2012 BMW 3 Series Renderings

The next generation 2012 BMW 3 Series is still a few years out, but this does not stop the curiosity of the true bimmer fans.
Our friend Giom decided to show us some renderings of what the next generation BMW 3 Series might look like.

If you remember, Giom is the same designer that came up with the really cool 2012 BMW M6 renderings that were posted on here back in May. I agree with Giom when he says that the next generation 3-series will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, so the styling reflects the current cues, which includes the CS concept.

The headlights retain its basic shape and the intake openings move to the sides of the lower bumper. According to him, this is still an area where the renderings can be improved. There are also lots of detail in the surface folds and creases, creating interesting reflections and shapes. The line bending upwards on the side is a visual helper in creating the illusion of speed. This ‘upward’ line repeats in the rear bumper.

Within the next 2-3 series, the final design will be approved by BMW and we will see which direction the will choose to go towards.

Well, I hope you will enjoy these renderings and feel free to leave your comments, suggestions or just a general opinion.

Also, feel free to vote in the poll.
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BMWBlog - 6/25/2008 11:31:25 AM

+1 Boost

Added new photo.
[img]http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/thumb-2012-BMW-3series-6.jpg[/img]

randy33 - 6/25/2008 9:57:59 PM

+2 Boost

Nice try, it looks hideous. A step back in modernity; it looks dated. Oh, a renaissance of bulging 50's style fenders? that ain't gonna happen either.

Maverick2020 - 6/25/2008 1:29:55 PM

-4 Boost

BMW designers should take a close look at these pics for some great ideas. I particularly like the bulging fenders.

All around, a first class effort.

hao420 - 6/25/2008 5:59:42 PM

-1 Boost

What car is that....?

85bmw745i - 6/27/2008 4:47:39 AM

+1 Boost

I agree. I don't know why you got de-boosted so badly. I love the fenders, but in order to be more appealing I'm sure they'd have to tone those fenders down, like Saturn did with the aura, only I think it was a mistake toning them down on the Aura. Not bad though. looks much more aggressive.

lenkun - 6/25/2008 1:32:49 PM

-8 Boost

Looks like a IS-F knock-off. Where's the Bangle design which is the trademark of all BMWs?

tkindred - 6/25/2008 9:18:27 PM

+4 Boost

Takes some imagination to see IS-F in that car.

audirevolution - 6/26/2008 12:15:12 AM

+6 Boost

What kind of insane person would want to copy the IS-F?

Agent63 - 6/26/2008 10:56:41 AM

0 Boost

No one.

sector - 6/25/2008 1:42:19 PM

+10 Boost

Looks like the current C-class with nostrils and duck tape over its mouth.

IVANURI97 - 6/25/2008 1:56:33 PM

+3 Boost

My first impression was it looked similar to the C-Class too.

M35MT - 6/25/2008 5:55:38 PM

+1 Boost

haha that was perfect

silver1 - 6/25/2008 1:52:17 PM

+11 Boost

Why do we always get only about 300,000,000 photoshops of BMW per year?

MtlMotors - 6/25/2008 4:36:15 PM

-4 Boost

Because no one aspires to do Lexus photoshops

autopro - 6/25/2008 1:59:38 PM

-5 Boost

Looks much better than the current one.Jury still out on the lower door treatments.

monkeyrun - 6/25/2008 2:17:44 PM

+5 Boost

replace the current tail light with this.

TauronB2G - 6/25/2008 2:30:49 PM

-4 Boost

I do see some C Class in there. But I really really really like it. I would become a bimmer fan again if they produced a 3 series that looked like this.

T

GeorgeJ - 6/25/2008 2:54:33 PM

+1 Boost

While the front seems a reasonable direction to my eye I find the back half to be visually heavy. The cab needs to shift a couple inches forward to create more balance. The swoop up the the sides and into the rear window belongs on a down market Japanese car. GJ

MZauto - 6/25/2008 2:55:40 PM

-2 Boost

I will accpet.

dumpsty - 6/25/2008 2:57:49 PM

-2 Boost

It really looks great. But if the new 3-series is any larger than the current model...then I'd say boo! I like the subtle lines and the front & rear facias...oh, and the dual exhaust setup.

wac77 - 6/25/2008 3:27:06 PM

+1 Boost

Silly photoshops!

Tour18 - 6/25/2008 3:58:55 PM

0 Boost

The Banglemobile era is finally in sight...

