The new BMW 3 Series Touring
The
new BMW 3 Series Touring will offer an even stronger blend of
thoughtful practicality and outstanding driving dynamics when it comes
to the UK in September. Larger, and more spacious inside than ever
before, this truly versatile vehicle possesses a wide range of practical
features in addition to the class-leading driving dynamics expected of
any BMW.
A load capacity that is the largest in its
class, complete with innovative storage solutions, is wrapped in a
dynamically styled, strong but lightweight body that follows the same
winning formula of previous BMW 3 Series Tourings over the years. After
all, it was BMW that invented the premium Touring segment back with the
E30 3 Series and it has proved a winning formula ever since then with an
average 8,500 new car buyers a year.
Three advanced,
powerful, yet frugal engine choices are available at launch. For
example, the new BMW 330d Touring produces 258hp and 560Nm of torque,
enough to reach 62mph from rest in just 5.6 seconds, yet still achieves
55.4mpg on the combined cycle. Further engine variants will join the
range in due course.
Model
|
Power
Hp
|
Torque
Nm
|
0 – 62mph Seconds
|
Top Speed Mph
|
Combined Mpg
|
CO2 Emissions g/km
|
Price
OTR
|
BMW 328i Touring
|
245
|
350
|
6.0
|
155*
|
41.5
|
159
|
£30,400
|
BMW 320d Touring
|
184
|
380
|
7.7
|
143
|
60.1 (61.4)
|
124 (122)
|
£29,380
|
BMW 330d Touring
|
258
|
560
|
5.6
|
155*
|
55.4
|
135
|
£34,700
|
*Electronically-limited. **Automatic transmission only.
From
the tip of the nose to the B-pillar, the 3 Series Touring is exactly
the same as its Saloon brethren: an expressive front end, accentuated by
the 37mm wider track over the previous generation model, creates the
perfect foundation for the frontal styling. Twin headlamps, with LED
accent lights, combine with the gently forward sloping BMW kidney grille
to generate a purposeful face, further highlighted by the additional
outer air intakes below the headlamps and the sweeping lines of the
bonnet that converge on the grille.
From the side, the
new 3 Series Touring is defined by the sweeping silhouette, with its
smoothly sloping roofline and glasshouse that extends to the rear of the
vehicle. The new car is 97mm longer overall and 50mm longer in the
wheelbase than before and that, together with the steeply raked
D-pillars, angle of the rear window and the traditional ‘Hofmeister
kink’, adds a real sense of forward motion to the profile.
At
the rear, the spoiler ‘peak’ that accentuates the long roofline,
together with the horizontal lines and L-shaped lights set far out to
the edges, combine with the 48mm wider track to plant the design on the
road.
The interior design of the new BMW 3 Series
Touring is identical to that of the recently introduced 3 Series Saloon.
It’s a cockpit with a traditional BMW driver focus creating a sporty
interior ambience that is conducive to driving enjoyment.
The
clear, circular dials and the flatscreen monitor for the iDrive system
integrated into the dashboard structure, define the instrument panel.
The iDrive controller is mounted within easy reach of the driver down on
the centre console.
More than ever, the cabin of the
new 3 Series Touring demonstrates BMW’s commitment to quality, both in
the range of materials used and the way the vehicle is assembled. This
strength in depth is illustrated and personalised by the large range of
interior trims and upholstery materials that can be combined in
different ways.
To fulfil its brief as a genuine
Touring model, the new 3 Series Touring clearly needed to offer
customers a broad range of practical features. However, BMW has
surpassed that brief, building on the achievement of previous model
generations and offering class-leading interior space as well as
stand-out new features.
The foundation for the new
Touring’s class-leading attributes lies with its increased exterior
dimensions. From them, the engineers have been able to improve the
interior package for rear seat passengers considerably: there is now
17mm extra knee room and 9mm more headroom making ingress and egress to
the rear seats is easier than ever before.
Front seat
passengers gain larger door pocket storage areas that can accommodate a
one-litre drinks bottle, complemented by two large cup holders on the
centre console. These can be exchanged for a trinket tray, if so
desired.
With its loading sill just 620mm off the
ground (and protected by a stainless steel strip) the new rear luggage
area is a significant 35 litres greater in capacity than the previous
generation model, at 495 litres.
Greater practicality including new automatic boot opening
As standard on all models, customers benefit from luggage
securing lugs, a pair of coat hooks, a luggage net and strap and a deep
storage compartment on the left-hand side of the load area. The luggage
cover can be stored under the boot floor when removed, thereby allowing
it to be carried securely on a journey if it is to be required later on.
