Neue Klasse BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase revealed with two 2.0-litre turbo engine options

The next-generation BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase has appeared in filings with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), giving us an early look at the redesigned sedan.

The new model is based on an updated CLAR platform, and its biggest change is the adoption of BMW's latest Neue Klasse design language.

Exterior

At the front, the new 3 Series features a distinctive four-eyed face, paired with the long-wheelbase proportions and short front and rear overhangs.

The combustion-engined sedan retains a conventional kidney grille to meet cooling requirements. The lower bumper also features active air vents.

Along the sides, the current door handles have been replaced by semi-flush handles, while several wheel designs are listed in the filing. An M Sport version is also expected, with blacked-out door mirrors and a black rear spoiler.

At the rear, a horizontal L-shaped lighting signature extends outwards from the central BMW roundel. The sharp light pattern echoes the 7-shaped front daytime running lights, giving the car a more cohesive appearance while retaining BMW's familiar L-shaped rear-light motif.

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Neue Klasse represents a broader shift in BMW's design and technology direction.

"The Neue Klasse is our biggest future project and marks a huge leap in terms of technologies, driving experience and design. Practically everything about it is new. Our entire product range will benefit from the innovations of the Neue Klasse – regardless of the drive technology." said Former BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse.

Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, also said, "The design of the Neue Klasse provides a very modern interpretation of what BMW has always stood for. With our new design language, the new BMW iX3 looks future-focused, modern and timeless – but above all, more BMW than ever."

Powertrain

The new 3 Series Long Wheelbase will continue to use BMW's B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, with two power outputs listed in the MIIT filing:

• 325Li: 172 kW (approximately 234 PS)
• 330Li: 211 kW (approximately 287 PS)

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