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I know that it’s 2009, but I can’t help but look into the future when details about future-generation models emerge. I’m probably not alone as a complete sketch and concept car junkie. That said, there isn’t a ton of information available on the next generation of the 3 Series sedan, but there is more now than there was before, so it’s cause for blogging in my book.
Here’s what we know now. The basic design proportions will not change. The overall look will reportedly be a bit thinner than current 3 Series models, however. Additionally, the front will have a slightly wider kidney grille and the rear will keep the same BMW theme. Though I would expect some tweaking to the lighting units.
More than some styling alterations and additions, the next-generation BMW 3 Series set to debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2011 will be positioned as a car designed from the bottom-up for the age of low carbon, fuel-efficient driving.
When I’ve test-driven BMW 3 Series Chicago models in the past, two words came to mind: performance and luxury. And while BMW will remain committed to its roots, no longer is BMW defined by luxury and premium performance alone. With a new direction, BMW now considers anything not optimally compatible with the environment to be incongruent with its vehicles. In fact, after this year BMW will no longer participate in Formula One racing because it does not exemplify their newly-focused commitment to the environment.
The 3 Series will display that commitment. The next-generation 2012 model will boast a drag coefficient of .24, better than the Toyota Prius. We will have to wait for serious, confirmed details until next year. But it is interesting to think about some of the things BMW might do with the 3 Series and other models in the coming years.
Apparently, BMW’s reinvention as a company committed to sustainability will really ramp up in 2016. At that time, it is rumored that BMW will overhaul the engineering behind the infrastructure technology, like the heating and cooling systems and other control systems that have not undergone serious alterations in the auto industry since it was cool to own an El Camino.
Locally, I haven’t been able to gather any more information from Chicago BMW dealers. Looking around at BMW 3 Series Chicago models the other day, I realized how much I truly love the body styling and overall presence of the 3 Series. I’m glad to see that the design language is not planned to undergo significant rewrites in the next generation.
This looks fantastic, I cannot wait to see the new BMW 3 series coupe up close. The new BMW 3 series got a 5* star review by Exchange and Mart http://bit.ly/pPqJq which is pretty amazing – not many cars get the full 5 stars! The only thing negative to be said about it really is the options are very expensive on it, so we i better get playing the lottery! If I did have the opportunity to own this car though, I would definitely go for it.