BMW 3 Series facelift leaked
Midlife makeover to keep Bavarian brand’s mid-size executive stalwart competitive with new Mercedes-Benz C-ClassThe seventh-generation BMW 3 Series (G20) was released in late 2018 and now it appears the award-winning mid-size luxury car is being primed for a major facelift.
If these leaked images from Instagrammer wilcoblok are any guide, it appears BMW is preparing a less fussy design with a simpler, more streamlined headlight cluster, grille and front bumper package.
The quad LED daytime running lights have been flipped from the bottom of the main beams to the top and the overall effect is arguably more conservative.
While the 2023 BMW 3 Series in the leaked photo is without its grille, many will be relieved the new-look BMW 3 Series will not adopt the controversial ‘big-mouth’ double kidney grille that punctuates its M3 and 4 Series sister models.
BMW has also re-sculpted the lower front bumper, which has a cleaner design with fewer creases and embellishments than the current model.
Other details to be gleaned from the leaked photo, which appears to be taken inside a workshop, include the fitment of BMW M Performance cosmetic accessories including aerodynamic carbon wing mirrors, black side skirts, a rear boot lid spoiler and side body stripes.
Expected to be launched in 2022, the facelifted BMW 3 Series will introduce fresh visuals and powertrains to keep it relevant in the fight against its arch-rival, the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class due Down Under later this year.
The new C-Class (W206) will bring a new look and significant tech upgrades including new engines, but will ditch its six- and eight-cylinder powertrains.
It’s unlikely the updated BMW 3 Series will follow suit, with the 340i and hallowed M3 expected to retain the German car-maker’s trademark turbo-petrol inline six.
Inside, the updated 3 Series is expected to be fitted with the latest techo-arsenal from the Munich brand’s cutting-edge new EVs such as the BMW i4 Gran Coupe and iX SUV, including an all-in-one twin-screen infotainment set-up that integrates a 14.9-inch central touch-screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.
The latest iDrive 8 operating system is expected to provide improved connectivity and functionality, while an upgraded dashboard design could also flow through, but whether it will be quite as extravagant as those in BMW’s new EV models remains to be seen.
One thing is certain though: the new BMW 3 Series won’t be as expensive as its all-electric i4 cousin.
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