BMW 3 SERIES TOURING WAGON

Fabian Kirchbauer Photography
Keen to provide a viable alternative to high riding SUVs, BMW Australia has introduced the 3 Series Touring (station wagon) to its lineup. At this stage only the 330i model has been announced, it will go on sale in October, with others to follow at dates yet to be announced.

To further sweeten the pricing pie the M Sport package is standard, and Luxury Line is a no cost option.

A fascinating feature is Reversing Assistant which records the last 50 metres of forward travel and is capable of navigating the same path in reverse. Just the thing for manoeuvring out of tight, narrow parking spaces.

Compared to the predecessor, the new BMW 3 Series Touring is 76 millimetres longer, 16 mm wider and just eight mm taller. Extended proportions of the vehicle have resulted in more shoulder room for the driver and front passenger, an increase of 11 mm of leg room for the rear passengers, as well as extra headroom for all occupants.

Fabian Kirchbauer Photography

Debuting on the 330i Touring are aluminium front spring struts and engine sub frame which saves 7.5 kilograms of weight. An extra 15 kilogram decrease has resulted from utilising aluminium for the construction of the side panels and bonnet. Overall, it weighs up to 10 kilograms less than its predecessor despite larger exterior dimensions.

Newly designed sport seats for the driver and passenger provide added lateral support and greater range of adjustment, enhancing the long-distance comfort level of the new BMW 3 Series Touring.

Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery is available in various colour options to decorate the premium cabin space.

There is 500 litres of luggage capacity. The 40:20:40 split folding rear seats can be folded to provide up to 1510 litres. The loading sill is slightly lower than in the older model for easier loading.

A flexible luggage compartment cover, detachable boot partition net and anti-slip rails make the cargo area safer and more secure.

BMW_3_Series_Touring_interior

Featuring a BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0 which includes a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a driver oriented 10.25-inch Control Display, which the driver can customise.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is activated by saying the phrase ‘Hey BMW’, the Intelligent Personal Assistant can action functions and deliver information to the driver swiftly and efficiently.

The skills and range of functions will be expanded with consistent updates available through smartphone or in-car Remote Software Upgrade,

As with the 330i sedan, the 3 Series Touring is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with 190kW of power between 5000 to 6500 rpm. A handy 400 Nm of torque is all the way from 1550 to 4400 revs.

We have yet to road test a BMW Touring, but will do so when the first models arrive here in October and report on shortly afterwards.

About Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy, a long-time car enthusiast, was Technical Research Librarian with the NRMA from 1970 until 1985. He worked part-time as a freelance motoring journalist from 1977 until 1985, when he took a full-time position as Technical Editor with Modern Motor magazine. Late in 1987 he left to set up a full-time business as a freelance motoring journalist. Ewan is an associate member of the Society of Automotive Engineers - International. An economy driving expert, he set the Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in a standard road vehicle on a single fuel fill. He lists his hobbies as stage acting, travelling, boating and reading.
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