2012 BMW 3-series

By Horatiu Boeriu. Read Bio
July 6th, 2007 | News | 158 comments

Could this be the next design for the best seller in the BMW family, the 3 series? The current E90 BMW 3-series has only been on the market since 2005 but details about the next-gen model are already circulating with most agreeing that the next model will feature styling lifted from the Concept CS.

Due in 2012, the next BMW 3-series will be the first of a family of BMW cars with a more recognizable face derived from the original styling of the Shanghai concept.

With the new 3-series, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car’s awkward styling and lack of interior space. These renderings, compiled using information from sources close to the project show that the new car will have a pronounced kidney-grille with the air-intakes positioned on either side of the bumper just below the headlights.

2012 BMW 3 series

New options for the 2012 3-series will include hybrid variants as well as the latest version of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics. The X-Drive AWD system is likely to gain favour thanks to a redesign of the system to reduce weight, which will only increase fuel consumption by 0.5L per 100km over RWD models.

Other features that may make it to production include night-vision devices, a head-up display and radar safety systems.

2012 BMW 3 series

2012 BMW 3 series

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    • STEFANOS

      I like it very much.This is my next car!!!!!!

  • http://bmw-steel.carcorolla.cn Panayiotis

    Cool…

    • Zborovskyigor

      i dont even think there will be another 3 series better than this
      but BMW is going to make something better by the year of 2013 oe 14
      i just know it

      • Chris Blackdiamond full

        i just love it

    • http://bikes.indiandrives.com/ Comparison

       
      It’s
      a well-built, premium compact vehicle endowed with world-class fit
      and finish, ample power, and a comfortable ride and so on…..really cool car!!

  • IPGAuto, Germany

    Hell no, thats the stupidest lookin ever. Thats the new concept from BMW. their not going to make it that dramatic.

  • Scott

    They also need to bump up the horsepower over the new 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe to beat the competition. I would like to see BMW add another 100 horses.

    • pou

      oh man, it is not about horsepower all the time… Why is Infinity havin so overpowered engine, when driving it is feelingless ? No offense, but company like Infinity, focused on american market, can never produce car which can be compared to any BMW… It is all about the way it feels, i guarantee you, that theres no stock infinity that can be compared to any of mass produced BMW cars…

    • http://pooper@poop.com krap

      It already beats the G37. Magazine cars are not reality. G37 is a sh1tbox, Ive driven both.

      • John

        Krap, your name says it all.
        Calling the G37 a “sh1tbox” is the height of ignorance. You’re obviously a highly challenged BWM fanboy, versus someone who loves cars, and can objectively discuss them. The G37 is a fine automobile, as are most BMW’s I’ve driven.
        “Driving them both” makes me ponder if your driving experience is limited to the Xbox 360 your parents most likely bought for you.

  • http://www.edbmw.com Irv Robinson

    Scott, they might bump it, they could basically use the new M3′s engine

  • Pat

    I’m tired of people just taking recent concepts (Concept CS) and Photoshopping them onto existing models (335i) and declaring “Is this the next [whatever]?” It has no basis in actual fact.

  • Chris

    Scott,

    Car magazines already have done comparos on the 335i coupe and G37 and they were suspicious why the G37 didn’t beat bimmer’s acceleration times. So, they dyno’d both cars and found that in crank numbers, the 335i had 350hp with about 300fps and the G37 read as 349hp with about mid 280′s fps. BMW really underestimated the hp ratings for the 335i significantly primarily to sell the rest of ’06 M3′s…and ofcourse keeping it as much hush hush as possible just to make it more difficult for Infinity as they were making their final touches with their G37 coupe engine’s outputs.

    As for the 2012 model, with past hp increases, I predict the new 3-series having still the twin-turbo, inline 3.2L w/ approx. 350 (under-rated) hp.

  • roy bessant

    bmw have gone the mile infront ov every1 else 2 do with design and technology, gonna buy 1, stay with bmw, no probs ever.

