2016 BMW 3 Series spied in India

Two sparsely camouflaged models of the 2016 BMW 3 Series have been spotted on the back of flatbed trucks, in Pune. Based on the same F30 chassis as the previous model, this new 3 Series has been photographed on Indian soil for the first time and is expected to go on sale in the next few months.

Cosmetically, there isn’t a lot differentiating the 3 Series facelift from its predecessor. The minor tweaks on the new model include redesigned headlamps with new DRLs and new bumpers with revised air intakes for the front end. The rear also gets a redesigned bumper to give the car a wider stance. Inside, the new 3 Series gets a new trim for the dashboard with additional chrome, along with several new options for the upholstery. Besides a host of additional equipment, the new 3 Series will also get a high level of personalisation to suit a customer’s tastes.

Under the bonnet, BMW is globally offering the new 3 Series with a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine in the 318i model. This 'TwinPower' turbocharged engine has been sourced from the MINI range, and puts out 134bhp of power and 220Nm of torque. The rest of the engine line-up has been refined for better throttle response and to extract better efficiency.

The 3 Series competes with other premium sedans like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and the Volvo S60. We might even see the competition in this segment heat up by the end of this year, if Jaguar decides to bring its new XE sedan.