Next 3-series to share styling with 5-series

Based on pictures of recent test mules of the car spotted testing at the Nürburgring, it’s clear that the final production model of the 3-Series will borrow design inspiration from the 2017 5-Series.

The front bumper appears to feature the same three-intake layout as the next 5-series. On the test mule, the temporary headlights were heavily camouflaged, but it looks like they feature the same overall light structure.

The company will use its trickle-down styling approach – so the 3-series will look more like the new 5-series. Under the hood could sit BMW’s turbocharged, 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine in an entry-level model, with turbocharged, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines sitting directly above this motor in the range. Cars that make more power, like the M3, will most likely continue to be powered by turbocharged, in-line six-cylinder units. The new Bimmer is expected to be available in both rear and four-wheel-drive forms, like its predecessor.

The G20 range will have to conform to new emissions legislation when its launched - it will be the first generation of 3-series that emits an average CO2 emissions output of less than 100g/km. The new sedan will most likely make its debut at a 2018 motor show, most likely in Geneva or Paris.