The separate partition net can be used even when the rear seats ar
folded flat.
These rear seats have a 40:20:40 split,
and with a large through-loading hole in the centre can accommodate a
number of skis or snow boards while four occupants are travelling in the
car. With the seats folded, the total overall space is an outstanding
1,500 litres, with a near-level load floor and a wide tail gate aperture
making the loading of large items easier than ever before.
As
standard equipment the new 3 Series Touring receives an electrically
powered boot, controlled either via the key fob, a switch on the
A-pillar or a button on the boot itself. In addition, customers can
enjoy further convenience with the Smart Opener feature offered as part
of the Comfort Access option. When specified, the boot can be opened
with the motion of a strategically placed foot beneath the rear bumper.
The
new BMW 3 Series Touring has a split rear boot opening with the upper
glass area able to open independently of the overall unit. This is
unlocked electrically via a button located on the rear wiper arm, and
then opened manually. It is particularly convenient when loading in
small items, perhaps where space behind the vehicle is limited.
The
optional storage package takes the practicality of the new 3 Series
Touring a stage further, with a net on the left-hand side of the
tailgate and a reversible floor section with a protective coating on the
underside for when carrying messy items. There is also an adaptive load
space attachment system of user-friendly plug-in elements to divide up
the load space, which can be stowed under the boot floor when not in
use.
Further options include aluminium roof rails and
the electrically operated large panoramic glass sunroof. A trailer
hitch, electrically powered to fold out of the rear bumper, turns the
new 3 Series Touring not only into an admirable tow car, but can also be
adapted for the easy fitment of bike racks.
Class-leading drivetrain options
At
launch, the new BMW 3 Series Touring is powered by a choice of a petrol
or two diesel powerplants, all using BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology.
In due course, a much wider selection of engines will be offered, in
line with the 3 Series Saloon models.
Likely to be the
biggest selling model, the 320d uses the highly regarded 2.0-litre
TwinPower turbo diesel engine from the previous generation, but with its
own set of modifications to make it both cleaner and more frugal. The
common rail fuel injection – via solenoid injectors operating at up to
2,000 bar – combines with a variable geometry turbocharger (with
enhanced thermodynamic properties) to produce 184hp and 380Nm of torque.
It matches these outputs with a superb combined fuel figure of 60.1mpg
(61.4mpg when fitted with the eight-speed automatic gearbox) and a CO2
output of 124g/km (122g/km).
The initial petrol-powered
offering is the 328i, the perfect demonstration of BMW’s current
cutting-edge engine philosophy. This four-cylinder, 2.0-litre engine
features all the latest TwinPower technology: high precision direct fuel
injection, a twin scroll turbocharger, Double Vanos variable camshaft
timing and BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve control.
With
its compact, light, all-aluminium construction, this 1,997cc powerplant
has a linear power delivery with superb throttle response. Maximum
power is 245hp and peak torque stands at 350Nm, developed from just
1,250rpm and then held all the way to 4,800rpm. Accordingly, performance
figures are suitably dramatic, with 0-62mph arriving in just six
seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. Even so, the
328i has a combined fuel consumption figure of just 41.5mpg and emits
only 159g/km of CO2.
The current pinnacle of the diesel
line up is the 330d model. Using the award-winning 3.0-litre,
all-aluminium straight-six engine but with substantial modifications
over the previous generation, this powerhouse redefines smooth, frugal
performance in this market segment. BMW engineers have managed to
further lower internal friction and reduced the weight of the engine,
while optimising the fuel injection system. There’s a new air intake and
a lighter crankshaft to boost throttle response, along with lighter
turbine blades in the turbocharger and modifications to the
pre-injection phase of the solenoid injectors - operating at 1,800 bar –
for the same reasons.
The result is 258hp at 4,000rpm,
and an immense 560Nm developed over a broad plateau between 1,500rpm
and 3,000rpm. Unsurprisingly, when mated to the standard 8-speed gearbox
on this model, the 330d possesses some outstanding performance figures,
with 62mph achieved from a standing start in only 5.6 seconds, and a
top speed electronically limited to 155mph. As ever, the trump card is
this level of performance blended with outstanding efficiency: the 330d
achieves 55.4mpg on the combined cycle, and emits just 135g/km of C02,
making it a particularly clean high performance choice.