Vantage - 6/25/2008 4:06:05 PM

0 Boost

Could be pretty sweet. Not loving the whole rear fender thing. A bit less pronouced for me. I agree with GeorgeJ and the Swoop.

superchicagoman11 - 6/25/2008 5:36:09 PM

+4 Boost

3 series might be knocked off its pedestal with this

bmwdrvr - 6/25/2008 6:11:50 PM

+2 Boost

I have no idea why people are saying that looks like a C class it looks nowhere near similar....but neither does look good either..hopefully this is not it

Vantage - 6/26/2008 9:39:17 AM

+1 Boost

I think this is the first time I have agreed with BMWDVR.

mpwr - 6/25/2008 6:13:21 PM

+1 Boost

in my opinion the headlamps are not balanced well against the grill size, and bmw will not allow the surfacing at the rear door/wheel as it likley doesnt make any sense from an engineering standpoint

85bmw745i - 6/27/2008 4:49:21 AM

+1 Boost

I agree, neaten up the front end and tone the fenders down a notch.

85bmw745i - 6/27/2008 4:49:56 AM

+1 Boost

And leave the large fenders for the ///M3

kut17 - 6/25/2008 6:35:25 PM

0 Boost

Not a huge fan of the mini-SUV look it has. The current 3-Series is the best looking one they've ever had, in my opinion. It's going to be hard to outdo it.

Bored - 6/25/2008 7:01:47 PM

0 Boost

I like it. I just hope they improve the interior dash.

Don't get me wrong. The current dash is well laid out and obviously, the quality is first rate. It's just that I don't think it stands out like BMW dash and interiors normally do...it's kind of unassuming.

BJS470 - 6/25/2008 7:19:13 PM

-1 Boost

wtf

annu621 - 6/25/2008 7:58:00 PM

+1 Boost

I think the e46 has been the best-looking 3-series so far, but this looks pretty good. Imagine how an M3 coupe would look! Outstanding.

LexSucks - 6/25/2008 9:35:28 PM

0 Boost

Nice! Hot!

itsonlyacar2008 - 6/26/2008 12:49:34 AM

+3 Boost

I had three e46's in the past and I still own a e46 (330ci). It looks pretty good, however, I agree that the rear fender needs more work. In general, it looks like its going in the right direction. Regarding the current 3 series, I really was disappointed with the sedan and the coupe was better. I certainly hope BMW will consider someone else to design it's next version.

Also, I noticed that Lexus seems to get a bad rap here. Why? Yeah, I like my BMW, but I also like my Lexus. They are completely different cars. Lexus has been targeting a different market from BMW. Why should it matter? I buy cars based on my needs. If Lexus manufactured a car that I liked, I'll buy it. I don't have a need to bash another car maker. Hey, what ever floats your boat.

85bmw745i - 6/27/2008 4:56:19 AM

+1 Boost

I agree, no one car is bad or good. they are all targeted at different drivers. Otherwise all of the cars be the same with the smoothness of a lexus, performance and handling of BMW, interior built like Audi and Benz. As for styling you got me there, but I bet it would lean towards audi and benz. Diversity is why we love cars. Some of us like to feel like were driving a lay-z boy sofa, so we buy cadillacs, lincolns etc. some like performance and don't care about a silky ride, we choose BMW, If we want a silky buttery ride and don't care about handling and like techno gadgets and buttons we go for the lexus. If we want heritage and a car bult like a vault we go for Benz. For the best performance and interior combo I'd give it to audi. Perfornamce on a budget that can hang with the best of them would be infinity. For those that can't live without that typical honda feeling and interior theres acura. For those with the image of british tea time and exclusivity theres Jag.

mpls - 6/26/2008 4:47:25 AM

+1 Boost

Backend reminds me of a Volvo

mpls - 6/26/2008 4:48:39 AM

+1 Boost

Also, some of the backends of current generation BMWs, 6 series etc look very much like Peugeots..

Steve - 6/26/2008 6:39:56 AM

+2 Boost

Good-bye BMW. Helloooooo Audi!

t_sotello - 6/26/2008 11:47:39 PM

+1 Boost

being a strong bmw fan and loving almost everything they do at bmw, i have to say that this design is really bad. its has too much going on and it looks like a dodge avenger with a mercedes rear end. not cool. plus to much exhaust is exposed at the rear. i hope this is just a quick draw. nothing serious.

pitboo - 6/27/2008 12:17:13 AM

+1 Boost

Please! BMW really needs to lay off its design department!

lakerfan213 - 6/27/2008 1:08:36 AM

+1 Boost

Taillights look M-B-ish

NISSANINFINITI - 6/27/2008 2:14:23 AM

+1 Boost

To me it looks exactly like the old 3 series from the early 90's to me.(The one when you sit in the back seat you cant put your feet under the seat in front of you cause the seat is all the way to the ground)

85bmw745i - 6/27/2008 4:57:52 AM

+1 Boost

that depends on how the seat height is adjusted, but you are right, even adjusted up there isn't much top of the foot room.