The seventh generation version of BMW's 3 Series Touring gets a further package of useful updates. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The improved version of the seventh generation BMW's 3 Series Touring holds no great surprises to those who understand the narrative of this model. It's not the most accomplished load lugger in its class but it's the best drive and offers the most efficiency. That'll be enough to clinch the deal for most who just hanker after a 3 Series with a bit more versatility. In this further enhanced form, it's smarter and gets an even more sophisticated cabin. Diesel's been dropped but the 330e PHEV version gets a much larger battery. And there's a big step forward in media connectivity. All the things you'd expect from a facelift really. Something else you'd expect from this model is rear wheel drive handling purity. It doesn't disappoint in that regard either.

Background

Conventional wisdom dictates that estate cars are designed for people who can't fit all the paraphernalia of modern life inside a conventional saloon or hatchback model. You'd certainly imagine that an estate would require a lot more space than the saloon on which it is based in order to justify its own existence but, particularly in the compact executive sector where BMW's 3 Series Touring competes, it isn't always that straightforward. It might be a surprise for some people to learn that many mid-sized executive estate cars are only fractionally roomier than their saloon equivalents - and some even have less space out back. Estate buyers in this sector are typically also asked to pay around £2,000 more for the privilege over the cost of the alternative saloon. That's extra money for extra space. How much extra space in this case? With the rear seats in place, just 20-litres over the saloon. You don't, in other words, buy this car for its luggage cramming talents. You buy it because you want the capability in hand and also because it's a little more 'lifestyle' and a little less 'field sales' than the standard 3 Series saloon.

Driving Experience

Unlike Audi and Mercedes, BMW doesn't see diesels as part of its electrifed future. it does however, continue to put a lot of store in its PHEV technology, which is why the major changes with this second update to the G21-era Touring design are with the 330e Plug-in Hybrid. This now gets a bigger 19.5kWh battery, which allows for a considerably longer 61 mile electric driving range. That means a suburban driver really could start to use their 330e Touring much like an EV. The combined output of this powertrain's 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor now stands at 292hp (8hp more than before), facilitating a 62mph sprint time of 6.0s en route to 142mph. Otherwise, the only remaining mainstream engine you can have is the 184hp 2.0-litre petrol unit of the 320i which, like the 330e, is offered only in rear-driven form and makes 62mph in 7.6s en route to 142mph. If you want something more powerful, there's the M340i xDrive, which has AWD and a 3.0-litre petrol six cylinder unit developing 374hp and, thanks to 500Nm of torque, is good for 62mph in 4.6s on the way to a top speed limited to 155mph. The road-burning M3 Competition Touring still tops the range of course, now with mandatory xDrive and a 530hp version of the usual 3.0-litre twin turbo six cylinder engine. With mainstream models, BMW's tweaked the chassis to imptrove comfort. And has added stiffer mounting points for the rear dampers, faster, more responsive steering and an upgrade for the optional adaptive dampers. Otherwise, much is familiar here. All 3 Series models get the near perfect 50:50 weight distribution that has defined this model line to date: this updated seventh generation model doesn't deviate too far from that script. Still notable are the standard 'lift-related' dampers. These clever shock absorbers incorporate structures that provide extra damping at the extremes of wheel travel, allowing quite a firm sporting set-up to be adopted, but also one able to deliver a fluent ride over tarmac imperfections. Thanks to that, this car's able to combine a set-up for Silverstone with something that works equally well on the North Circular.

