We expect that the new 3 Series Touring will arrive here before the end of the year to take on the updated Audi A4 Avant and Volvo V50.
BMW will officially unveil the 3 Series Touring at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Touring is largely identical to the sedan from the front to the A-pillars.
The Touring is also 42 mm longer, at 4 520 mm, than the previous model, 78 mm wider at 1 817 mm and 9 mm higher at 1 418 mm. The wheelbase is stretched a further 35 mm to 2 760 mm.
Furthermore the Touring's enlarged luggage area grows to 460-litres. By folding the rear 60/40 split fold backrest, up to 1 385-litres of luggage space is available on an almost totally flat loading floor.
According to BMW there are a number of innovative ideas for this model. The luggage compartment cover for example, automatically moves up together with the flip-up rear window in order to facilitate loading at the rear.
Thanks to run-flat tyres, overall weight is optimised and luggage space increases, with an additional storage box beneath the floor of the luggage compartment.
The luggage compartment floor section is reversible, with a touch plastic cover to repel water or dirt.
There are lashing points to securely fasten heavy goods on one side and a plastic cover on the other side that can be laid over panels and surfaces to protect against dirt and scratches.
A water-tight folding box beneath the floor of the luggage area serves additionally to house wet boots or similar items.
The engine range will be similar to that of the 3 Series sedan.