The next BMW 3 Series has been photographed in Munich with no camouflage at all. The car, an M350 xDrive, was shared by the Reddit community r/Erlkoenige, which tracks prototypes, and it gives the clearest look yet at the gas-powered version of BMW's most important model.
Production of the new 3 Series is scheduled to begin in the second half of this year, and the official reveal appears to be close.
What the photos show
The back is the part that changes most. The new taillights are wide and stretch almost to the center of the trunk lid, leaving only a small gap for the BMW badge. The rear bumper is full of sharp angles and creases, which makes the tail look considerably busier than the current car's, and there are quad exhaust outlets.
That rear design leans heavily on the Neue Klasse design language BMW introduced on its new electric i3 earlier this year. BMW has been clear that Neue Klasse is the direction for the whole range, and this is the first gas-powered 3 Series to wear it.
The front end isn't clearly shown in the images that have circulated, so how the kidney grille and headlights are handled is still the open question. On the electric car, those are exactly the parts people have argued about most.
Why this car matters more than most
The 3 Series is the benchmark sports sedan, and it has been for most of 50 years. When BMW changes its shape, every other premium sedan maker takes notes. The E30 defined the look of the 1980s sports sedan, and generations since have been judged against it.
That's also why a busier rear end is a risk. The best 3 Series designs have been restrained, with clean surfaces and good proportions doing the work. BMW's recent history with bold front ends split its own customers, and the company has been walking some of that back.
A leak before launch is the fairest test a design ever gets, since nobody has been told what to think yet.
Put the current 3 Series against the new one on WhipJury once the full car is out, and see which way the crowd votes.
Sources:
The undisguised Munich sighting, rear design, and production timing: The Supercar Blog
The electric i3 debut and Neue Klasse design: Carscoops
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Jeffrey Wiley has spent more time than he'd like to admit thinking about what makes a car look right. He writes about automotive design, car culture, and the opinions people have strong feelings about. He lives in north Georgia.