Design and Build

It won't surprise you to learn that from the front bumper to the B-pillar, the 3 Series Touring is identical to the saloon model. Compared to the old pre-2018 F31-series Touring model, this seventh generation G21-series version grew by 76mm to 4,709mm in length, by 16mm to 1,827mm in width and by 11mm to 1,440mm in height. So it's usefully more spacious - and with the facelift updates, the revised model is slightly better looking too. Visual changes to this body style as part of this second G21-era 3 Series Touring update are minimal: a more aerodynamic front bumper, more angular sills, fresh paint colours and, if you upgrade from the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, redesigned 19-inch alloy wheel rims. Inside, you might notice the redesigned steering wheel, the redesigned air vents along with the provision of fewer fascia buttons. And maybe also the smart 'cascade' interior lighting (adjustable for colour and brightness and able to indicate to the driver if they have an incoming 'phone call or have left a door open). Plus there's nicer Sensatec perforated fabric upholstery. The major cabin update here though, is the adoption of the brand's latest 'Operating System 8.5' software for the big 14.9-inch central touchscreen, which now controls all the climate functions and has a 'widget bar' that can be customised with the driver's favourite functions.There's also augmented reality for the navigation, 5G connectivity and a streamlined system to allow the car to connect to its MyBMW app. Plus, as with larger BMWs, you can now get the iDrive controller, the gear selector and the ignition button in 'Crafted Clarity' cut glass. As previously, there's a 12.3-inch instrument display. Otherwise, things are much as before. There's reasonably comfortable space for a couple of adults on the rear bench - it'd be a bit of a squash for three. Out back, there's a 500-litre boot (20-litres more than the Saloon), though that falls to just 410-litres with the 330e PHEV), which you can of course extend by folding the 40:20:40-split seat backs forward. That frees up 1,500-litres with the conventionally-engined models. It's 1,420-litres with the 330e.

Market and Model

The mainstream 3 Series Touring range mainly occupies the £44,000 to £64,000 bracket; there's an £1,800 premium over the saloon. You can also have the Touring bodystyle in M3 for for around £92,000 - or in even wilder M3 CS guise for around £126,000. In the mainstream range, as before, there are two trim levels, 'Sport' and 'M Sport' and all models now include the latest 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' screen set-up, which includes cloud-based BMW Maps, over-the-air updates and an improved version of the brand's 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' voice control system. The company's 'Parking assistant' is now standard, steering you automatically into spaces. And you can upgrade it with Park View, Panorama View and 3D View functions. As part of this update, there are nine new paint finishes. And 'M Sport' customers are being offered a new range of 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, giving their side view a more dynamic appearance. Customers can order these wheels in either a Jet Black finish or a bi-colour variant. There are new upholstery choices too. As an alternative to the black cloth seat surfaces fitted as standard in 'Sport' models, you can order sport seats in Sensatec perforated finish, available in Black, Tacora Red or Cognac. The optional Vernasca leather trim is now offered in four colour variants. On 'M Sport' models and the M340i, new 'M Performtex' upholstery is available. As for cabin trimming panels across the range, well 'Dark Graphite matt' interior fascia trim panels come as standard, while 'Fineline Light' open-pored and 'Grey Blue Ash' open-pored fine-wood trim can be ordered - or you can have a Carbon Fibre and Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite-embellished cabin. Customers can now specify CraftedClarity glass applications, which gives the gear selector lever, BMW iDrive Controller and Start/Stop button a particular air of exclusivity, both visually and in how they feel to the touch. As for safety, well as before, optional across the range is the brand's 'Driving Assistant Professional' pack, which includes Active Cruise Control with a Stop&Go function. There's also a 'Steering and Lane Control Assistant', which helps the driver maintain their position on motorways where the lane narrows. The 'Active Navigation' function detects when a lane change for a motorway exit is required and prepares to steer the car into that lane. The system also comprises a 'Lane Keeping Assistant' with active side collision protection and an 'Evasion Assistant'.

Cost of Ownership

With the 320i, things are much as before. This base petrol variant manages up to 41.5mpg (2mpg less than the saloon) and up to 153g/km of CO2 (5g/km worse). If you want to do better, the improved 330e petrol/electric Plug-in hybrid can now deliver up to 313.9mpg on the combined cycle and a CO2 return of as little as 23g/km, which keeps the car in the 8% Benefit-in-Kind tax bracket. The new 61 mile EV range figure of the upgraded 19.5kWh battery (7.5kWh larger than before) is now just 8 miles short of the class-leading Mercedes C300e. That battery can be charged at speeds of up to 11kW for a recharge time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you don't care so much about efficiency, the straight six models beckon. the M340i xDrive manages up to 34.9mpg and 182g/km, helped by its 48V mild hybrid system. The M3 Competition xDrive manages only up to 27.4mpg and 233g/km in Touring form. What else? Well across the range, the Steptronic automatic transmission features a coasting mode so that when the driver lifts off the throttle at higher speeds, for example on a gentle downhill grade on the motorway, the engine is automatically decoupled from the powertrain. It then simply ticks over in neutral, which saves fuel and ensures there is no unwanted engine braking at high speed. An additional fuel-saving feature, which also improves driving comfort, is the Proactive Driving Assistant, which uses information from the navigation system to "anticipate" upcoming roundabouts, corners and junctions and select exactly the right time to change gear.

