Automotive paparazzi are having an excellent week. After recognizing the BMW i3, they’ve now caught the next-generation 3 Collection (G50). Very similar to the Neue Klasse-based electrical automobile, the gasoline sports activities sedan seemingly carries the manufacturing physique. As with the EV, the brand new 3er has short-term headlights and taillights however the dimension and form of the ultimate clusters gained’t change.
When BMW mentioned Neue Klasse design cues would rub off onto automobiles with combustion engines, it wasn’t kidding round. The eighth-generation 3 Collection is strikingly much like the absolutely electrical i3 (NA0). That’s regardless of the actual fact the 2 sedans sit on totally completely different platforms. The three Collection G50 will keep on with its tried-and-tested CLAR underpinnings. The i3 might be based mostly on the corporate’s first devoted structure for electrical fashions.
This Is The M Efficiency Mannequin, Probably M350
If it weren’t for the exhaust, it wouldn’t be really easy to determine this prototype as a gas-fueled automobile. Talking of the quad suggestions, you’d be tempted to say BMW is already testing the next-gen M3, codenamed G84. Nevertheless, we strongly imagine that is solely a lesser M Efficiency mannequin. More likely to be referred to as M350, probably the most highly effective model of the G50 3 Collection may have a quad exhaust. It’s a controversial development that began with M Efficiency fashions just like the M135, M235, X1 M35i, X2 M35i, and the X3 M50.
The crimson calipers point out BMW was testing a prototype with M Sport brakes however the wheels and fenders usually are not sufficiently big for a full-fat M3. A delicate trunk lid spoiler is one other clue we’re not coping with a run-of-the-mill 3 Collection. As with the i3 caught just a few days in the past, the check automobile has flush door handles. We’re pleased to see neither the ICE nor the EV may have an outsized entrance grille. The kidneys hiding below camo are seemingly small, in line with the 2023 Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse idea.
As you’ll count on, the new 3 Collection G50 seemingly has barely longer overhangs than the zero-emission i3. The latter takes benefit of the superior packaging by not having to hold round oily bits. It permits the engineers to stretch the wheelbase by minimizing the overhangs. Even when the next-gen 3er might be greater, the electrical i3 might nonetheless have a extra spacious inside due to the bespoke Neue Klasse platform.
Neue Klasse-Impressed Inside
The similarities between the 2 luxurious sedans ought to proceed within the cabin. We are able to’t see what’s going inside however the Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse strongly instructed an ultra-minimalist structure. Put together to say goodbye to most bodily controls, the iDrive rotary knob, and the instrument cluster. As a substitute, there might be a big central display screen, presumably greater than the 14.9-inch show discovered within the present 3er. Dubbed Panoramic Imaginative and prescient, a next-gen head-up show will stretch from one nook of the dashboard to the opposite.
As to what’s hiding beneath the hood, it ought to be an evolution of the omnipresent B58. BMW is actually tweaking the inline-six to adjust to upcoming Euro 7 laws. We hope the German luxurious model will proceed to supply each rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Extra energy isn’t essentially occurring, particularly in Europe the place there are stricter emissions requirements. BMW really detunes some present M Efficiency automobiles on the Outdated Continent to fulfill harder legal guidelines.
We’re listening to that 3 Collection G50 manufacturing is scheduled to start out in November 2026. Not like all its predecessors, it’s not going to be assembled in Munich. As a substitute, BMW is prone to construct the automobile in Dingolfing. A 3 Collection Touring G51 might comply with shortly, offered it will get the inexperienced mild. As for the G84 M3 sedan, manufacturing might begin in July 2028. It’s too quickly to say whether or not BMW will do one other M3 Touring.
Pictures: Baldauf