  • http://myspace.com/surajg suraj

    i like it. enough said.

  • SOSAD4BMW

    It is so sad to see what BMW has done to its cars. The new design is no where near the design history of old. I have had more BMWs follow behind me and you have to look twice to see if it was a pontiac. The styling is developed a feminine softness that doesn’t keep up with the design line of the past. Sure it may handle like a Bimmer, but putting the badge on the newest model line is way off mark. Also looks like they went more toward the riceburner market, which is NOT their market.
    And I’m not bashing BMW as a brand. I know your all gonna get your panties in a bind and say I just don’t understand, but I am not part of the market segment that just glorifies BMW just for being BMW. I am a proud owner of the last great design before this generation was launched. 2004 330i Msport package.
    SO SAD 4 BMW

    • http://pooper@poop.com krap

      Badge fans might not be with you, but true brand/car fans are.

    • Taco325i

      2004 styling is crap too dude. 1990s was the golden age.

    • Hmorad

      i kinda agree with u because i also see that BMW went slightly downhill since the e46 (the one u have) when it comes to BMW’s agressive appearance but it improved dramatically when it comes to performance and i am sure u agree with me on that part

    • Paul Brun

      I have to say I disagree. The newest 2012 is an amazing platform from listening to the webcast. I will reserve final judgement till I get to drive one personally at the dealer next year, but it looks so much better than the predecessor. 

      Great job BMW…looks like I will be knocking at the dealer’s door in the latter part of 2012.

      Paul

  • zeta

    The rear and profile look are excellent. The front is not simpatico, no? Looks angry from the front – not a nice look – like lifting one’s upper lip to frown. I’d rather a neutral look; somewhere between a hint of a smile and abject indifference, rather than a cosmetic surgery stretch gone awry.

    The eyebrows on the kidney grill look silly, in my opinion.

    This rendering exercise deserves high marks. I don’t think BMW can come up with a better profile or rear although the cut on the rear lamps along the trunk seam will look passé by release date. If this were out tomorrow I’d be waiting overnight at my dealer’s.

    • Bill

      kidney grille kinda looks like droopy eyelids, no?

  • http://bmwlover angelina

    well i do agree the front looks a little to exaggerated and i own a 2003 bmw 3 series and id much prefer that. But what i think there trying to do is modernize the vehicle, have you seen the new r8 by audi there smokin, hey if you dont like it others will, the fact is that we have to accept change
    besides it bmw they can pretty much do anything to there cars and ppl will lovethem the point is a bimmer is a bimmer

  • mohammad reza

    please send new picture send me tanks

  • tommy

    hey socct the bmw with 300 horse power is still faster the the infiniti with 330 horse power because bmw is better make for a car

  • Sidiku Buari jr.

    this is incredible. Cant wait fr it to be released.

  • Wonger

    I saw this in France already, they get different designs over there… lucky bastards!

  • Bob

    Nice car. Kidney grille is way too big, but otherwise, nice car.

  • siva

    i am very satiafied for buy the BMW car

  • Chris

    uh thats the seven series

  • Howie_In_AZ

    Yeah this is the new 7, not the new 3.

    Interesting possibility of a hybrid, even though BMW had stated before they were against hybrids as their diesels get better mileage.

  • http://google Beefy

    BMW truely has a driving experience that never must be forgotten and its driving pleasure is phonominal no futher comment.

  • http://rstcars.com ukrineanman

    excellent execution. probably just like this and will look new generation of BMW 3-series. idea design taken from bmw CS Concept. which was shown almost a year ago. excellent direction. personally I very like the ideas of this designer.

  • J. Marincic

    I can’t believe it! BMW still running on petrol in 2012? You know the times when people used to runn car on coal, when petrol was in short supply? Well, why don’t you just do that instead! It will draw the atention, people will look twice at the car with chimney, wont they?
    Keep up the good work BMW, with technology such as this will be in space in no time. Cheers James

  • Bobby

    I thought this was the look for the new 7 series that is coming out soon. If this is the 3 series I would say it is really UGLY. The 3 series now looks waaaaay better.

