This Looks Very Much Like The New-Generation BMW 3-Series

An image has surfaced online which appears to show the all-new BMW 3-Series ahead of its global premiere at the Paris Auto Show in early October.

The German car manufacturer has been quite open about the new 3-Series in recent months, even releasing its own official ‘spy shots’ of prototypes testing around the world, including at the Nurburgring. The above image from BMW Blog appears to show the M340i M Performance model.

Like the rest of the new 3-Series range, the M340i M Performance will be roughly 55 kg (121 lbs) lighter than equivalent models of the previous-generation 3-Series. Additionally, engineers have optimized the vehicle’s underpinnings to improve rigidity while maintaining a perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Powering the M340i M Performance is expected to be the company’s B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine, providing roughly 360 hp and 370 lb-ft (501 Nm) of grunt. Rear wheel drive is expected to come standard alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission. xDrive all-wheel drive may be available as an option. It remains unclear if a manual gearbox will be offered, however.

In developing the new 3-Series, BMW has paid particular attention to the vehicle’s suspension system. As such, a new damping system has been developed for the lift-related dampers which strike a good balance between a sporty and comfortable ride. Vehicles like the M340i M Performance will be fitted with the M Sport Suspension which drops the ride height by 10 mm (0.4 inches).

From a styling perspective, this image reveals the car’s overhauled headlights and LED daytime running lights. Additionally, a large front kidney grille with enhanced outer edges is visible through the sheet, which is why we think this might be the M340i version.