Although the current BMW 3 Series is still one of the best driving machines in its class, it hasnt stopped BMW working on the next generation which will debut in the year 2012.

This is the latest rendering of the BMW 3 Series published in a German Automagazine. BMW had an intense internal design competition for the new 3 and according to sources one of the design team has been selected! This rendering may or may not be the 3 series but it definitely gives you an idea of where the BMW design is heading.

Firstly the car will grow in size, a common ‘ next generation’ trend which is seen across all the manufacturers. Talking about the redering, the typical BMW glass house remains with a new iteration of hoffmeister kick featured on the new 7 series and the recently launched X1.

Source: bmwblog

The front retains the new BMW design language, which we believe would have been common across all teams, featuring the larger and wider than usual kidney grille but not too large. The strong character line running from the front headlamps, through the door handles, culminating at the rear quaterlight lends a broad shoulder look to the whole design which looks rather enticing. The rear of the car is expected to retain the classy L shaped lights which spill on to the boot lid like the current 3.

BMW is also working on the Coupe, Cabrio and GT models which will feature subtle design changes to differenciate themselves from another.

Talking about technology, the new 3 Series will features the latest of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics. There will also be an active hybrid model featuring a range extended 3 cylinder hybrid model mated to an electric motor with lightweight low rolling resistence tyres and aerodynamic tweaks.

Other tech bits include active aerodynamics, solar roof panel foe energy efficiency, brake energy regeneration, stop start technology and pre-heating technology for engine, gearbox and differential.