spied photos

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though BMW will release the new 5-series in the autumn of this year, the Germans have already started testing the next model. This 2005 3-Series was caught by our spies winter-testing close to the Russian border.

Our computer-illustration reveals what's underneath the disguise, and, this is confirmed by inside information from the factory.

The new design will be quite restrained compared to the radical 7-Series replacement. Being BMW's most important range (with over 50 per cent of the total sales), the 3-Series is the car that has to please rather than provoke. Apart from the X3-inspired newly shaped headlights and a wider twin-kidney grille, no more design excesses are to be expected.

Dimensions won't be changed much, but the longer wheelbase and higher roofline will benefit rear passengers, and the tall boot increases space in the luggage compartment.

As with the 5- and 6-Series, BMW plans to clearly differentiate the two- and four-door models. Therefore, the future 3-Series will consist of only two models, the four-door saloon (E90, Frankfurt 2005) and the five-door Touring (E91, summer 2006). The coupé (E92, end 2006) and cabrio (E93, spring 2007) will be renamed the 4-Series in the future.

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Over two years before its official presentation at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, a first prototype of the new Mercedes S-class, code-named W 221, has been spotted undergoing tests in northern Sweden.

According to a Mercedes spokesman, the new flagship won't grow overall in length or width but will feature a lengthened wheelbase with the front and rear wheels pushed further to the edges of the arches.

The new S-class will feature a design quite different from the current car. In fact, design elements of the up-coming GST, which itself will be based on the chassis of the new S-class, will be carried over to the new S-class, too. The car will be given a prominent waist line underneath the side windows, reaching from the bonnet straight through to the boot lid - a simple trick to disguise the true height of the boot without destroying the overall elegance. The front will be dominated by a very flat and wide grille.

It is too early still to give concrete information about chassis and electronic - however, air suspension and huge 19- or 20-inch wheels will be standard. @Automedia

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