  • john

    can you say 7 series ? whats the price going to be 55g’s ?

  • http://bil.blogg.no bil blogg

    Looks way better than current BMW’s, looks less like a fish..

  • Cal

    This picture is not real one bit, I do not believe they will use the exact same headlights (in picture) that is used on the Concept CS, the body design on the 3 (pictured) is very similar to the Concept CS and the Concept CS is going to be upward of $250,000. BMW will not be able to manufacture a 3 Series like that without going upmarket (changing series category). “BMW will not make a car like this fullstop”.

  • Artmic

    i like the front of that car, and if a 3-series had it in the future, i’d love to get one

  • Jonathan Johnson

    if this is it??! ill start saving up>>>>BMW for life

  • Artmic

    come to think of it, i hope they increase the existing 230hp engine to 280, and make the 300 into a 360hp engine….
    The 230hp engine is lagging behind IMO.

  • Mike

    I like it. I would get it.

  • http://www.infotrucker.com Mercy

    BMW looks great but its a seven series which is coming in 2009…………..

  • Alex

    To all of you who keep saying its a 7 it’s not! Go look up the 2009 7 series and compare it to this, they are way different! I don’t know if anyone else has noticed but the 3 and 7 series are very similar in design! Ranging from the 2001′s to the 2008′s!

    Everyone should also try looking up the 2012 6 series, its very similar! BMW is soon going to make all there cars look the same!

  • Chex Nigeria

    The rear look is out of this world. The front should not have that same 6-series kidney grille design please and no eyelids for the headlights please-thats why I love the 3-series coupe.

  • Thomas

    one of the first new bmw that’s finally looking good.. the lights look quit good actually and the ugly bumper is turned in an “ok” bumper

  • Andrew

    That’s a very ugly car. I really hope BMW will not adopt this design for the important and volume seller 3-series. This is really a big step backward in design after Chris Bangle leaves BMW

  • RamZess

    УТОНЧЕННЫЙ ДИЗАЙН ВНЕШНОСТИ,ДАЕТ АВТО ЭКЗКЛЮЗИВНОСТЬ)

  • toni nemr

    B M W 3 SERIES 2012 WILL BE THE STARS IN BMW FAMILY AS USEALY , WISH ALL THE THE BEST AND I WILL WAIT THE NEW MODEL TO CHANGE MY BMW 325 MODEL 2006 BY PASSION

  • RAMORAB

    FRONT GRILLES LOOK ANGRY AND OUT OF PROPORTION. TAIL LIGHTS ARE GORGEOUS! — STILL HAVE TIME TO REDESIGN KIDNEYS —

  • hasssan

    Damn, it looks angry

  • AJ

    FINALLY THEY NAILED IT ON THE MONEY!!!

  • http://www.themainstreetsalonmantua.com Shane Giumarello

    I like it, and truthfully, isn’t this the design leap we’ve been waiting for? A more aggressive face, better proportions on the rear, interior space, size? This is solved…

    HOWEVER! I don’t like that they render these, and we get all hyped-up, and save our money just to find different designs… Something other than what we eat, slept, and thought for for the past years it’s been developed. My 2 cents… Otherwise, I wish this design was 100% accurate.

  • Richard Davids.

    List of best rally driver. Colin McCrae(Late), Richard Burns, The Stig, Junior Buari, Tom Ford, Tiff Nedal, Jason Plato, Richard Hammond, Edward Miller. These are the best drivers i,ve ever seen.

  • John mayhem

    The 7series is great. The 3 series is ok. I’d prefer the m3. Saw the video of some guys from ghana doing burnouts in an m3. Check it out on u tube.

