BMW is gearing up to launch its seventh-generation BMW 3 Series, which is expected to be the brand’s star at the Paris Motor Show and will usher in a new platform and more electrification when it arrives in UK showrooms early next year.

Ahead of its Paris debut, the new saloon has been spied testing numerous times, according to Auto Express, adding that under the skin, the new 3 Series makes the switch to BMW’s new CLAR platform, which also underpins the larger 5 Series and X3 SUV, and allows a new generation of powertrains to be fitted.

Auto Express stated that the most significant of series is a fully electric version, which would sit on the same platform and be badged i4, saying that based on the Vision Dynamics concept from the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, it is set to arrive in 2020 and will have an all-electric range of up to 435 miles.

It added, “Before that, two plug-in hybrid variants will be launched to satisfy consumers’ growing appetite for PHEVs. The first, expected to be badged 325e, will feature the same powertrain as the MINI Countryman PHEV, which comprises a 148bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 110bhp electric motor.

“It is likely BMW will also roll out a second, more powerful plug-in hybrid, badged 330e, which will make use of a 2.0-litre turbo and electric motor to develop around 280bhp. The pair will also be compatible with BMW’s inductive charging tech, which launches with the larger 530e later this year. Of course, the plug-in hybrids will still play a secondary role in the engine line-up; a new range of petrol and diesel powerplants will continue to be the more popular options with buyers.”

It stated that the petrol motors would kick off with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine in the 318i, while a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo would feature in the 320i and 330i, with power expected to range from 190bhp to 260bhp.

“All of the diesel engines used will be 2.0-litre four-cylinder units, with outputs starting at 150bhp and going up to around 230bhp. Lower-powered models will come paired with a six-speed manual box, while an eight-speed automatic will be standard on the more potent versions. BMW’s xDrive four-wheel drive will continue to be offered on selected variants, too,” Auto Express added.

“The car’s new backbone also means the German manufacturer does not have to alter the size of the 3 Series in order to gain improvements in passenger or luggage space. The Mk7 saloon will grow slightly in length and width and shed around 30-40kg of weight thanks to the cutting-edge architecture,” it stated.

Auto Express said the cabin would feature an evolutionary design, while BMW had confirmed the latest model would benefit from the car maker’s latest iDrive 7.0 operating system.

“Once the bread and butter of the line-up has landed in showrooms, BMW will then turn its attention to the M Performance and full-blooded M models. The M340i and M340d are likely to be the only variants in the standard range available with a six-cylinder engine, developing around 360bhp and 320bhp respectively. Both will be four-wheel drive as standard and use an eight-speed auto,” it said.