BMW is expected to reveal its Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) 3 Series this year and it will be accompanied by a revised 3 Series M Performance, which has now been spied testing for the first time.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.

The all-new BMW 3 Series arrived in South Africa in 2019 and at the time it was considered to be the go-to offering for shoppers looking for a competent business class. However, the 3 Series now competes with an all-new, locally produced Mercedes-Benz C-Class which means that the 3 Series needs to be sharper than ever if it’s to rule the roost in this shrinking segment.

Last year, we reported that BMW was working on a facelifted 3-Series (internally known as a Life Cycle Impulse update or facelift) and now our spy photographers have spotted a 3 Series M Performance undergoing testing.

The 3 Series with M Performance parts aims to lift the visual and sporty appeal of the 3 Series and based on the front and rear camouflage, it’s clear that BMW is taking the opportunity to revise elements such as the headlights and front and rear bumpers. As far as styling is concerned, the changes are expected to be minor but more notable updates in terms of in-car technology is likely.

As for powertrains, the current 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines are expected to remain for now, including the M340i xDrive. The 3 Series range will still be headlined by the BMW M3 which is currently enjoying sales success, not only in South Africa but in other markets too.

We will keep you updated as soon as official details of the BMW 3 Series LCI are released, so stay tuned!

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Styling changes to the BMW 3 Series are expected to be minor but significant interior technology and equipment upgrades are likely.

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