  • cem yanmaz

    ı dıdnot understand. wıll bmw sell new 3 serıe ın 2011 or 2012

    • Ernesto

      I really love the current BMW design. It is true tho, that the next 3 series will take some of the new 7 series’ appearance, but I strongly doubt it will be as much as we see on that picture. The lines in the 3 series are generally much more accentuated than in the 5 or 7 series historically. Regarding engines, the new M3 engine will prob be history for the 2012 version. I see more turbos on future petrol engines since they improve both HP and consumption. And for the one that commented on BMW’s petrol engines, I love them, and I hope they never go away.

  • Priyanshu Bhateja

    Man, the design is awsome. It has the looks of 7 series but i dont think its the same in the picture. has a handsome look n a bumper.But is it runnin on petrol in 2010 or 11.

  • ESSAMFANSA

    ITS LIKE A VULTURE

  • Glenn

    This car looks great, how can I order one. I have been waiting for this for the past 5 years, as I cant handle the back lights on the E90 and am still driving an E 46, which I feel is by far the best 3 series so far.

  • mohhhs

    it;s very suck it looks like dodge the current is the best in desien

  • http://deleted mohhhs

    ……………………………………..

  • Mr music Producer

    it’s ok but it doesn’t have that m33333333 look, it doesn’t look sporty

  • Go Aussie

    Was going to buy M3 next year but will wait till 2012 for new style. Would like to see the front with slightly harder look

  • varant

    best look for bmw is model 2000………………..

  • http://www.bimmerissues.com xtreme

    Hope they fix the leaky top and N54 issues

  • nav

    I think it looks like Volvo !!!

  • http://sto-auto.org.ua/ BMW xxx

    I LOVE “Big Money World”

  • Yesman

    I hope it doesn’t come out like this. The front looks too angry, the back is way~~ off.

    I think the best 3 design is the current e90 LCI (2009 version)

  • najib

    I’m working for bmw dealer ship in africa, and i alwais asking my self what is next,
    there always next and better than the previous model
    I’m very proud to be member of BMW family

  • http://www.deannadurbindevotees.com Alex Anisimow

    BMW – THE ULTIMATE JOY RIDE.

  • Keshav

    3 series bmws have always been great cars to drive.
    other than its engine specs, i just hope bmw keeps up their traditional looks for the next generation.
    by so, i mean not having LED lights( which other car companies are having..MB, porsche, nissan, audi) and having a boxier shape to it.
    also, its starting to look like a smaller 5 or 7 series.

  • http://www.wtf.com drivesataurus

    That thing looks like a damn GMC suv or pickup truck… i think i”m going to be sick…

  • KleenboiDuke

    I currently have a 1999 328i e46, and I love that car. I drove a 2008 335i and it was extremely powerful and fun to drive but I wasn’t ready to give up my naturally aspirated e46. I will be getting the new model 3 series if it looks anything like the one pictured above…

  • zaidy othman

    mine is e90 2007 320i model..i will definitely shift to new model after 2012..anyway i really hope they could change back light design..less curve pls…( lets see how..vw scirocco also nice maa..)

  • jocamryn

    NO NO NO! We JUST got rid of the UGLY “moustache”! We killed it burned it and threw away the ashes!!!!

  • http://mhndjaff.com Muhanad Jaff

    misleading photos, they are reproduced by some photo editing software from the image of the bmw concept car…

  • Dina

    The 3 series2004 & 2005 are the best… the current 3 series is very ugly

  • R SNAKE
  • psk26

    bardzo pieknie przedstawia sie BMW 2012, piekne swiatła tylne przód auta tez ładny, oby tak juz pozostało.
    pozdrowienia
    fan BMW

  • http://www.goaonwheels.com Goa on Wheels

    Looks a bit similar to the new 5 series

  • DT

    The front is not bad but the rear is shite… It’s practically a wagon for christ’s sake. The trunk line is practically non-existent. I’ll be waiting a few more years to buy if this is to be the new design.

  • http://none Rudy

    Looks like the e46 M3 is last of the great looking BMW’s. Sure to be a classic.

