2016 BMW 3 Series (facelift) to debut on May 7 - Report

25/04/2015 - 10:22 BMW 3 Series, BMW Anjan Ravi

Minor cosmetic changes for BMW's C Class rival.

WorldCarFans reports that according to its source, the 2016 BMW 3 Series (facelift), or the 3 Series LCI, will be revealed to the press on May 7 in an event in Munich, Germany.

2014 BMW 3 Series GT FRONT2014 BMW 3 Series GT FRONT — The F30 facelift will be the first 3 Series to get LED headlights. Image of the current 3 Series GT used for illustrative purposes only.

The facelifted 3 Series is expected to get a revised front fascia with optional LED headlights, a tweaked kidney grille and new front and rear bumpers. New alloy wheel patterns and an LED strip for the taillight are other expected cosmetic revisions.

Changes inside will be far more discreet with an updated iDrive system and a new range of trim options.

Reports say that BMW will be giving mild updates to the petrol and diesel engines for higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. Speculation is rife that the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine could power the base variant of the sedan. Post the unveiling next month, the 3 Series facelift is expected to enter production in Europe in August.

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo dashboard live — The 3 Series is sold in India in the 328i and 320d guises. Image of the 320d GT's dashboard used for illustrative purposes only.

Also read: BMW executive dismisses sub-X1 rumors

The new 3 Series went on sale in India in mid-2012, and is assembled at BMW's Chennai plant. Powering the Indian model are a set of 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines available in petrol and diesel guises (328i and 320d respectively).

Rivals: Jaguar XE, Audi A4, Mercedes C Class
Expected Price: INR 30-40 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: May 7 in Europe (reported)

[Source WorldCarFans]