Summary

This 3 Series station wagon has long been one of the quiet achievers in BMW's model range. There's a reason for that. Look behind the low-key styling and you find a car that does so much so well. This improved model has become quite expensive, but thanks to the updated hi-tech cabin, at least you now feel you're getting a very complete benchmark-standard product for that not-inconsiderable outlay. You might rarely use the added dynamic dimension it has over its rivals, but it'll always be good to know you have it. True, this car still isn't vastly practical, but the changes BMW made to the cargo area when this G21-series model was first launched have had more of a real word impact than the stats suggest. And pragmatic estate buyers will appreciate the fact that this car is the most efficient choice you can make in the premium part of the mid-sized estate sector. A lot to like them, which is just as well given the premium prices being asked. Still, if you're shopping in this sector, we think you'll find this contender even more difficult to ignore.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated washer jets

Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation

Electric windows - front and rear, with open/close fingertip control, anti-trap facility and comfort closing

Heat protection glazing on front windows and windscreen

Brakes

Ventilated front and rear disc brakes

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Dry braking

Electric parking brake including automatic hold function and automatic release of the parking brake when driving off

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+) - Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with brake assist and cornering brake control + Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Electronic differential lock control (EDLC)

Drive-off assistant

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear velour floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Double joint spring strut front axle

Communication

Bluetooth Wi-Fi interface

Personal e-SIM

Driver Aids

Variable sport steering

Attentiveness assist

Active guard plus

Driver Convenience

Electric bootlid

Automatic Start/stop button

Driver Information

BMW Teleservices

Oil sensor for level and grade

Shifting point display

BMW iDrive

Live cockpit plus with Navigation + 12.3" instrument display + 14.9" display, Intelligent voice assist, 2 USB, 4G LTE connect

ConnectedDrive Services - last state call

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Folding wing mirror with auto dimming

Engine

Fuel tank breather system

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Exterior Body Features

High gloss shadow line roof rails

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

Door sill strips

Model designation on right side of tailgate

High gloss chrome kidney frame with high gloss black kidney struts

Fading support

Side frame decorative moulding black matt

Front apron plastic in body colour

One piece front bumper cover including towing eye cover in body colour

Licence plate panel integrated into front bumper and tailgate

Body colour roof fin

Fuel filler flap - right rear in body colour

Rear side wing doors

BMW emblem, engine compartment lid and tailgate

Visible exhaust tailpipe finisher

Matt black window recess cover

Matt black B-pillar finsher

M high gloss shadow line exterior trim

Exterior Lights

Reversing lights

LED daytime running lights

LED rear lights

Automatic headlight beam throw control with load dependent regulating reaction, dynamic compensation of braking dive and acceleration squat

Welcome lights in interior and door handle area

Follow me home headlight function

3rd brake light

LED turn indicator

Bi-LED Low and high beam headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Anthracite headlining

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Folding rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders

12V power socket in front storage compartment

Armrest integrated in front and rear door trim + front centre console armrest

Height adjustable mechanically and infinitely variable steering column

2 front cupholder in centre console with clamping elements and matt black inlay

Lashing eyelets in luggage compartment

BMW ID

Illuminated glove compartment

Cruise control operation in steering wheel

Driving experience mode switch

3 spoke M Sport multifunction flat bottom leather steering wheel

Interior Lights

Front reading light

Illuminated luggage compartment

Illuminated armrest storage compartment

Packs

Connected pack professional - 3 Series Saloon/Touring

Parking assistant pack - 3 Series

M sport exterior styling pack - 3 Series Saloon/Touring

Interior and exterior mirror pack - 3 Series Touring/Saloon

Safety

Side impact protection

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Child locks on rear doors

Front airbag deactivation

3x3 point rear seatbelts

BMW emergency call

Plastic fuel tank

Crash sensor activating of airbags,Unlocking doors,hazard warning lights,fuel cut off,interior lighting+activation of safety battery terminal clamp

