It is slightly longer and more spacious than previous generations, but it is also lighter.
The 32-year-old first BMW 3 Series touring hit the market. Now, the automaker presents its sixth generation. These figures demonstrate how important the station wagon for BMW are: More than 1.7million vehicles have been manufactured, with only 500,000 being from the previous generation. The BMW plant in Munich produces it for European markets as well as Japan, South Korea Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia. North America will not be able to purchase the new model. It is due for market launch on September 28, 2019.
The internal dimensions of the G21 (the name), have been increased by 3 inches (8 cm) over the previous model. They now measure 15.4 feet (4.71m) in length. The car is also slightly wider (2 cm) and taller. The wheelbase has been extended by 1.5 inches (4cm) over the previous estate.
The new BMW 3 Series wagon looks impressive, thanks to last year’s redesign. The large kidney at the front is highlighted and flanked with full LED headlamps. Optional LED fog lamps and LED headlamps are available with extended beam widths or adaptive LED headlamps that have laser light for glare-free high beam.
Standard equipment includes aluminum strips for side window seals, aluminum covers for B and C pillars, and roof rails. The flowing transition from the sides leads to the rear. A striking tear-off edge is highlighted by darkened LED lighting units in upper areas. All models have double-edged exhaust tailpipes that further enhance the design.
Interior layout is inspired by the BMW 3 Series sedan: Redesigned seats were designed to improve long-distance comfort in the new BMW 3 Series Touring. The car has more shoulder room in the front and more headroom for all occupants. The new experience includes more legroom and easier ingress/egress at the rear. There are three options for rear bench seating, with two being lockable with ISOFIX connections.
As standard, the new BMW 3 Series Touring has automatic tailgate activation. Comfort access is an optional feature that allows the luggage compartment flaps to be opened or closed by hand. The rear window, which is slightly larger than the previous model, can be opened separately to allow for easier access to its back. The luggage compartment is 4.4 inches (11.2cm) wider and has a lower load floor, making it easier to store large, heavy items. With the rear seats folded down, cargo volume is increased to 53.3 cubic feet (1.510 liters). BMW also offers an electrically extensible trailer hitch that can be extended to haul your extra goods.
The new BMW 3 Series Touring is available with three petrol engines and three diesel engines, either at launch or within a few weeks. There are options from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to the larger 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. All models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards. The range will include a Touring model equipped with a plug-in hybrid drive in 2020. Below is a breakdown of powertrain combinations available at launch and models where they will be found.
The new BMW 3 Series Touring has a 25 percent increase in body stiffness in the handling department. The chassis connection is significantly stiffer than the one in the previous model. It also has a lower center of gravity and a balanced 50/50 axle load distribution. The estate, depending on its trim level, is approximately 22 pounds (10 kg) lighter than the previous model.
Optional M sports suspension reduces the 3 Series Touring a little, while an Adaptive M suspension system has electronically controlled dampers. Variable Sport Steering is available on both options. An M sports brake system with four piston fixed calipers on each side of the front axle is also possible. The M340i xDrive touring model, which offers a range of options, also features an M sports differential. This is available in combination with either the M sport suspension or the Adaptive suspension for the 330i xDrive, 330i, and 330i Touring models.
The pricing for the 3 Series Touring will be announced closer to its September market release.