2019 BMW 3 Series Touring spied again

New images give a closer look at wagon-bodied 3er ahead of its anticipated launch next year.

James Wong

12:5827 November 2018

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The next-generation BMW 3 Series Touring has been snapped again by photographers, before it joins the recently-revealed sedan on the market sometime next year.

In these latest photos, we can see the B-pillar forward is pretty much identical to the new 3 Series sedan, while the rear apes the design of the larger 5 Series Touring.

The higher roofline and more practical wagon booty will bring enhanced load-lugging capacity, so expect a larger volume than the 480L quoted by the sedan.

Other than the obvious design differences, the 3 Series Touring will bring the same upgrades and improvements as its sedan twin, meaning it will be underpinned by BMW's new CLAR architecture – which should help save weight – feature improved aerodynamics, and be equipped with the latest and greatest in driver assistance and active safety tech.

An overhauled interior will also feature, bringing the company's new BMW OS7.0 infotainment software, along with higher-grade materials and finishes.

Globally, expect a range of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, along with the option of rear- or all-wheel drive.

In addition to the conventional combustion-powered engine line-up, a plug-in hybrid 330e will almost certainly be offered in wagon guise, offering an all-electric range in the vicinity of 60km per charge.

Sitting atop the core range will likely be the M340i xDrive with its 275kW/500Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six, which should propel the mid-sized wagon to triple figures in around 4.5 seconds.

It's unclear whether BMW will offer an M3 Touring in this new generation, though it would make sense for the Bavarian marque to cash in on the high-powered wagon market currently occupied by the Audi RS4 and Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate.