The changes in BMW’s family look over the past few years have been dramatic and unprecedented in the brand’s history. In particular, the kidney grille, one of its unique design elements, has grown to the extent that its limits seem unfathomable, and fans’ response has been cold. Even aftermarket parts in the tuning market return the car to its previous design. In the midst of all this, BMW’s proposed future of electrification, “Vision Neue Klasse,” is further fueling the design controversy.
In particular, the narrow kidney grille of the Vision Neue Klasse X, an SUV version, has been met with harsh criticism, and it has been reported that the same design will be applied to the next mass-produced iX3 model. It seems that the 3 Series will also have difficulty avoiding this change. Even the internal combustion engine specification and the electric vehicle i3 are expected to have a similar design layout. A foreign media outlet has drawn attention by presenting a rendering in a completely different direction.
Design Evolution: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Russian automotive media outlet Kolesa released a rendering of the redesigned version of the 3 Series. It was created based on the prototype of the new car that was first captured earlier, and it is attracting attention by applying design cues from the current model. Let’s take a look at the spy shots first. The proportions are close to those of a traditional sedan, and the long front fender line characteristic of rear-wheel drive well reflects the identity of the existing 3 Series.
However, in the case of the front design, the Vision Neue Klasse’s unique appearance, where the headlamps and grille are connected, can be confirmed. It is difficult to infer the detailed shape because it is covered with camouflage film, but a narrow and vertically long kidney grille is expected to be applied. On the other hand, the virtual new car in the rendering has a sporty appearance of the current 3 Series and 5 Series, such as the kidney grille that fills both sides and the sharp eyes.
Clean side character lines
The rear view is a scaled-down version of the 5 Series
The clean lines are emphasized for the side by applying a character line with reduced frills and a flush-type door handle. What will the rear look like? In the case of the concept car, horizontal tail lamps were applied to cover the entire car except for the emblem. The electric car i3 will likely reflect this design element. On the other hand, the internal combustion engine vehicles may retain its current appearance to some extent, at least in the rear. The dual twin muffler tips, proudly revealed despite the trend of hiding muffler tips, catch the eye.
The new car in the rendering shows many elements inspired by the 5 Series. The taillights with different thicknesses in the rear quarter panel and trunk area and the slim white horizontal line dividing the interior are representative. In the trunk, a wide horizontal line starting from the license plate attachment area adds a three-dimensional effect. The black high-gloss rear bumper that wraps around the muffler tip also features a similar outline in the prototype.
Platform differentiation for EVs
Slated for 2026 debut
Meanwhile, the redesigned 3 Series model will reflect the Neue Klasse design to some extent, but the platform will use the CLAR as before. On the other hand, the electrified model i3 will be developed based on the Neue Klasse platform. The new 3 Series internal combustion engine is likely to maintain the current 2.0L 4-cylinder and 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine lineup. The industry predicts that the new 3 Series will be launched in 2026.
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