The 2022 BMW M340i has been spied during testing at the Nurburgring in Germany.
It’s the latest 3 Series variant to be spied testing, with this prototype still wearing camouflage on its front and rear bumpers.
Most recently, the facelifted 3 Series was spied in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) form on the streets of Munich.
Although very similar to the PHEV, this spied prototype can be signified as a M340i due to its lack of a charging port and its different dual exhaust outlets.
It also appears to have a different style of alloy wheels and lower suspension.
The M340i is the pinnacle of the core 3 Series range before stepping up to the full-fat BMW M3.
This facelifted 3 Series prototype has a redesigned front fascia with reworked daytime running lights that are now on top of the headlights, and different air intakes.
The grille looks to be a similar size to the current model 3 Series, with the updated model eschewing the swollen double kidneys of the related 4 Series.
The rear of the prototype has reworked LED tail lights.
Our spy photographers got another look at the curved dash inside the prototype.
This is expected to be the same curved dashboard like the one in the i4 and iX, with a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
Powered by the iDrive 8 operating system, this new infotainment system supports over-the-air updates, improved personalisation, voice recognition features, and a minimalist interface with large icons.
The dashboard has been previously spied close up with a cover over the top.
The facelifted BMW 3 Series is expected to be revealed in 2022 as the current model only went on sale in 2019.
The powertrain in this facelifted model is yet to be confirmed, but the current model is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six producing 285kW of power and 500Nm of torque.
There are currently turbo-petrol and PHEV variants available, while an EV variant has been spied.
BMW has sold 2747 3 Series models to the end of August 2021, making it the top-selling model in the mid-sized sedan over $60,000 segment in VFACTS.
It’s outselling both the Mercedes C-Class and CLA-Class, as well as the Audi A4 and Lexus IS.
MORE: Everything BMW 3 Series