Automotive paparazzi are having an amazing week. After recognizing the BMW i3, they’ve now caught the next-generation 3 Sequence (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 non permanent 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 Sequence is strikingly just like the totally electrical i3 (NA0). That’s regardless of the actual fact the 2 sedans sit on totally totally different platforms. The three Sequence G50 will persist with its tried-and-tested CLAR underpinnings. The i3 will probably be primarily based on the corporate’s first devoted structure for electrical fashions.
This Is The M Efficiency Mannequin, Doubtless M350
If it weren’t for the exhaust, it wouldn’t be really easy to establish this prototype as a gas-fueled automotive. 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 known as M350, probably the most highly effective model of the G50 3 Sequence can 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 purple calipers point out BMW was testing a prototype with M Sport brakes however the wheels and fenders aren’t large enough 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 Sequence. As with the i3 caught a couple of days in the past, the take a look at automobile has flush door handles. We’re glad to see neither the ICE nor the EV can have an outsized entrance grille. The kidneys hiding underneath camo are seemingly small, consistent with the 2023 Imaginative and prescient Neue Klasse idea.
As you’ll anticipate, the new 3 Sequence 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 will probably be larger, the electrical i3 might nonetheless have a extra spacious inside because of 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 advised 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 will probably be a big central display, presumably larger 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 must be an evolution of the omnipresent B58. BMW is definitely 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 vehicles on the Outdated Continent to fulfill harder legal guidelines.
We’re listening to that 3 Sequence G50 manufacturing is scheduled to begin in November 2026. Not like all its predecessors, it’s not going to be assembled in Munich. As a substitute, BMW is more likely to construct the automotive in Dingolfing. A 3 Sequence Touring G51 might observe shortly, offered it will get the inexperienced gentle. As for the G84 M3 sedan, manufacturing might start in July 2028. It’s too quickly to say whether or not BMW will do one other M3 Touring.
Images: Baldauf
