The current-generation BMW 3 Series, internally called the G20, was revealed to the world back in 2018 at the Paris Motor Show. The midlife facelift is expected to be revealed in the very near future as we previously learned it'll be for the 2023 model year. It's fair to assume that reveal will happen this spring in time for a fall or early winter launch.

Today, however, a couple of leaked images have made their way to Instagram. Despite the photos not being of the best quality, it appears the i3 sedan (forget the old i3 hatchback) and the regular 3 Series are parked together as part of an official photoshoot outside of the automaker's Munich headquarters. The China-only i3 long-wheelbase sedan is exactly that - a fully electrified 3 Series. The i4 is basically an EV version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Last September, leaked patent images, courtesy of China, appeared online but now we're seeing the actual cars for the first time. The front-end boasts a new bumper design and restyled headlights. The kidney grille looks to be about the same size as it is currently. Overall, the exterior updates are relatively minor. This is not surprising.

Where BMW has spent a chunk of its time and money on this project is the interior. The existing 3 Series interior will be replaced by what's found in the i4, specifically two large LCD screens that measure a total of 12.3-inches, a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen, and iDrive 8.

Buyers should also expect to find new trim options, leather seat patterns, and new color hues. There's a very good chance this will be the final generation 3 Series to utilize the modular CLAR platform, which also underpins the 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 Series. BMW intends to launch a fully-dedicated EV platform in 2025.

The 2023 3 Series isn't the only refreshed BMW to be leaked online over the past few days. The X7 hit the internet earlier this week and, for many, its new front-end styling is still controversial. Along with the 3 Series, the updated X7's reveal could happen at just about any time.