The Next Gen BMW 3 Series Has Been Spotted Without Camo in MunichGuessing HeadlightsHenry KelsallTue, September 15, 2026 at 12:45 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleImage Credit: CochespiasWe've all been waiting for a glimpse of the next-generation BMW 3 Series. The expected debut of the new car is set to come in the coming weeks, and it marks the eighth generation of one of BMW's most popular models.It marks a big shift in terms of the design of the car, as it will move much closer to what the BMW i3 EV looks like, but using CLAR underpinnings instead. The German manufacturer revealed the EV earlier in the year, but we've still been waiting for a look at its petrol-powered counterpart.However, that has now changed. Recent images have appeared on a forum, showing the new car driving in Munich undisguised. This does appear to be the production version, although annoyingly we can't get a look at the front of the car. By the time the photographer snapped the car, we only got to see the rear end.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut the images do give us a good idea of what we can expect when the car makes its official debut. It shows how closely aligned with its EV counterpart the design of the car is, and it is an interesting deviation from the previous generation.What Do the Images Reveal About the New BMW 3 Series?Image Credit: CochespiasThe images of the car show it in its M350 xDrive sports grade, which replaces the M340i. In the pictures, we can see that it looks quite similar to the BMW i3, with the rear fascia almost identical to the electric version. The biggest differences between the two lie beneath the license plate.Most notable is the addition of the exhaust outlets, which is an indicator of its combustion power. The diffuser area appears to be a bit more open too, although the lighting has done a great job of masking some of the details. The wheel design is also similar to the electric model, although it does look more open and aggressive compared to the smooth-style wheels that the electric version wears.The taillights of the car are just as wide as on the EV, and they stretch across almost the entire centre of the trunk. There is just a small, central gap in the centre for the BMW logo. The bumper itself has a lot of sharp angles and creases, and overall the rear end is a little busier than what we saw on the i3 revealed earlier in 2026. In terms of the exhaust, it would appear that there is a quad exhaust setup on this new 3 Series, which further adds to the car's aggression.What Will Be Under the Hood?Image Credit: CochespiasIn terms of the powertrain of the new car, the M350 xDrive will be powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with added 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. This will produce 426hp and 427lb-ft of torque, and the sedan will accelerate from 0- 62 mph in just 4.1 seconds. There will, of course, be no manual model, with the power instead handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission, so enthusiasts will have to accept that fact.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe spy images suggest that the combustion-powered model will also have a slightly shorter wheelbase compared to the EV. The similar length between the two will be achieved thanks to longer overhangs on the new model. It is not expected to have a radically different interior from its stablemate. What will be interesting is to see how different the front of the car looks. Whether it has an almost identical front fascia remains to be seen, given it will need more of a grille opening for cooling than the electric version of the BMW.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.