2019 BMW 3 Series Takes Shape in New Spy Photos
The 2019 BMW 3 Series has been spied undergoing cold weather testing once again, showing off its new exterior styling for the camera.
The prototype pictured in these images looks the most production-ready of any of the next-generation 3 Series prototypes we’ve seen. BMW’s dual kidney grilles are on clear display, but appear a bit wider and larger than the grilles on the current 3 Series. This is to be expected, as all the latest BMWs are adopting larger grilles – like the redesigned X3 and the new 5-Series, for example. The styling looks a bit tidier and simpler than the current 3 Series, but there are some standout features, such as the sharp crease just below the side windows or the two vertical creases in the hood.
SEE ALSO: 2019 BMW X7 Spied Looking Production Ready in Germany
This new 3 Series will ride on BMW’s lightweight CLAR platform, which stands for cluster rear architecture. The mixed material platform was introduced in the then-new 7 Series for 2015 and is also used in the 5 Series. This new platform will allow the 3 Series to be a bit larger than the outgoing version, making for additional passenger and cargo space. Despite this, it will be lighter than the current car by about 90 lbs.
A large variety of powertrains will be offered, including BMW’s turbocharged inline-six engines and turbocharged four-cylinders. A plug-in hybrid will also be on the table, along with a Tesla Model 3-fighting EV.
The 2019 BMW 3 Series will debut sometime later this year before going on sale in early-to-mid 2019.
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Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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