BMW has just raised the bar on the new Series 3 Touring (G21), and the differences are easy to identify in relation to the saloon — just look at the rear volume. Unlike other proposals, the Series 3 Touring is not longer than the Series 3 saloon, maintaining the same 4709 mm in length.
However, it has grown significantly relative to its predecessor in all directions, which has translated into living gains for both the first and second row occupants — BMW mentions the possibility of accommodating three baby seats in the rear, two of which via ISOFIX .
Despite the increased dimensions, the new Series 3 Touring is up to 10 kg lighter than its predecessor and also offers less resistance to the passage of air. The G21 has a Cx. value of 0.27 instead of the 0.29 of the previous F31 (values for the 320d).
Rear, the highlight
Let's focus on the rear volume of this van, as in everything else, of course, it's identical to the saloon. Vans usually bring to the table arguments such as increased versatility and superior use of space, and in these chapters the Series 3 Touring does not disappoint.
The rear window can be opened separately, as is customary at BMW, and the tailgate operation is automatic, standard on all versions.
The luggage compartment capacity has grown (only) 5 l compared to the previous Series 3 Touring, and is now 500 l (+20 l than the saloon), but the emphasis is on the larger opening and easier access to it. .
Compared to its predecessor, the opening is 20mm wider and 30mm higher (125mm wider at its top) and the luggage compartment itself is up to 112mm wider. The access point is slightly lower, being 616mm off the ground, with the step between the sill and the luggage compartment plane being reduced from 35mm to just 8mm.
The rear seats are divided into three parts (40:20:40), and when fully folded down, the luggage compartment capacity is increased to 1510 l. The seats can optionally be folded down from the trunk, via a new panel with buttons positioned on the right side of the luggage compartment.
If we need to remove the hatbox or the dividing net, we can always store them in their own compartments under the luggage compartment floor. Optionally, we can have the luggage compartment floor with non-slip bars.
six engines
The BMW 3 Series Touring will hit the market with six engines, already known from the saloon, three petrol and three diesel.
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The highlight goes to the M340i xDrive Touring with 374 hp, the most powerful 3 Series ever… other than an M3, equipped with the desirable 3.0 l inline six cylinders and turbo. The other six-cylinder in-line, also has a capacity of 3.0 l and delivers 265 hp, but runs on diesel, and will equip the 330d xDrive Touring.
The other engines are four-cylinder and always with 2.0 l capacity and turbocharger. Gasoline we have the 320i Touring with 184 hp, and the 330i Touring and 330i xDrive Touring with 258 hp. With diesel we have the 318d Touring of 150 hp, and the 320d Touring and 320d xDrive Touring of 190 hp.
The 318d and 320d come as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and as an option with Steptronic, an eight-speed automatic transmission. All other engines come as standard with Steptronic, as well as the xDrive version of the 320d Touring.
When arrives?
The first appearance of the BMW 3 Series Touring will take place between the 25th and 27th of June at the #NEXTGen event in Munich, with the first public appearance taking place at the next Frankfurt Motor Show in early September.
Sales are scheduled to start at the end of September, with the 320i Touring, M340i xDrive Touring, and 318d Touring versions arriving later in November. In 2020 a plug-in hybrid variant will be added, a debut in the Series 3 Touring.
