3 Series Sedan

Make
BMW
Segment
Sedan

The current-generation BMW 3 Series has only been on sale since the 2019 model year, but work has already begun on a mid-cycle facelift. It's one of several BMW models that's getting a refresh including the 8 Series, X4, and X6, which have all been spied testing in the last few months.

For the first time, our spy photographers have caught BMW testing the new BMW 3 Series facelift. On the outside, there don't appear to be any exterior design changes, but the prototype is still early in development so this will change. We're expecting the exterior to be enhanced with refinements such as revised front and rear bumpers and new headlight and taillight graphics.

Unlike the M3, the new 3 Series should be safe from the big grille treatment as BMW's new controversial design direction is reserved for the 4 Series, M4, and M3 to set these models apart from the 3 Series.

More significant changes can be found inside the cabin. BMW has covered up the dashboard, which suggests the curved display found inside the iX and i4 will carry over to the 3 Series. In the iX and i4, this setup includes a 12.3-inch driver display and a central 14.9-inch infotainment screen running the latest BMW Drive 8 software. This features a redesigned, more intuitive user interface, and a more advanced voice command system that can learn the driver's habits.

Under the hood, the current BMW 3 Series is powered by either a 2.0-liter turbo producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque or a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six rated at 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. These engine options should carry over to the facelift. An eight-speed automatic transmission is also offered as standard. According to our source, the updated BMW 3 Series isn't scheduled toe enter production until July 2022, but BMW will hopefully start testing prototypes showing the exterior design changes in a few months.