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BMW is poised to completely reinvent the 3-series family for the low-carbon age.

Talking exclusively to Autocar, a senior BMW source revealed that a ground-up rethink of the company’s biggest-selling model will ensure that the next-generation 3-series will “remain relevant even when it goes off sale in 12 years’ time”.

Next-gen BMW 3-series tech

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Three cylinder engines in a 3-series? Let's hope they don't overcook this 'efficient dynamics' nonsense. Otherwise, rethinking such a classic design as the '3-er' (in its native speak) can prove truly refreshing and innovative.

Talking exclusively to Autocar, a senior BMW source revealed that a ground-up rethink of the company’s biggest-selling model will ensure that the next-generation 3-series will “remain relevant even when it goes off sale in 12 years’ time”.

I'd be counting my blessings if parts are still available at reasonable prices 12 years after the car has gone off sale.

I'd like to hear from a BMW engineer who is willing to guarantee (in writing) all the electronic gadgets in the car will still work 15 years after I bought it.

 AND basically it remains a big, heavy steel car that will be slightly less fun to drive than the current model. Someone make the jump to carbonFiber. JL

Autocar:

“remain relevant even when it goes off sale in 12 years’ time”.

Yes. Going back to old ways. Not making new models every minute.

It looks like an Audi crossed with a Mondeo!......longer life cycles is a sign of difficult times at BMW......watch them shrink!...

"For example, the research shows that of all BMW’s models, the 320d is driven the fastest and over the greatest distances by owners. This information will directly influence work on replacements for the 320d to optimise fuel efficiency in the light of this model’s particular duty cycle."

And what does this tell you about your M3 product BMW?   (and no its not that it needs to be a diesel!)

For once i am quite impressed by BMW. It seems they are willing to be fairly innovative, rather than just churn out yet more of the same. Their research however, simply confirms something we have known for years: Reps thrash motors. The difference is that they now drive BMs instead of Fords and Vauxhalls. And have fancier job titles :)

How about making the car lighter, improving efficiency, enabling smaller engines and probably driving pleasure? How about trying to look at natural airflow through the car (like in energy efficient buildings) so we don't need to put on the air-conditioning so often. How about more environmentally friendly materials - see Eco Elise or Fisker Karma?

I'm happy that BMW marketing thinks that premium is defined as environmenal compatibility but I guess the finance mentality will still be to concentrate on expensive complicated 'technology' options that divorce us from the driving, or at least take away the need to concentrate. Give me steering feel over in-car internet any day (actually things like the latter put me off - part of me thinks it's just another thing to go wrong) I really wish one major manufacturer had the balls to offer a light, simple car which was fun to drive, and where quality was defined by engineering integrity rather than superficial things like soft-touch plastics. Heck, I'd even be willing to pay more for this.

If you think about it many of the cars we end up loving are the simple, light cars. Things like Porsche's 3.2 or 968 Clubsports are much more in demand than the luxury models offered at the time.

Responding to comments so far.....

Where in this article does it say the car will be steel ? It doesn't. If it were carbon fibre presumably you would be prepared to pay £100k for a 3-series would you ?

As for the lightweight versions without the gizmo's - I do agree but I think people like us who go on the autocar website and actually get passionate about M3 CSL's et al are petrol heads, enthusiasts, call us what you will. BUT we are a massive minority. Most people (the mass market) just see cars as a commodity and want cosseting as much as possible whilst they do it. Sad but true I'm afraid. How else does one explain cars such as the Toyota Avensis ??? In these economic times car companies are not going to produce these limited edition versions for a few enthusiasts like us.

The devil is in the detail of this article - about it being set up for electrification. We'll all be driving these silent, characterless golf carts before long. (hence the ending on Top Gear on Sunday).

 I think Renault are probably the only manufacturer doing that at the moment with the Megane R26.R and Clio 200 Cup.

It's relieving to see that BMW's finally given the three some proper looks. It now looks like it could really compete against Mercedes and Audi in the design department. The only real moot point is whether it will turn out to be better than the excellent current car to drive. I do hope it will.