The new BMW 3 Series Touring has been unveiled.
It will make its public debut later this month at a BMW event before going on display to automotive enthusiasts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
BMW has never been a company to mess with a winning formula and the latest 3 Series Touring’s styling certainly falls into the evolution rather than revolution category.
Rearward visibility should be improved over the outgoing model, as the rear window is 20mm wider and now extends further down the tailgate.
SE, Sport and M Sport trims have been confirmed by BMW, meaning a full range of sensible and sports oriented offerings will be available from launch.
There’s also a new M Sport Plus Edition model for the UK market, which is offered in three exclusive colours and gets black mirror caps, gloss black 19-inch M badged alloy wheels.
The biggest news on the engine front is the updated 3 Series Touring will be offered with a plug-in hybrid option – although not until 2020.
For the time being, there are seven engine options – three diesel and four petrol. The entry level 320i petrol develops 181bhp, does 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and returns 48.7mpg.
At the top end, the M340i has 345bhp and zooms from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds.
People buy an estate car for the boot, and the new Touring offers a modest five-litres more volume than the outgoing model, at 500 litres.
An automatic tailgate is standard on every model, and how far it opens can be adjusted through the iDrive infotainment system. The rear window can be opened separately.
An electronic tow bar is optional, and all but the petrol powered 320i Touring (1,600kg) boast a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,800kg.
BMW hasn’t yet revealed prices for the new 3 Series Touring but expect to pay from around 34,000 for an entry level model.