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BMW has revealed the new generation 3 Series Touring ahead of a local arrival later this year.

 

Dimensionally, the Touring has grown and now measures 4709mm long (+76mm), 1827mm wide (+16mm) and 1470mm high (+8mm). The wheelbase has been extended by 41mm to 2851mm with a wider front (+43mm) and rear (+21mm) track.

 

As a result of the increased proportions, the boot can hold 500-litres of gear, 5L more than its predecessor. With the rear seats folded flat the load capacity increases to 1510L.

 

To make loading easier, the boot opening is 112mm wider than before and the loading lip has been lowered. Additionally, the rear window can be opened independently of the tailgate.

 

BMW is talking up the improvements in rigidity when compared to the outgoing model. The chassis of the new 3 Series Touring is 25 per cent stiffer overall despite a 10kg drop in weight.

 

The car maintains a low centre of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution, while the drag coefficient is as low as 0.27.

 

Lift-related dampers which are continuously variable, adjusting the damper firmness progressively according to the changing spring travel, are standard across the range.

 

Locally, the Touring range is likely to mirror that of the sedan range meaning we’ll get the 320d and 330i.

 

The 320d gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 140kW and 400Nm, while the 330i uses a turbocharged petrol making 190kW and 400Nm. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels.

 

European markets also get a base model 318d along with all-wheel drive versions of the 320d and 330i. There’s also a flagship M340i xDrive model.

 

On the inside, things look identical to the sedan. BMW’s new Operating System 7.0 and Intelligent Personal Assistant are standard which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen.

 

Australian bound example of the new 3 Series Touring will be built in BMW’s Munich plant with a global launch scheduled for September 2019.

 

BMW’s local arm is yet to confirm the range, spec and pricing for our market. Stay tuned.