- BMW has confirmed a new 3 Series Touring is on the way.
- An i3 wagon is planned, but there is uncertainty whether a combustion engine version will be offered.
- The new estate is one of 40 models BMW is launching by the end of next year.
BMW may have kicked off a Neue Klasse revival with the iX3 crossover, but it hasn’t abandoned the traditional body style that helped build its reputation. At the launch of the i3 today, the company reiterated its commitment to sedans by planning another generation of the 3 Series with both a combustion engine and an electric drivetrain. Not only that, it also gives a glimpse of a more practical wagon.
Toward the end of the i3 presentation, outgoing CEO Oliver Zipse briefly mentioned the new 3 Series Touring. He didn’t specify what drivetrains it would offer, although it would make sense for BMW to emulate the duality of ICE and EV on the sedan. Based on this teaser, there’s not much to see, but we do see a low-profile roof bar.
We’re starting to wonder if the next 3 Series wagon will also drop the practical features missing from the current generation’s 5 Series Touring. In larger areas, the rear window can no longer be opened separately from the rear door. You can still access the cargo area this way on the outgoing 3 Series Touring, but we’re not so sure about the next one.
Photo by: BMW
Even if the feature disappears from future 3 Series cars, it would only be a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things. At least BMW is committed to the Touring for the next generation, and with the 5 Series still in the lineup, it’s nice to have a varied and solid alternative to the SUV.
While it’s still early days for the next-generation 3 Series Touring, hopefully BMW will bring it to the United States. Americans did get a wagon, but the long-roof M5 was out of reach for most buyers at $130,000 before options. A smaller, more affordable wagon model might be successful in North America, where much of the segment has succumbed to the SUV takeover.
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Source: BMW
