BMW 3 SERIES TOURING 320i Sport 5dr Step Auto

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

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

Heat protection glazing on front windows and windscreen

Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation

Rear wiper

Windscreen washer jets

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Cornering brake control

Drive-off assistant

Dry braking

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Dynamic brake control

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

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

Ventilated front and rear disc brakes

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear velour floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Double joint spring strut front axle

Standard suspension

Communication

Bluetooth Wi-Fi interface

Connected pro - Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay/Android auto and remote services

Personal e-SIM

Driver Aids

Automatic Start/stop button

Electric bootlid

Driver Convenience

Active guard plus

Attentiveness assist

Power assisted steering

Driver Information

BMW iDrive

BMW Teleservices

ConnectedDrive Services - last state call

Oil sensor for level and grade

Shifting point display

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Engine

Electronic differential lock control (EDLC)

Fuel tank breather system

Entertainment

DAB tuner

Exterior Body Features

BMW emblem, engine compartment lid and tailgate

BMW radiator grille with mesh grille and end face of the nuggets in quartz silver matt

Body colour roof fin

Door sill strips

Fading support

Front and rear bumper system with replaceable deformation elements

Front apron plastic in body colour

Fuel filler flap - right rear in body colour

High gloss shadow line roof rails

Licence plate panel integrated into front bumper and tailgate

M high gloss shadow line exterior trim

Matt black B-pillar finsher

Matt black window recess cover

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

Radiator grille frame in chrome matt

Rear side wing doors

Side frame decorative moulding black matt

Visible exhaust tailpipe finisher

Exterior Lights

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

Bi-LED Low and high beam headlights

Follow me home headlight function

LED 3rd brake light

LED daytime running lights

LED rear lights

LED turn indicator

Reversing lights

Welcome lights in interior and door handle area

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

12V power socket in front storage compartment

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

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

BMW ID

Cruise control operation in steering wheel

Driving experience mode switch

Folding rear centre armrest with 2 cupholders

Height adjustable mechanically and infinitely variable steering column

Illuminated glove compartment

Lashing eyelets in luggage compartment

Three spoke multifunction sport leather steering wheel

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Interior Lights

Front reading light

Illuminated armrest storage compartment

Illuminated luggage compartment

Packs

Interior and exterior mirror pack - 3 Series Touring/Saloon

Safety

3x3 point rear seatbelts

BMW emergency call

Child locks on rear doors

Crash sensor activating of airbags, Unlocking doors, hazard warning lights, interior light, safety battery terminal

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

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

Front airbag deactivation

Front airbags for driver and front passenger

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

Plastic fuel tank

Side impact protection

Tyre pressure sensors

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

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

Foldable all rear headrests

Front and rear headrests

Heated front seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Alarm system

Centre lock switch

Closing system with central locking

Electronic vehicle immobiliser

Locking wheel bolts

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

CO: 0.334

HC: 0.015

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 67

NOx: 0.012

Particles: 0

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 155

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 158

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 154

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 131

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

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

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1998

Compression Ratio: 11.0:1

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

Engine Code: B48B20M1

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Gears: 8 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.8

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

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

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

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 40.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - High: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Low: 29.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 41.5

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 184

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: i

Coin Series: Sport

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

Generation Mark: 7

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 28E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.6

Engine Power - BHP: 184

Engine Power - KW: 135

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 221

Engine Torque - MKG: 30.6

Engine Torque - NM: 300

Engine Torque - RPM: 1350

Top Speed: 143

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/50 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 225/50 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: V SPOKE STYLE 778

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1440

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 4713

Wheelbase: 2851

Width: 1827

Width (including mirrors): 2068

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 59

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2180

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1510

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 500

Max. Loading Weight: 595

Max. Roof Load: 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1585

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Body Glass

Acoustic glazing

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

Driver Convenience

Active cruise control with stop and go function

Embellishment Trims

Aluminium rhombicle anthracite interior trim

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

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Light fine wood open pored interior trim - dashboard

Luxury intrument panel

Entertainment

Harman/Kardon surround sound system

HiFi speaker system with 10 speakers and 205w digital amplifier

Exterior Body Features

BMW Individual metallic paint work

BMW Individual special request paint

Electric panoramic glass sunroof

Metallic paint

Model designation deletion

Exterior Lights

Adaptive LED Headlights

Automated High beam assist

Interior Features

Crafted clarity for interior elements

Heating steering wheel

Sensatec perforated upholstery

Vernasca leather upholstery

Packs

Comfort package - 3 Series

Driving assistant pack - 3 Series

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

Technology driving assistant professional pack - 3 Series

Technology package - 3 Series

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Arctic race blue

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Mineral white

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Paint - Special

BMW Individual metallic paint - Dravit grey

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Safety

Active protection

Seats

Driver backrest width adjustment

Electric front lumbar support

Electric memory seats

Front sports seats

Towing

Fully electric towbar

Trim - Cloth

Cloth Hevelius - Anthracite

Trim - Leather

Sensatec perforated - Black

Sensatec perforated - Cognac

Sensatec perforated - Tacora red

Vernasca leather - Black with grey stitching

Vernasca leather - Mocha with night blue stitching

Vernasca leather - Oyster with grey stitching

Wheels - Alloy

17" V spoke light alloy wheels - Style 775 Bicolour

18" Double spoke light alloy wheels - Style 782 Bicolour

18" V spoke light alloy wheels - Style 780 Bicolour

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