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BMW 3 Series eDrive plug-in hybrid spotted in development

BMW has shown its commitment to the development of hybrid and electric powertrains in recent years, with vehicles in its ActiveHybrid range, electrics like its BMW ActiveE and range-extended EVs like the i3 and i8. Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles are clearly top-of-mind for the German automaker. We saw spy shots of the PHEV BMW X5 eDrive prototypes about a year ago, and now our shooters have come through with a 3 Series-bodied version of the technology, as well.
In addition to the obvious "Hybrid Test Vehicle" designation you see on the bodysides of this 3er, we also note that a second 'fuel cap' - presumably hiding the electric charge point - is in evidence. It's a fairly safe assumption that this 3 Series is making use of the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor configuration that the X5 eDrive used. In the case of the X5, that meant a top electric-only speed of 75 miles per hour, with a range of just under 20 miles, and 0-62 mph in under 7 seconds. With considerably lighter, compact sedan bodywork clothing the PHEV drivetrain, we'd guess that the 3 Series eDrive could improve on each of those numbers.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe spotted wearing minimal camo, M Sport pack

The new BMW 4 Series is essentially the coupe version of the latest 3 Series. So it would stand to reason that the four-door version of the 4 Series, in turn, would be the 3 Series - right? Well, yes and no.
Just as BMW offers both a 5 Series sedan and a four-door version of the 6 Series called the Gran Coupe, so, too, will its 4-Series family expand. So following the release of the new 4 Series Convertible, here we have the latest batch of spy shots showing the upcoming 4 Series Gran Coupe - which in turn should not be confused with the hunchbacked 3 Series Gran Turismo, which is more of a sporty wagon than a four-door coupe.
The nearly ready test vehicle pictured here is wearing only minimal camouflage to hide some last few details, but also appears to be wearing the M Sport package that will bridge the gap (at least, visually speaking) between the base models and the M4 Gran Coupe that is all but certain to follow.

BMW 2 Series Convertible goes for a drive in the cold

The BMW 2 Series is the car that will eventually replace the 1 Series here in the United States (remember: the 1 Series moniker will live on to describe the hatchback models in other markets), and while we've seen the new coupe out on the prowl, we're now seeing the droptop version out on the road. We don't have much information about the new 2er models, only that they are expected to bow sometime in 2014.
Dimensionally, the new 2 Series convertible looks very similar in size to its outgoing 1 Series kin, with things like the roofline and roof shape looking nearly identical. Of course, reworked front and rear fascias are immediately noticeable, and judging by what little we can see, it appears as though the small BMW will take many of its design cues from the larger 3 Series rather than the oft-awkward-looking 1 Series hatch that's currently available in Europe.
Assuming things are still on track for 2014, we won't rule out a possible debut in Geneva, though the Frankfurt expo in September makes even more sense.