We know that BMW is working hard for an image makeover of all it's future designs. After we saw big changes on the inside in the new BMW 8 Series and the upcoming BMW Z4, the next in line to receive new interiors is the company's most popular sedan, the next generation BMW 3 Series sedan. And we know this how? New images of the next generation 3 Series have surfaced on the internet, but this time of the inside. Similar to the 8 series, the 3 Series too gets an all new instrument cluster along with the latest gadgets to accompany BMW's most product.
(The 2019 BMW 3 Series will be similar to the new gen 5 Series in terms of layout and features)
Now, let's get straight to the point. The next generation BMW 3 Series gets updated gauge cluster, center stack and even the center console is refreshed for 2018. However, it retains the predecessors semi-digital gauge cluster. But, this could be because the test mule is probably not a new one with the updated digital instrument panel. In our honest opinion, we do hope BMW installs the newer instrument panel as it looks far better than the current ones. But, that's just us.
Moving on, the next big upgrade on the 3 Series is the interesting look on the center stack of buttons and the new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) controls. Although the screen is tidy bit small for the HVAC controls, it'll be interesting to see how BMW stacks up all that data on such a small screen. The buttons are now much more simpler than the previous ones and we would like to thank the Germans for that.
(The 2019 BMW 3 Series will be borrowing the buttons from the new M5, upcoming 8 Series)
The next big change is the new shift lever and the surrounding buttons. This is the same one that BMW has on the new M5, upcoming 8 Series and the new Z4. These funky looking shift layers are definitely an upgrade from the boring plastic ones the previous generation had. It gets new rotary iDrive dial which now features a knurled aluminum rim. The starter button too moves next to the shifter and now comes in aluminium. You get the parking sensors and traction control buttons on top of the shifter while the engine start/stop button is placed below it. For the first time, the next generation 3 Series will also get BMW's Adaptive mode, which was till now exclusive for higher end products.
The BMW 3 Series is stables most successful product and the company is leaving no stone unturned to give the best upgrade to the luxury sedan. The company has also installed the electronic parking brake, a huge upgrade from the traditional mechanical hand brake. BMW has not yet revealed a launch date for the next generation 3 Series, but we are sure that this will be coming to India most likely by next year.
Image Source: Carscoops.com
