New spy shots of the 2012 BMW 3-Series have emerged, showing the mule without any camouflage. The 3-Series is the most vital model for the German automaker, so it was extremely important for designers to be fairly conservative when working on the new generation. Judging by these fresh photos, it's fully clear it has more of an evolutionary update rather than a revolutionary one. It has also become the benchmark for many competitors and so far, no other brand has been able to surpass it.

Judging by these pictures, the 2012 3-Series resembles the 2011 5-Series, only smaller. The similarities are very strong in the taillights, the shape of the hood and strong character line down the flanks. Despite them being a little grainy, these new spy photos are the clearest views of the upcoming model so far, but we'll have to wait just a few more weeks for its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Photos courtesy of F30post.