BMW 3 Series Touring and new engine variants arriving in Q4

BMW Australia has confirmed the arrival of a Touring wagon version of its current generation 3 Series, launching in a single 330i model guise early in the fourth quarter of this year.

Like the existing 330i sedan, the new Touring model will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine producing 140kW/400Nm, sending drive to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Touring has grown to 4709mm long (+76mm), 1827mm wide (+16mm), and 1470mm tall (+8.0mm). The wheelbase is also longer at 2851mm (+41mm).

Cargo capacity is up 5.0 litres to 500 litres with all seats up, expanding to 1510 litres with the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat down.

Arriving at the same time are three new 3 Series models, the entry-level 320i, plug-in hybrid 330e, and performance-focused M340i xDrive, bringing the local 3-Series line-up to five variants including the current 320d and 330i.

The 320i is powered by a 135kW/300Nm version of the 2.0-litre turbo four, while the 330e combines the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric drive unit to generate system output of up to 215kW when the newly developed ‘XtraBoost’ mode is engaged. Claimed maximum electric-only range is 66km.

Powered by an in-line, six-cylinder, (single) turbo-petrol engine producing 275kW/500Nm, the M340i xDrive features intelligent all-wheel drive and a specific M Sport suspension tune (lowering ride height by 10mm), serving as the 3 Series performance flagship until the new M3’s expected global reveal in early 2020.

BMW says pricing and specification details for the new models will be confirmed closer to launch.

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