Here in New Zealand all things wagon-y in the Euro sector tend to be utterly dominated by Audi. This is something that really rips BMW’s and Mercedes’ undies, as they simply cannot make inroads into Audi’s wagon dominance. BMW are giving it another go, with the new wagon version of the sexy 3 Series. But they have a secret weapon this time. Just not quite yet…
What is it?
Rather obviously it is the wagon version of the 3 Series that we have had the sedan version of for just on a year now.
As such, the wagon – or Touring, in BMW-speak – shares a broadly similar level of spec across the model range with the sedan (with a few minor variations), meaning a fairly drastic increase in spec over the last-generation wagon.
While it also offers a fairly healthy improvement in load-lugging space over the sedan (495 litres or 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded down) it is also, very shortly, going to be offering a significant improvement in traction over its sedan counterpart, with the addition of 4WD models – or xDrive in BMW-speak.
The 320i, 320d and 330d xDrive models will be available in May and we didn’t get to drive them on the launch, so there will be more on those later. Specs will be standard across xDrive/RWD cars and we have the prices, so here you go:
The Touring range kicks off with the RWD $77,800 318d which comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission hooked up to BMW’s 105kW/320Nm version of its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
The $79,800 320i comes next – $83,800 for the xDrive 4WD version – and both pack a 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbo petrol engine, again hooked up to an 8-speed auto, although this time it is the Sport version complete with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Then comes the 320d for $84,400 (xDrive only) which features a more powerul 135kW/380Nm version of the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel also hooked up to the 8-speed Sport transmission.
The 318i, 320i and 320d all feature auto stop/start and brake energy regeneration as standard, as well as BMW’s Driving Experience Control, keyless start, six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tyres, roof rails, cruise control with braking function, front and rear parking sensors, a rear view camera, an automatic opening tailgate, rain sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, a leather sports steering wheel with multi-function buttons and paddles (except for the 318d), electric seat adjustment, a six-speaker audio system that includes iPod compatibility, a 6.5-inch screen, an auxiliary input and USB input and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
The 328i is available in 2WD form only and boasts the most powerful version of BMW’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine under its bonnet, with an impressive 180kW and 350Nm on tap. Again, the 328i comes with the Sport version of the 8-speed auto.
The 328i adds a different design of 17-inch alloy wheel, Bi-xenon adaptive headlights with automatic switching between high and low beam, lumbar support with electric adjust for driver and front passenger, a 9-speaker audio system with a 205W analogue amplifier and satellite navigation. The 328i lands for $94,000.
The top of the range is position is shared by the 335i (in 2WD form) and 330d (in xDrive guise), both touching down at $112,500.
The 335i packs BMW’s incredible 3.0-litre inline six that punches out 225kW and 400Nm, while the 330d out-twists this by offering up the remarkable diesel 3.0-litre inline six that boasts 190kW and a crushing 560Nm. Both are, yet again, hooked up to the 8-speed Sport auto.
The 335i and 330d gain 18-inch alloy wheels, a crushing 600W Harmon Kardon 16-speaker audio system, an upgraded navigation system with an 8.8-inch screen and a 12GB hard drive and internet functionality.
On top of this BMW’s “Lines” packages are available in Sport, Luxury and Modern guises. Each Line adds a degree of personalisation to the cars and adds $3,000 to the cost of the 318d, 3201 and 320d or $2,000 to the 328i, 330d and 335i.
As usual, a massive list of options is available, including the $5,500 M Sport pack – click here for a full list of options, including the contents of the three Lines and the M Sport pack: BMW 3 Series Touring specification guide
What’s it like?
Rather unsurprisingly like the sedan, really.
All the engines have an impressively broad operating range, with the diesels being particularly effortless in the mid-ranges. Yet again, the 328i impressed with its six-cylinder like urge (and noise) and remarkable lack of lag.
The 3 Series chassis feels largely unaffected by the addition of extra body over the rear, with the handling staying as benign and alert as it ever was. Turn in is still razor-sharp and the rear is happily compliant, except when you want it to play up, that is.
With no xDrive variants there for us to sample it remains to be seen whether the extra weight of the 4WD system will improve or dilute the 3 Series sharp dynamic polish, but as it stands, the added wagon bulk takes little to nothing away from it in real-world terms.
What’s good about it?
Looks, handling, levels of standard specification, brilliant engines and the fantastic transmission for a start. And that’s a pretty comprehensive start.
The extra space that the wagon body style brings is welcome and the shape adds to the sleek angriness of the 3 Series.
What’s not so good?
While the overall quality of the 3 Series interior is good, it does seem strangely slightly lower than the rest of the BMW range, largely thanks to some patches of hard, lower quality plastics that seem to have snuck in.
That’s about it really…
First impressions?
Every bit as excellent as the sedan, but now with added load space. The drooling dishlicker will love spending time in the rear of the 3 Series Touring, although he may not appreciate it so much when you come across a nice, winding road and forget he is there.
The engines are impressive, as is the sole transmission and the combination of chassis excellence and brilliant electronics make for a truly special experience on your favourite stretch of road.
Probably the most involving wagon on the market today. It will be very interesting indeed to be seen what effect 4WD, sorry – xDrive, will have on it.
Specifications
Models/prices
318d – $77,800
320i – $79,800
320i xDrive – $83,800
320d xDrive – $84,400
328i – $94,000
335i – $112,500
330d xDrive – $112,500
Powertrain
2.0-litre inline four-cylinder diesel producing 105kW/320Nm; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive (318d), 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol producing 135kW/270Nm; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (320i), 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder diesel producing 135kW/380Nm; eight-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive (320d), 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol producing 180kW/350Nm; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive (328i), 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol producing 225kW/400Nm; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive (335i), 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel producing 190kW/560Nm; eight-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive (335d)
Fuel consumption: 4.5l/100km (318d), 6.1l/100km (320i), 6.5l/100km (320i xDrive), 4.5l/100km (320d xDrive), 6.5l/100km (328i), 7.6l/100km (335i), 5.4l/100km (330d xDrive)
CO2 emissions: 119g/km (318d), 143g/km (320i), 152g/km (320i xDrive), 117g/km (320d xDrive), 117g/km (328i), 178g/km (335i), 142g/km (330d xDrive)
Safety
ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: 5 star
Air bags: 6
Stability control: yes
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
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