2016 BMW 3 Series (facelift) with LED headlights snapped testing in China - Spied

Entry-level variant could get the 1.5L engine.

Having announced and shown the BMW 1 Series facelift, the Munich-based luxury car maker is putting the final touches on the 3 Series facelift. Seen in these images is the 2016 3 Series LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), which is expected to be revealed internationally in the first half of this year.

Like Mercedes-Benz, BMW too is keen on bringing hi-end features like LED lighting to the masses. The 3 Series facelift will be available with this technology, as is the 1 Series facelift. That apart, minor changes to the kidney grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers and new wheel options should summarize the list of changes to the exterior.

Inside, as the spyshot shows, changes will be minimal, extending merely to new trims and an upgraded iDrive system.

However, reports suggest that the base variant of the 3 Series facelift will get the 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, seen on the new Mini range. Despite this, the India-spec 3 Series facelift would continue with existing engine options.

The volume seller in the 3 Series family is the 320d, which is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine developing 184 hp and 380 Nm of torque, while the sporty 328i gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit producing 245 hp and 350 Nm of torque.

Also read: BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer showcased at the Geneva Motor Show

The 3 Series facelift can be expected in India towards the fag end of this year, or in early-2016. The sedan, and the 3-er GT are assembled from CKD kits at BMW India's Chennai plant.

Competitors: Audi A4, Mercedes C Class, Jaguar XE
Expected Price: INR 30-40 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: Mid-2015 in Europe

[Spyshots from Auto.Ifeng]