Posted by the Ferd fanpage on Facebook, the likely pre-production 3-series is pictured outside what appears to be an office in Germany, and despite being decked-out in the same patterned black-and-white wrapping as the prototype M8, provides some clues as to what it will look like when the wraps are officially taken off.
Sporting the same front-end clip as the 5-series consisting out of a wider take on the kidney grilles and aggressive looking headlights with integrated daytime running LEDs, the pictured G20 further takes after its bigger sibling in that it gets the same LED taillights and a subtle integrated boot spoiler.
In addition, the prototype more than likely previews what the 3-series will look like when fitted with the optional M Sport pack, by virtue of the sportier looking alloy wheels, deeper low air intake with a honeycomb grille, wider door sills and dual exhaust outlets.
The next model to make use of the BMW’s CLAR platform, the G20’s interior will mirror that of the 5-series but like the X5, get BMW’s new iDrive system with a 10.25-inch display and version 7.0 software, with an option being the 12.3-inch display that blends the infotainment display with a digital instrument cluster.
With both spec and driver assistance tech set for an extensive overhaul, the G20’s line-up of powerunits will consist out of a wider range of plug-in hybrid mills, namely a 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder connected to an electric motor in the 325e and 330e.
On the internal combustion front though, both the above mentioned engines, the former also powering the Mini, will be retained for the 318i, 320i and 330i, while the 340i, which will form part of the M Performance range, will keep the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six and punch out an estimated 265kW.
Despite the switch towards hybrid engines, BMW will still offer the 3-series with diesel power, with motivation coming from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder developing between 110kW to 169kW, as well as a 3.0-litre straight-six in the 340d. Like its petrol sibling, the 340d will also fall underneath the M Performance banner and churn out a claimed 235kW.
While entry-level models will come fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, the majority of the G20s will be outfitted with an eight-speed Steptronic and xDrive all-wheel drive.
As indicated last month, the M3, which is only due in 2020, will retain its twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine and produce an alleged 347kW, although rumours persist that it will feature some form of hybrid setup as recently indicated by M boss, Frank van Meel.
Unlike the M5 however, the M3 will send its grunt to the rear wheels only and possibly offer buyers the option of a seven-speed M DCT ‘box or a six-speed manual if demand is met.