Tyre pressure sensors

Driver and front passenger with seat occupancy detection for driver's and passenger side

Head airbags in 1st and 2nd row, head protection at side, curtain airbags open from headliner above 1st and 2nd row

Driver and passenger side airbags, body protection at side and airbags deploy from seat backrests

Front airbags for driver and front passenger

Seats

Heated front seats

Front and rear headrests

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40:20:40 split folding rear seat with loading system

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Centre lock switch

Alarm system

Electronic vehicle immobiliser

Closing system with central locking

Towing

Trailer stabilisation logic

Transmission

Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles launch control and xtreme drive lever control

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors and ticket pocket

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 66

CO: 0.334

HC: 0.015

NOx: 0.012

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 214

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 154

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 130

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 151

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 153

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 153

Emissions - Lifecycle

End-of-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 0.6

In-Life Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 11.1

Lifetime Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 26.3

Production Emissions - CO2e (Equivalent) - tonnes: 14.6

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 1998

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Engine Code: B48B20M1

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 29.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 37.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 9.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.5

General

Coin Series: M Sport

Coin Description: i

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 29E

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 97

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 87

NCAP Safety Assist %: 76

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 184

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.6

Top Speed: 143

Engine Power - BHP: 184

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 135

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 221

Engine Torque - NM: 300

Engine Torque - RPM: 1350

Engine Torque - MKG: 30.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 848M

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4713

Width: 1827

Wheelbase: 2851

Width (including mirrors): 2068

Height: 1440

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1585

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2180

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 59

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 595

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 500

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1510

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Body Glass

Sun and heat protection glass dark tinted on rear windows and windscreen

Acoustic glazing

Brakes

M Sport brakes with blue calipers M designation in front

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive M lowered suspension

Driver Aids

Active cruise control with stop and go function

Embellishment Trims

Carbon fibre interior trim

Luxury intrument panel

Light fine wood open pored interior trim - dashboard

Ash grey-blue fine wood open poured interior trim - dashboard

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon surround sound system

HiFi speaker system with 10 speakers and 205w digital amplifier

Exterior Body Features

BMW special paintwork

Panoramic glass sunroof

Metallic paint

BMW Individual Unique Frozen paintwork

Exterior Lights

Automated High beam assist

Adaptive LED Headlights

Interior Features

Vernasca leather upholstery

Sensatec perforated upholstery

Crafted clarity for interior elements

Heating steering wheel

Packs

Storage compartment pack with 12V socket - 3 Series Saloon/Touring

Driving assistant pack - 3 Series

Comfort package - 3 Series

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Arctic race blue

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Fire red

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Portimao blue

Metallic - Mineral white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual paint - Special request

BMW Individual Unique Frozen paint - Pure grey

BMW Individual Unique Frozen paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW special paint - Dravit grey

BMW special paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

Safety

Active protection

Seats

Electric memory seats

Electric front lumbar support

Front M Sport seats

Towing

Fully electric towbar

Trim - Cloth

M Perform tex cloth - Black with M piping

Trim - Leather

Sensatec perforated - Cognac

Sensatec perforated - Tacora red

Sensatec perforated - Black

Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey stitching

Vernasca leather - Mocha with night blue stitching

Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching

Vernasca leather - Black with blue contrast stitching

Wheels - Alloy

19" M double spoke jet black light alloy wheels - Style 995 M with mixed tyres

19" M double spoke light alloy wheels - Style 995 M bicolour with mixed tyres

19" Y-spoke BMW Individual light alloy wheels - Style 1038 M bicolour with mixed tyres