2012 BMW 3 Series is like a 5 Series "Mini Me"

The newly-redesigned 2012 BMW 3 Series was caught by someone quick with their camera while strutting about town completely undisguised well ahead of its expected unveiling later this year.

These new pictures from BimmerPost and Spanish site BMWFaq, provide the clearest view yet of the new 3 Series.

As we would expect, the 2012 3 Series looks like it's getting a lot of the same design themes as the new 2011 5 Series. The resemblance is especially strong in the rear end, the elongated crease lines in the hood and a similarly strong cut line along the sides. It's so much that we're wondering if we should just call the new 3 Series, "Mini Me."

Hat tip to everyone who sent this one in!