2012 BMW 3 Series spied testing in Chennai [Part 1/2]

24/03/2012 - 17:56 | ,  ,  ,  ,   | Shrawan Raja

I spotted the 6th generation BMW 3 Series with its character lines patched up using psychedelic camouflage near Porur, here in Chennai.

2012 BMW 3 Series (BMW F30) testing in India-1

BMW did not leave behind a logo, lettering or nomenclature exposed, but the unmistakable design of the 3 Series does not need a helping hand from the logos to give it its identity. Having been researching and relaying constant updates on the new 3 Series since early 2009, we'll face no difficulty in identifying this model even if it was covered using sheets of camouflage!

2012 BMW 3 Series (BMW F30) testing in India-2

The new 3 Series (codename - F30) is available overseas. Here in India, by the end of April or in early to mid May, we can expect BMW India's announcement. These are the first images of the new 3 Series testing on Indian roads.

2012 BMW 3 Series (BMW F30) testing rear three quarters

The 3 Series is a CKD product with low levels of localization. Assembly is likely to begin in next month at the Chennai CKD plant.

2012 BMW 3 Series (BMW F30) headlight

The new 3 Series has moderately grown in dimension. The incoming sixth generation model has a wider track (front + 37 mm, rear + 47 mm) with a 93mm growth in length and 50mm rise in wheelbase. This may seem negligible on paper but rear seat comfort has improved considerably on the replacement.

2012 BMW 3 Series (BMW F30) rear profile

Rear seat passengers have 18 mm of extra legroom near the doors, 15 mm of additional knee room 8 mm of extra headroom. Despite the enlargement, the weight of the new car is 40kg lighter than the fifth generation vehicle.

2012 BMW 3 Series (BMW F30) rear wheel

In 2012 BMW 3 Series spied testing in Chennai [Part 2/2] details on the variants and powertrains shall be posted along with a video. Don't miss it!

Head over to our FB page - facebook.com/IndianAutosBlog to see more exclusive images.

You might also like