BMW officially teases the new-gen 3 Series for the first time

-    The 3 Series will enter into its seventh generation, codenamed G20.

-  The German sedan was developed on the legendary Nordschleife Nurburgring.

-    Based on a new platform and it will be powered by the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted in a BMW.

It was a well-known fact that BMW was developing a new-generation 3 Series thanks to our exclusive spied images of the sedan. Now, for the first time, the Bavarian carmaker has confirmed the G20 3 Series has commenced its final stages of testing at the Nurburgring. 

The new-gen 3 Series prototype is wearing little camouflage while going around the German racetrack in these official images. The executive sedan will employ a new platform similar to the 5 Series’ CLAR architecture. It will get new suspension, steering, damping and brakes for an optimized ride comfort while maintaining its dynamic performance, says BMW. The centre of gravity is lowered by around 10mm compared to the model it replaces. BMW’s characteristic 50:50 weight distribution is maintained while the overall weight has been reduced by 55 kilograms. The rigidity of the body structure and steering set-up has been significantly enhanced as the four-door sedan gets larger track width and an increased camber. 

No specific details about the powertrain have been revealed but under the hood will be a thoroughly revised four-cylinder petrol motor. This will be the most powerful four-cylinder motor ever fitted in a BMW. claims the carmaker. Yet the fuel consumption will be down by five per cent compared to the older version of the same engine. The Euro 6 engine will be mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. 

BMW has fitted the new 3 Series with what they call 'lift-related' dampers. This suspension technology can strike a balance between a sporty ride and comfortable ride by dynamic damping. The ride quality will be the defining characteristic of the new 3 Series, boasts the Munich-based carmaker. Along with it, the M Sport suspension has also undergone changes to make it sportier with more rigid bearings and stabilisers, harder springs and body struts.

Appearance wise, we know the 3 will look similar to the new 5 Series. The new sleeker headlights will flank the restyled grille. At the rear, the newly designed tail lights will be similar to the 5. The cabin too is expected to be borrowed from the elder siblings. We expect the new 3 Series to be revealed late this year before going on sale in 2019. It will promptly make its way to India as well.