New 2018 BMW 3-Series will be lighter, more agile
BMW has just revealed the facelifted 3 Series but the all-new next generation model is already in the pipeline for 2018
The Mk7 BMW 3 Series isn’t due until 2018, but as we well know, development often begins years in advance – and the next generation saloon is no exception.
We quizzed BMW bosses at the reveal of the facelifted version of the current 3 Series (pictured) in Munich about what we could expect from the new car in 2018. From their answers to our questions, it’s fair to expect the overall body shape to stay – with scope for all-electric and autonomous models at a later date.
BMW design chief, Karim Habib, said: “The spirit, the core, the soul of the BMW 3 Series will always be a sporty saloon. Connectivity will be key, but the 3 Series will always be driver focused, driver orientated.”
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It seems BMW won’t be as conservative when it comes to embracing new technology, then. Dr Christian Voigt, product manager for 3 Series, said: “You have to have a certain architecture to enable a pure electric vehicle. To not take this into consideration wouldn’t make for a robust strategy.”
Much like with Volkswagen’s innovative MQB platform, BMW will design the next-generation 3 Series with electrification in mind. VW currently build the e-Golf and hybrid GTE on the exact same chassis as the conventional petrol and diesel models. It makes sense that BMW will follow suit – allowing for different, new propulsion methods in the not-too-distant future.
It appears the idea of a driverless 3 Series is still some way off, according to Voigt, though. “When we believe it makes sense for the brand, and it fulfils the brand promise to our customers, we are going to strive for such assistance features. But it has to be consistent with the brand and the character of 3 Series.”
Only time will tell whether we’ll see a fully autonomous small BMW in the next 10 years, though we already know the brand is testing its larger 7 Series to perform various features with minimum user input.
How would you like to see the BMW 3 Series evolve in its next generation? Tell us in the comments section below...
