We’ve seen quite a few spy photos of the upcoming G20-generation of 3 Series in recent weeks. The next-gen 3 Series will be an important one for BMW, so we’re all watching it quite closely. The current F30-gen 3er is probably the least-loved 3 Series ever. So fans are hoping the Bavarians redeem themselves with this new one. Fortunately, it’s off to a good start, thanks to BMW’s new CLAR architecture. That architecture will allow it to have some interesting new powertrains, one of which being in the BMW 325e iPerformance plug-in hybrid we see in these photos.
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While a plug-in hybrid powertrain isn’t really new to the 3 Series, being that we currently have the BMW 330e iPerformance on sale, this will be a new hybrid powertrain for the 3er. It’s said that BMW will offer two different hybrids in the G20-gen 3 Series, this 325e and a more powerful 330e, with a longer range. The 330e will continue to use a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor but this new 325e will gain a smaller setup.
Similar to the MINI Countryman E S Plug-in Hybrid and BMW i8, the BMW 325e iPerformance will come with the brand’s B38 1.5 liter turbocharged I3 engine and an electric motor. Together, they will make around 265 hp, which is more than that of the current-gen BMW 330i.
In terms of the way it looks, there really isn’t much we can make out, as it’s heavily wrapped in camouflage. Though, we can see that the headlights seem more angular than the current car’s and the Kidney Grilles are larger. Also, there seems to be a sweeping body line at the bottom of the front doors that sweeps upward as it moves toward the back. It’s an interesting little character line that should help add some visual drama.
In these photos, we can clearly see that this 3 Series is a hybrid. What gives it away is the visible charge port on the front, driver’s side fender. Also, there are big “Hybrid Test Vehicle” plaques stuck on the body of the car. We’re interested to see this new 325e iPerformance, as it should offer very impressive fuel economy with 330i-beating performance. If it’s priced affordably, this could be a slam-dunk for BMW.
[Source: Phocarmedia | Motor.es]
Crazy pressure on BMW to deliver an outstanding 3 series here
Hey Nico, I’m surprised to hear the opinion that G30 is the most unpopular 3 series ever. My perception – taken globally, is that that title belongs to the E90. Certainly in my books. G30 is still – after all these years, a really attractive car – and should remain that way for years to come.
I think you mean F30 :) But, at least here in the ‘States, most BMW enthusiasts prefer the E90 to the current F30. What’s odd is that the F30 might be the better sales success than the E90 (I don’t know the actual numbers off the top of my head). It’s enthusiasts who dislike the F30 for its lack of feel and feedback compared to its predecessors. No doubt the F30 is a handsome car, it’s just not as dynamic as many enthusiasts wanted.
Which of course is why they bought a four door sedan. Also, my ice cream is cold!
Yea, sorry, F30. I do see your point, tho.
Gobally the E90 is the best selling 3 series in the history of BMW thus far. And it doesn’t look as if the F30 will beat that figure. A new model is coming and usually numbers of the outgoing model will decline. I think most people were disappointed with the design, as it wasn’t as good looking as the E46. However that perception changed with the LCI. Its also the 3 series with the N54 engine which is now known as the tuner engine to go to if you want an extremely fast BMW. Also the first and probably the last 3 series with a V8 engine, the iconic S65. Its also the last BMW that has the fast hydraulic steering rack, which enthusiast prefer. And it seems to hold up well especially the naturally aspirated inline six engines. Most will see over +250,000 miles and with no issues if maintained properly. Whether the turbo engines in the F30 are able to do that, remains to be seen.
Yes and No, Its like that fairy tale story the ugly duckling who grew up to become a swan. The E90 was a very much hated car at first but over the years enthusiast has come to like it because most things they got in the E90 they didn’t get in the F30. People seem to miss old technology more before they warm up to new technology. And for every new model this story will probably be the same. I think when the G20 is here people will start to look at the F30 and say… Wow now thats a great car.
Thought E90 330i was 2006 World Car of the Year, immediately made obsolete by beast 335i. Cannot compare 3er with the past, volume alone now spread over 2 ranges & multiple body styles.
I do like the 330i thou, Its a solid car made to last. N52 is a smooth engine. But the 335i was just something else. You are right the F30 is a stand alone model. And the E90,E91,E92,E93 was all just called a 3 series. However they did sell almost two million E90’s World wide. Now, I do think the F30 might surpass that number.
Here in North America the #s can’t be compared, as they are broken into 3 Series, 4 Series, sedans, coupes, wagons, GTs, GCs, cabriolets – by increasing their volume, BMW gave up their sales title. Ironically.
Makes sense. Although, it says more about human nature than the actual progress of technology, me thinks…
Waiting patiently for the G20 to be make it’s world premier! Come on BMW! BWMBlog, please confirm these spy shots are legit.
https://paultan.org/2017/08/10/spied-g20-bmw-3-series-shows-production-lights/
Not anytime soon.
Please make it available in the Touring version :::
I just want the new G20 3 series to be the car that will take back the title as the best compact luxury sedan money can buy for the life cycle of the model. Its hard but achievable, just like its predecessors.
As it keeps growing in size, I thought BMW were having the 3er become the 21st century e39, the perfect car of the ’90’s.
E39 was a great car. Lets hope they got the recipe to do that. Would be awesome.