Despite being spotted on a number of occasions undergoing testing, render images by the publication obtained from avarvarii.com sees the new internally designated G20 drawing visual similarities with the 5-and 7-series, which will come as no surprise given that it will share the now widely used CLAR platform, also used by the X2, X3 and incoming X5.
The online platform further claims that the interior will be more of an evolution of the outgoing F30’s, but with the brand’s latest iDrive software fitted. Expect top spec models to feature the 10.25-inch infotainment system, as well as an assortment of new driver assistance systems.
Likely to be the biggest change will be the G20’s line-up of engines, where the range of turbo-petrol and turbodiesel motors will be joined by two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options, followed by an all-electric model derived from the Vision Dynamics concept shown in Frankfurt last year, called the i4 in 2020.
The PHEV line-up will consist of the 325e powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine combined with an 81kW electric motor, and the 330e that mates a 2.0-litre turbo with an electric equivalent for a claimed total system output of 206kW.
Internal combustion power, on the petrol front, will come from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder in the 318i, to a 2.0-litre four in the 320i and 330i. Outputs will range from 140kW to 191kW. Diesel-wise, only 2.0-litre mills will be offered with outputs ranging from 110kW to 169kW.
Entry-level models will come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while an eight-speed Steptronic will be optional, and in some cases, standard on flagship variants. xDrive all-wheel drive will also be offered on selected models.
Later on, the brand will focus its attention on the M Performance models, which will have 3.0-litre straight-six engines, the xDrive system and the eight-speed ‘box as standard. Speculative output for the M340i will be 265kW and 235kW for the M340d.
Spied earlier this year, the all-new M3 will only arrive in 2020 and feature not only a reworked version of the current 3.0-litre bi-turbo straight-six, but also selective xDrive all-wheel drive that debuted on the M5, despite initial reports that it could adopt a hybrid powertrain similar to Mercedes-AMG’s 53 range.
Expect more details to be revealed in the coming months.
