, their overall shape is still obscured by the camouflage.

G20 3 Series Production Headlights and Taillights

Update: July 11, 2017

Latest spy pics from: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...py-photos-news

This G20 3 Series was spotted up close and persona in the desert, wearing way too much clothing for its environment. As seen in the photos, camouflage panels and fake front/rear bumpers are still affixed to the car, hiding its final design underneath. There is also some looks at the interior, revealing the new iDrive knob and some peeks at the center console.

BMW 3 Series (G20)

Update: April 24, 2017

The 2019 BMW M340i (G20) has been recorded while testing on the Nurburgring. For the next generation G20 3 Series, the 340i will become the M340i and continue being powered by the B58 engine, with a small power bump expected.

Update: March 27, 2017

The G20 3 Series is currently undergoing winter testing in Scandinavia and our spies have had a chance to get up close and personal with it. Here's a long and very close-up look at the G20 prototypes.

Our new prediction has the updated B48 TU 4 cylinder turbo engine being introduced with the G20 3 Series when it's revealed in 2018.

Update: December 14, 2016
This is likely the first look at the G20 M Sport prototype. The larger front bumper camouflage covers the M Sport bumper underneath, but we spot larger brakes, a trunk spoiler lip, rear diffuser, and lower suspension. This is also the first look at finished exhaust tips on the G20.

BMW 3 Series (G20) M Sport Prototype

Update: November 11, 2016
The G20 3 Series has now moved beyond the cobbled together mule stage and this prototype shows us what to really to expect from the next gen 3 Series' styling - more svelte than the mule had led us to believe.

BMW 3 Series (G20) Prototype

Update: August 8, 2016
Here's a first look at the G20 3 Series interior. From what we can see so far, the G20 interior is evolutionary, maintaining a similar center stack design and layout as in the F30. The biggest changes seen so far are the part physical / part digital instrument panel, and a more upright iDrive screen which appears to be positioned higher than the F30 screen.

BMW 3 Series (G20) Interior Spied

Update: June 28, 2016
The G20 3 Series has now been spotted testing on the Nurburgring, still wearing its initial heavy camouflage.

Some updated info regarding the 2019 3 Series model lineup from our Upcoming BMW model pipeline info thread:

2019 3 series (G20) will have mostly the same model designations we have today on F30, with just some relatively small changes:

- 320i will get the B46 engine
- 328d will get B47 and become 330d (which RTW (rest-of-the-world) model it
will correspond to is unknown atm)
- 340i will be called M340i (a small power output bump is virtually guaranteed).
RTW G20 will cover the range from 318i to M340i and from 316d to M340d.


Original Post - January 11, 2016
What uncanny timing that the first G20 3 Series prototype is spotted on the opening day of the Detroit auto show

Spotted testing in Germany, this early G20 prototype wears heavy camouflage. The headlight shape is still purposely obscured by the camo but the kidney grille shape can be seen. The grilles appear both taller and more rounded than the current F30 grilles. As with recently introduced BMW models, the G20 loses the controversial high-hoodline, with the hood now meeting the top of the kidney grilles once again. The tail light shape cannot yet be seen since this prototype wears fake round tail lights often seen on early BMW prototypes.

The split dual exhaust indicates that this is the 340i model.

The G20 3 Series will be built upon the CLAR platform, which will underpin all models from the 3 Series and higher. Expect the same models and variants as the current generation 3 Series. The G20 should be available in 2018.

Rumored details and technologies for the G20 include:

• Longer wheelbase
• Wider track
• Lower center of gravity
• Lighter weight
• Better brakes
• Adaptive suspension
• Switchable anti-roll bars
• xDrive with quicker torque distribution
• Active steering
• Torque vectoring
• OLED / Laser Lighting
• Semi-autonomous driving

BMW 3 Series (G20) Hits the Nurburgring

BMW 3 Series (G20) Spied!

[SHoTTa35]

Looking good so far. As much as a love my F30, I will not miss the high hoodline.

[rolltidef32]

Thanks for the peak! Lighter = Yes!

Laser headlights should be nice.

Those taillights are interesting; look round. Can't wait to see more.

[G30 B58]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

Those taillights are interesting; look round. Can't wait to see more.

OLEDs are expected. I'd bet that round tacked on piece is just more camouflage.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

Thanks for the peak! Lighter = Yes!

Laser headlights should be nice.

Those taillights are interesting; look round. Can't wait to see more.

Early prototypes always have these fake round lights as camouflage.

[bueller]

Looks like LCD dials like the new A4.

Hopefully not bigger, as in longer and wider! But I am guessing that with longer wheelbase and wider track that is the way it will go...

B.

[the_phew]

Images 9 and 10 failing to load for anyone else?

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by bueller

Looks like LCD dials like the new A4.

Hopefully not bigger, as in longer and wider! But I am guessing that with longer wheelbase and wider track that is the way it will go...

B.

Car does seem bigger; guess that'll be ok if it were just to lose some weight.

Car is likely made of steel, but what are thoughts on aluminum? I know it'll be more expensive to fix, but I think many others may move this way in the future.

[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.

[Aatish]

Better brakes! Yay

[stvding]

I will buy a M model!

[Doctor///M]

no ///M mirrors?!?!

[WWM3]

Fix the damn steering.

[AKRAPOVICOWNS]

Originally Posted by the_phew

Images 9 and 10 failing to load for anyone else?

Yes

[Jason]

Originally Posted by the_phew

Images 9 and 10 failing to load for anyone else?

They should load now.

[SaMaster14]

Tail lights look good, definitely different from current gen and e9x gen. I know it's a ways away, but can't wait to se the ///M version. With the normal 3 loosing some more weight, having a longer wheelbase/wider track, and being built on the new G chassis, that will probably be good news for the M!

What was the rumor again... Tri-turbo??

[Jason]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

Tail lights look good, definitely different from current gen and e9x gen. I know it's a ways away, but can't wait to se the ///M version. With the normal 3 loosing some more weight, having a longer wheelbase/wider track, and being built on the new G chassis, that will probably be good news for the M!

What was the rumor again... Tri-turbo??

Tail lights cannot be seen. Those are dummy / fake round tail lights seems on all early BMW prototypes.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by SHoTTa35

Looking good so far. As much as a love my F30, I will not miss the high hoodline.

Amen

[greekcs]

Originally Posted by Jason

They should load now.

love the "oh shit" buttons on the dash.

[Nebraska330xi]

Take new 7 and times by .75? Usually the 3 sets the bar for the next gen so hopefully not!

[metrickid]

Exhausts are much wider apart now too, more like the 5er.

[3s-a-charm]

Interesting dash and instrument cluster - looks like a large centre dial?