Later
in the year the new 3 Series Touring range will be expand with a 320i
petrol engine producing 184hp and 270Nm torque, plus a further pair of
2.0-litre diesel engines – the 318d and 316d. The former will produce
143hp and 320Nm of torque, while the latter will have 116hp and 260Nm of
torque. Fuel consumption and emissions data will follow in due course.
The
328i and 320d models come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox,
which in the case of the 320d has dry sump lubrication. It also features
innovative carbon friction linings for the synchromesh. The new
eight-speed automatic gearbox – standard on the 330d – has been designed
to be so efficient, both through its intelligent lightweight design and
software control – that it is virtually a match for the manual option
in this area, and up to 15 per cent more efficient than the old
six-speed automatic gearbox from the previous generation model.
Customers looking for an even sportier drive can specify a sports option
for the new automatic transmission, offering more dynamic shift
algorithms and gearshift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.
BMW EfficientDynamics
BMW’s
Efficient Dynamics initiative means the new 3 Series Touring comes as
standard with the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration
and the ECO PRO function. Advanced ancillary units, such as the
on-demand coolant pump and the electronically controlled oil pump,
further enhance intelligent energy management.
The most dynamic chassis in class
With a
longitudinally mounted engine sat far back in the chassis, rear-wheel
drive, superb weight distribution and a light, stiff bodyshell, the new
BMW 3 Series Touring has all the right ingredients for ride and handling
excellence. To that end, BMW engineers have sought to improve upon the
already highly regarded package of the previous generation model by
careful honing of the core components.
With its longer
wheelbase (50mm) and wider front and rear tracks (37mm and 48mm
respectively) the new car gave those engineers an even better basis with
which to work their magic on. The double joint tie bar front axle with
its spring struts and anti-roll bars, has torque struts, wishbones and
swivel bearings made from aluminium to reduce the unsprung mass. Given
that it doesn’t need to counter any torque steer (thanks to the rear
wheels receiving the torque from the engine), the kinematics of the
front axle can be devoted to offering the finest handling and steering
precision.
For the rear axle, the new 3 Series Touring
uses BMW’s advanced five-link arrangement with significant improvements.
The long wheel travel and precise location it provides the new 3 Series
Touring with both agility and excellent comfort properties, including
isolation from noise and vibration.
Customers can
choose to further enhance the dynamic handling of their new vehicles
with two suspension options. The M Sport suspension, featuring a 10mm
drop in ride height, provides firmer springs and damping as well as
thicker anti-roll bars. Selecting this option also brings with it
18-inch M alloy wheels. There is then the further option of the Adaptive
M Sport suspension, with electronically controlled damping that adjusts
the damper mapping to the road surface and driving situation. The
driver can also use the Driving Dynamic Control switch to vary the basic
suspension tuning between more comfortable or sportier settings
according to individual preference.
The new BMW 3
Series Touring is fitted with an electromechanical power steering system
that only operates when steering assistance is actually required. Not
only is this system lighter and more fuel efficient than conventional
power assistance systems, it offers a high level of steering precision.
The BMW 330d Touring and BMW 328i Touring come as standard with the
Servotronic function for speed-sensitive steering assistance, while
Variable Sports Steering is also available as an option, providing
different steering gear ratios depending on the angle of the steering
wheel.
The job of restraining the new BMW 3 Series
Touring falls to its lightweight floating caliper brakes with large
inner-vented discs, while the aluminium front calipers provide a useful
further reduction in unsprung masses. The driver’s inputs are backed up
by a suite of advanced electronic safety systems integrated into the
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. An M Sport brake option is
available for performance-orientated customers, with aluminium
four-piston fixed callipers at the front and two-piston fixed callipers
at the rear, along with generously sized brake discs.
Body and safety
The new BMW 3
Series Touring offers its occupants outstanding active and passive
safety. Careful selection of raw materials, a high-strength structure
and intelligent use of lightweight design principles, the body meets the
most exacting safety standards and, in conjunction with highly
efficient restraint systems, guarantees maximum occupant protection.
Compared to its predecessor, body stiffness has been increased by more
than 10 per cent, and yet the overall structure weighs 40kg less than
before.
The BMW 3 Series Touring comes as standard with
front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as
head airbags for both rows of seats. All seats are fitted with
three-point inertia-reel seat belts, while the driver and front
passenger also have belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters, with
ISOFIX child seat attachment points on the rear seats.
Equipment and model lines: More choice, more options.
