Official details of the facelifted BMW 3 Series saloon, coupe and estate have been revealed after information on the popular German car was leaked onto the Internet.

Following on from the refreshed BMW 7 Series announced at the beginning of the week, the BMW 3 Series will also get an update for September’s Paris Motor Show.

View more pictures of the new-look BMW 3 Series

On the outside, the 2008 BMW 3 Series gets a more aggressive front with the bonnet featuring a range of sleeker lines more accustomed to the BMW Z4, while the front also gets a new bumper and pair of headlights.

The rear of the BMW 3 Series has been completely redesigned new rear bumpers, rear lights and LED light clusters.

Five engines will now have the option on BMW’s all-wheel drive system xDrive with the 320d becoming the first four-cylinder BMW to get the safety-enhancing feature.

In normal conditions xDrive distributes pulling power to the front and rear wheels at a ratio of 40:60. xDrive responds in anticipation of a spin and stabilises the vehicle before the driver needs to take any action.

Efficient Dynamics, BMW’s fuel efficiency enhancing and CO2 emission reducing programme, is now standard across the entire BMW 3 Series range with all models now getting brake energy regeneration and stop/start technology.

The BMW 3 Series also features BMW ConnectedDrive which allows unlimited internet access from inside the vehicle as an optional extra.

As with the current range, the refreshed BMW 3 Series will be available with five unchanged petrol engines ranging from the 143bhp BMW 318i to the 306bhp BMW 335i.

There will also be five diesel engines ranging from the ultra-efficient 318d to the 286bhp 335d while the BMW 330d gets a newly-developed engine with power increased by 14bhp to 245bhp and pulling power increased to 383lb/ft from 369lb/ft.

To improve the BMW 335i Coupe and 335i Convertible’s sports appeal, BMW is fitting them with the same seven-speed automatic gearbox as seen in the BMW M3 super saloon.

The facelifted fifth generation BMW 3 Series will make its official debut at September’s Paris Motor Show.

View more pictures of the new-look BMW 3 Series