On the same day that BMW unveiled the three-door hatchback version of the 1-Series the Bavarian carmaker also introduced the new estate body style of the latest 3-Series that will be called Touring in Europe and other regions, and Sports Wagon in North America.
In Europe, the new 3-Series Touring will arrive in showrooms later this year as the 328i with a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol producing 241-horses (245PS), the 320d propelled by a 181hp (184PS) 2.0-liter turbo diesel and the 330d equipped with a 255-horsepower (258PS) 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel.
A six-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels in the four-cylinder models with the 330d sporting a standard 8-speed automatic, which is optional on the other models. Both transmission variants are linked to a fuel consumption-reducing Auto Start-Stop system.
Within the next year, BMW will enhance the range with more engine options as featured in the 3-Series sedan like the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight six petrol as well as four-wheel drive versions.
BMW said the 3-Series Sports Wagon will go on sale in the States in spring of 2013, without revealing any information about the range. A safe guess would be that the lineup will include the 328i with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and the 335i with a 3.0-liter straight-six turbocharged gasoline unit and quite possibly a diesel-powered model.
Just like the sedan model, the new 3-Series estate is slightly larger than its predecessor, featuring wider tracks (front + 37 mm/1.46 in., rear + 48 mm/1.85 in.), plus a longer body (+ 97 mm/3.66 in.) and wheelbase (+ 50 mm/1.96 in.). BMW says the larger dimensions result in nearly ten percent more cargo volume both with the rear seats up (+35 liters to 495 liters) and when folded.
Among other highlights, the 3 Series Touring / Sports Wagon features a rear window that opens separately from the tailgate, which for the first time is electrically operated (hands free), and four tie-downs, a net along the left-hand panel, a pair of coat hooks and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area. In addition, the rear seats can be folded down in three sections in a 40:20:40 split.
Available options that are unique to the station wagon version of the 3-Series include roof-rails and a full glass panoramic sunroof.
5 Comments:
Woohoo!!! YES!!!
Let's hope dealers stock enough of these.
In the sketch, from the back, it looks like the perfect shooting brake. As for the actual car, meh...
Couldn't agree more. BMW's estate designs have been a big fail for years now.
What is not to like....
BMW handling and ride, decent performance with mileage(make mine the turbo 4 & 6-speed manual), practicality, sophisticated interior and exterior styling, makes for one hell of a package.
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