  • http://burgertuning.com Alex

    These guys broke the 1/4 mile world record in a Twin Turbo BMW 3 Series.
    http://www.burgertuning.com

    Maybe they can do it with the new 2012 3 Series. I hear that the new N55 Engine has an ECU that is designed to be hack proof. We’ll see.

  • scott barton

    Im considering buying the current model 330d msport in UK, for delivery in about september. Does anybody really know the UK release date of the next model?

  • RAMORAB

    I’m switching for the new 5 series — it maintains the classic BMW’s spirit with contemporary tech.

  • scott barton

    Nice idea but i want the msport pack, and still no sign of that on th 5 series here.

  • cmorebuttz

    It looks like a 7 series, don’t like it at all. Love my 09″ 335i conv with the msport package, was hoping that they would come up with something as gorgeous as the body they have now but i guess wrong. I’ll pass on this one.

  • recon24d

    this is what the E90 should have been or something like it. its a big departure from what i think was the best body style in 3 series history (e46) and this time its in a very good way

  • tumi

    if this is it,I’m buying one for myself

  • dk

    if they go back to the “Buick” style cheap looking flair on the grill (ergo, 2007-2009 3 series sedan), I will never buy this. It’s cheap and it looks cheap! I should know, I’ve owned three 3-series, one 5-series and now a 135.

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  • psk26

    czy można poprawić doskonałość???
    lepiej nieee!!!!!

  • sakheni

    cha, inhle ke li moto

  • phyllis

    when will the 2012 i series coupe come out

  • fadi

    يا عمي ال bmw لا يعلى عليها

  • tom

    what a nice car im gggggggggggona buy

  • Voogan

    Love BMW, the engineering behind their cars is untouchable. For a car under 60k no body touches them. I am a true car lover and nothing I have owned or driven touches the 3 series.

    As for this concept, I like the front…love the front, but the back is a little awkward for me. If I was to predict the future engine for the 3 series. I assume it will be a beefed up version of its current engine. 350HP w/ 350 torque.

    The only thing I want to see added to the 3 series is A/C Seats!!!!!!!!!!!!! I live in AZ and it is 118 out right now. =(

  • http://facebook smooth.j

    im on the same page as voogan, except for the back of the car part. i love the design period… i’ll buy it as soon as it lunches out!!!!

  • JOHN

    It looks amazing with that almost unique sport design…

  • Moe

    This looks really nice, and tough, but BMW will never come out with this for the new 3-series becasue it would kill the new 5- series which was released a couple of month back and i personally think they did not do a good job on it.
    this car above would best go for a new 4-series and if they put a big engine on it like for example a 4.5 litter and call it the 445 i would consider buying it instead of the 5-series.
    i have been driving BMW’s since 1996

  • http://twitter.com/JSP2283 Jack

    I’d prefer my 2010 320d

  • waleed wajih othman

    عنجد سياره ما شاء الله

  • Eugenite

    Thats a nice Beemer, i just hpe that they will create more space, and make the interior a bit more attractive..its about time Beeemer, starts keeping up with competitors(Audi, Benz…)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000933163932 Ozmar Rodriguez

    its nice but something about the rear makes it look fugly that im not feeling i think its the tail lights it looks like some bug

  • Fucking Hooydonk

    suck…
    looks like a pig

  • عبد الله

    مشاء الله سياره جباره البي ام وبس bmw ths is speed nissan ind bmw 4 ever

  • Morteza

    عشق است bmw
    زیباست و با وقار
    nice car 3 2012

  • nobel

    when this new version will come to malaysia?

