Facelifted executive express is pictured with a spoiler and other subtle bodywork updates.
The new facelifted BMW 3 Series has been spied by our photographers in its clearest guise yet, undergoing tests on public roads in Germany.
The executive saloon was pictured with an obscured front and rear, disguised by a black-and-white patterned livery.
Design updates appear subtle compared with the current car, but the model pictured features what appears to be M Performance styling and new aerodynamic addenda.
A spoiler is clearly visible at the rear, while there’s a spoiler lip, larger air intakes and a honeycomb-style grille at the front.
The 3 Series is yet to feature BMW’s controversial new grille but does receive freshly updated front and rear lights. It will also once again offer a choice of sedan and wagon (Touring) bodystyles.
It’s not yet clear which engines BMW will offer for as part of the 3 Series’ update, but it looks likely that the model will retain a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
A mild-hybrid variant of the four-cylinder petrol engine could also be added to the range, joining the diesel and six-cylinder MHEV options.
One of the images also gives a hint of the 3 Series’ infotainment, believed to be the eight-generation of the firm’s iDrive system, as seen in the electric BMW iX and BMW i4.
Should the 3 Series gain the latest iDrive system, it would be one of the model’s major updates. BMW described the system as its “most powerful” yet, featuring a rotary controller, 5G data support, new touchscreen controls and a large, curved central display.
In the iX, the system pairs a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen that has a 200ppi (pixels per square inch) resolution.
The facelifted BMW 3 Series is expected to go on sale later this year, likely commanding a slight price premium over the outgoing car.
Jack Warrick