BMW to reveal new 3-series soon

BMW will unveil its all-new 3-series in Munich on Friday, October 14, 2011. The sixth-generation BMW 3-series, codenamed F30, will be unveiled live via BMW Group’s Facebook page.

BMW has revealed a teaser drawing of the saloon, which will be the model shown off at the launch. The Bavarian marque has plans for five further 3-series body styles: Touring, GT, coupé, convertible and GranCoupé. The last three will dispense with 3-series nomenclature for an all-new 4-series nameplate.

Visually, the new 3-series leans heavily on the latest 5-series in a bid to provide BMW’s two best-selling models with a more unified appearance. From the front, the two share a similar look that is continued along heavily structured sides to a high-set rear, which gives the new car a more wedge-shaped profile.

Engines are likely to be carried forward from the current model, albeit with improved efficiency and more power. BMW also plans to set up an engine plant in India, which should allow the carmaker to price the new 3-series more aggressively.

The car will be shown off at the Detroit motor show early next year and Indian sales are likely to commence soon after right-hand-drive versions are made available towards the middle of 2012. We expect the new 3-series to be out on our roads by the end of 2012, at a price range of Rs 22-35 lakh.