Bigger Is Better For New 3-Series Estate

By Dan Strong

20th April 2005

Boot space is 460 litres with the rear seats in place, and 1,385 litres with the 60:40 split bench folded flat. As with its predecessor, the Touring boasts a split-opening tailgate so small items can be loaded easily through the window hatch in tight spaces. When either the rear glass or bootlid are opened up, the luggage compartment cover moves to make access straightforward.

There's also an under-floor storage box so that valuable or fragile items can be transported safely and securely. In addition, the car features a new watertight case beneath the boot's base for dirty items such as muddy shoes.

The car will be available with two engine variants at launch - the frugal 2.0-litre diesel 320d and the new 325i petrol which features a magnesium alloy six-cylinder powerplant. Buyers will also be offered 320i plus 330i petrol versions and a 330d oil-burner, but not until autumn.

All six-cylinder models will feature BMW's DSC+ traction control system as standard. The set-up is more ad-vanced than DSC and ensures the brakes are primed for faster emergency stops. It also applies them to prevent models with manual gearboxes rolling backwards during a hill start, and even wipes the disc dry in wet weather by occasionally applying the pads slightly.

The new load-lugger also benefits from the same chassis and suspension components as the impressive saloon. The double-joint aluminium front and five-link rear axle are designed to provide a fine balance between driving dynamics and comfort.
With its rear-wheel-drive layout and a long wheelbase, the 3-Series Touring is expected to offer class-leading levels of agility and safety, just like its four-door counterpart.

That said, the estate was developed completely separately from its booted sibling, and is different from the A-pillar back. As you can see from these pictures, the car's roof-line tapers gently back from the windscreen to the rear spoiler. This swooping design helps reduce drag, while the raised shoulder line gives the Beemer a sporty profile.

The firm is clearly aiming its latest Touring at families. As well as its practical load-carrying capability, the new model comes with two ISOFIX child seat mountings in the back as standard. Buyers can also order one for the front passenger chair as an option.

Other available kit includes separate air-con for the rear, and a panor-amic sunroof. This measures 800mm by 745mm, and lets in up to 60 per cent more light than a conventional unit. Following the Touring's launch, the 3-Series line-up will continue to expand. While the previous-generation model came as both a hard-top coup΃© and canvas-roofed convertible, BMW has decided to swap both variants for a folding metal-lidded CC. Taking on small executive rivals in the shape of cabrio versions of Audi's A4, Mercedes' CLK and Saab's 9-3, the BMW will be the only model in its class to offer the versatility of a folding hard-top.

Development work is well underway to ensure that the CC has a rigid structure and class-leading handling. Expected to be revealed to the public at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, the drop-top will go on sale next year.