Late last month, we got a few leaked images of the facelifted BMW 3 Series. These showed an inverted headlight design and a host of new M Performance styling upgrades, including new bumpers. It didn't take us long to bring you an accurate render of what the finished product would look like, and we surmise that the regular versions of the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse, or facelift) G20 3er will also get new bumpers and touches that bring their design more in line with the latest X models. But enough about the styling - new rumors suggest that the changes for the refreshed 3 Series will be only skin-deep.

Of course, it's possible that the next-generation iDrive 8 infotainment system will bolster the appeal of the 3 Series, as the new 2 Series appears to adopt the dual-screen system. But as for engines, things on the 3 will remain the same. Reports say that the current range of engines will carry over to the LCI model, with the same four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel motors powering the refreshed models. That's no bad thing though, as the range-topping M340i has a tuning-friendly, powerful, and smooth 3.0-liter turbo that is almost incomparable in the segment. Similarly, the 330i 2.0-liter turbo has proven to be one of the better four-pots we've experienced in terms of refinement, power delivery, and economy.

In other markets, the 318i, 316d, as well as 320e and 330e plug-in hybrid models (the latter of which we also get) will remain unchanged too. The report that made these claims also says that no electric 3 Series is planned for the LCI model - at least not for worldwide consumption. That means that the spy shots we've seen of the electric 3 may be of the Chinese-market model or could be a very early testbed for the next-generation 3 Series, which will ride on the Neue Klasse architecture and will almost certainly include all-electric models. That platform will support both internal combustion and electric powertrains, so while things aren't changing too drastically for the facelifted 3 Series, its eventual replacement will blow us away with the best that BMW can possibly offer.