Video: New 2012 BMW 3 Series spied winter testing in Europe

Likely to debut in late 2011 as a 2012 model, the new 3 Series was heavily disguised in body cladding and BMW's nowwell-known psychedelic camouflage.

Rumour points to a car that will draw heavily from BMW's CS concept car with many styling cues also shared with the latest Z4 and 7 Series. Underneath the new 3 Series is said to share a modular platform with that of the next-generation 1 Series. The chasis is initially stamped in the proper size and then body components are added depending on which series is being produced.

From the video we can see that the new 3 Series will maintain the same general proportions as the current model with its famed athletic proportions and shot overhangs. What appears to be new is a raised bonnet-line, relative to the body, which suggests that the low slung look of the recently unveiled 5 Series will be translated to the 3 Series as well.

Engine and drivetrain options have not yet been clarified though we expect a mix similar to that of the current line-up with new engines phased in over the car's lifecycle. An ActiveHybrid may also be in the works while BMW's EfficientDynamics campaign is certain to play strongly in the car's model range.