The
new BMW 3 Series Touring benefits from a particularly generous amount
of standard equipment throughout the range. The entry-level ES model
features 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome exhaust pipe trim, plus the
automatic boot opening. Inside, there is automatic air conditioning, the
BMW Professional radio with 6.5-inch colour screen and iDrive control,
keyless start, cruise control, Driver Performance Control featuring ECO
PRO mode, a USB audio interface and the 40:20:40 split rear seats. SE
models add PDC front and rear, an automatic dimming mirror, two-zone air
conditioning and automatic lights and wipers.
From
there, the 3 Series Touring customer has a broad range of model line
options featuring the new Sport, Modern and Luxury, and topped by the M
Sport variants.
Sport adds further dynamism to the
exterior design with black kidney grille slats, in a chrome-coloured
surround, and gloss black inserts in the front apron. Alloy wheels are
17-inch or 18-inch items in double-spoke design (18-inch items are
bi-colour), while optional high-gloss black for the exterior mirrors and
matching paintwork for the B-pillars takes the theme a stage further.
Inside, red is used for the trim rings, scales in the circular dials and
stitching on the sports steering wheel, while a base trim strip in
high-gloss black with coral red accents underlines the sporting ambience
of the cockpit. The standard sports seats can be specified in a choice
of three different types of upholstery and four colours, while the
ignition key features a black finish with red detailing.
Luxury
possesses a more elegant, discreet appeal, with 11 chrome kidney grille
slats and two slightly offset chrome trim strips in the front apron air
intakes, and a high-gloss chrome trim strip running horizontally above
the air scoop. In contrast to the Sport, the window frames and weather
strip are trimmed in chrome; at the rear, a high-gloss chrome trim runs
above the rear apron and there’s a chrome tailpipe embellisher. Unique
17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels in multi-spoke design add to the visual
impression. Inside, chrome elements – such as the surround for the radio
and air conditioning units, and part of the ignition key – combine with
high-gloss wood strips, seats with distinctive stitching and a choice
of two upholstery materials in four classically elegant colours, to
create an exclusive ambience.
Modern features
satin-finish aluminium for the kidney grille and the double trim strips
for the air intakes, complemented by 17-inch or 18-inch turbine-style
alloy wheels. The light-coloured dashboard, with a steering wheel in
dark oyster, works with leather upholstery or cloth-leather combinations
in oyster or black. There’re a choice of three trim surfaces with
accent strips in pearl-effect chrome, and a unique three-dimensional
structure for the surface of the wood. The oyster-coloured ignition key
features matt silver detailing.
The M Sport option
features a new aerodynamic package including numerous body components
and the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim. The optional exterior
paint shade of Estoril Blue metallic sets the model further apart, as
do the 18-inch or 19-inch M alloy wheels. Inside, features such as the M
door sill finishers, an M leather steering wheel and an M driver’s
footrest create the right sporting ambience, while the M Short-gearstick
(in models with a manual transmission), M Sport suspension and the
optional M Sport brakes with contrasting blue paint finish define the
model from a technical perspective. Dakota leather covers the interior
including the front sports seats, while trim elements in Aluminium
Hexagon with accent strips in either Estoril Blue matt or high-gloss
black add the finishing touch.
ConnectedDrive
The new BMW 3
Series Touring features a raft of driver assistance and mobility
services at the vanguard of this market segment. BMW groups them under
the ConnectedDrive term due to the intelligent way they interact with
each other, to the benefit of the customer.
Highlights
include the latest full colour Heads Up display, the Lane Change and
Lane Departure Warning system – which includes a collision warning
system with a braking function monitored by radar and cameras – and the
Active Protection Package that pre-empts a collision and readies the
car’s systems. Further options include the High Beam Assistant and
Adaptive Headlights, the Surround view camera and Parking assistant and
Active Cruise Control with a Stop and Go function.
ConnectedDrive
enables the extensive use of external mobile phones and music players,
with offerings from BMW Live and BMW Online. Thanks to new Bluetooth
office functions, internet-based services along with calendar entries
and text messages can be viewed in the Control Display of the iDrive
operating system and read out via the Text to Speech function. In
addition, passengers can access their personal music library.
The
BMW Connected app allows the use of web radio and social networks like
Facebook and Twitter in the car. Using the My BMW Remote app, meanwhile,
lets you remotely unlock and lock the car as well as control the
auxiliary heating. Finally, information and office services along with
travel (RTTI traffic information is a further option) and leisure
planners using the Google Maps and Panoramio services are also
available.
Labels: 3 Series, BMW 320d Touring, BMW 328i Touring, BMW 330d, BMW 330d Touring, iDrive, Touring