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  • http://www.almuraba.net سيارات

    bmwblog Tags: 2012 3-series, 2012 BMW, 2012 bmw 3 series thanks you

  • sameer

    so sexyyyyyyyy

  • sameer

    so sexyyyyyyyy

  • http://www.facebook.com/don.delborrello Don Del Borrello

    Definably updating when the new 3 Series arrives

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  • max

    Dawn, its so ugly…

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  • Donald mogotsi

    i have always respected bmw designers, from an early age i just fell in love with the brand(BMW) how would have life been without BMW?

    donald mogotsi

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ponnu-Samy/100000507369648 Ponnu Samy

    Bm is Bm la…

  • Edl

    Be carefull BMW ! please do not copy Mercedes big mouths, keep your stiling ! Go back to the 335i 20108 – Eduardo A´de Lima – Mexico

  • seda

    perfect……as always…..darısı başıma

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  • Thyeo1

    BMW has been slow to introduce smaller engines with higher torque at lower rpm and better fuel economy. Look at how VW, Audi, and now even Ford have introduced these green engines. I say BMW has been disappointingly slow in their R&D. If they dont have something substantially better than the competition and soon, they are in serious trouble.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Giannis-Polixronidis/100000102042094 Giannis Polixronidis

    amayzing

  • Lucas

    muito fera

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Naveen-Ked/100001113675807 Naveen Ked

    I WISH I HAD DA NEWEST FUEL EFFICEINCY BMW REALEASED IN DA YEAR 2011

  • Abdullah7864

    my jan bmw i want to get it but

  • Abdullah7864

    my jan bmw i want to get it but

  • Omar_haddadi

    i have pictures of the new serie 3

    • Furo’G

      please share, tx

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  • Billtant

    Very beautiful design…

  • orochi

    if they’ll keep even a little bit from this concept it should make the new 3 series a very appealing and desirable car. might even be as the greatest 3 series ever from what bmw has ever made thus far, a design evolution that should naturally occur.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Beqir-Iseni/100001203175586 Beqir Iseni

    sooo  beatyful

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FJ55JIXTTC337E3BUSQVH2OX7U Justin

    nice look from the front, reminiscent in my eyes of the 6…the side and rear need some work though.  reminds me of the 3 coupe.  If BMW wants to start the price at 50K this might be the design, though.

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  • Supasonicblu3

    Fake the rear bumper is from the e92 335i. Grill is from old 740i at lease 2003. The only thing real is the photo on the 7 series they are trying to promote for 2011 lol

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  • sdfasdf

    coach outlet

  • Peterlau

    Just another BMW>>> Boring Motors Works.

  • Peterlau

    B now stand for Boring?

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  • http://newcars.indiandrives.com/ New car search

    BMW is
    unmatched in terms of style, performance, technology, safety and
    comfort, providing customers a truly complete driving experience.

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  • Gdonnell

    Greg D

    Owned BMw’s since 1989, never seen  a bad one yet, they  always come up  with  the goods

    • Gdonnell

      good one greg

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Amit-Sarkarraj/100002989144235 Amit Sarkarraj

    luxuories car 

  • rupert deBare

    Finally got to drive a BMW. Drove it hard round a couple of country roads to see if they’re really as amazing as they’re cracked up to be. Well, as far as the driving experience goes, the 3 Series I tried was only marginally better than my 1997 Toyota Carina. Both good cars, but neither the stuff of legend, I’m afraid. The best road-hugger I’ve ever experienced was a brand new Simca panel van, circa 1974.

  • rupert deBare

    Finally got to drive a BMW. Drove it hard round a couple of country roads to see if they’re really as amazing as they’re cracked up to be. Well, as far as the driving experience goes, the 3 Series I tried was only marginally better than my 1997 Toyota Carina. Both good cars, but neither the stuff of legend, I’m afraid. The best road-hugger I’ve ever experienced was a brand new Simca panel van, circa 1974.

  • phoenix1

    Just took ownership of 2012 320i Modern.
    I’m sorry for not spending more time test driving this car because the seats are really low budget and make my back ache after about 10 minutes.
    I can spend 24 hours in my Audi’s and be fresh as a daisy. Wondering if there is anything I can do to make these seats more tolerable?

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