18 October 2013
New car report; More reasons to go Touring
Audi have been at this four paw wagon lark for decades, so why not BMW? Well, they have actually; just that the steering wheel’s been on the wrong side for our market. As early as the 1980s, BMW made 3 Series wagons with the ix suffix indicating that all four wheels were driven, but it’s taken until 2013 for their xDrive setup to be engineered into RHD models other than SUVs (or in BMW speak, SAV’s).
We raved about the F11 3 Series sedan’s sure-footed handling when it was launched in 2012, but adding the practicality of a wagon plus the option of xDrive, turns this highly capable sedan into a supremely versatile machine for all occasions.
With a range of petrol and diesel engines in both 4 and 6 cylinder configurations, rear wheel drive or xDrive, all with TwinPower induction in one form or another, which is BMW’s way of saying they have either a twin scroll setup, variable turbine geometry or a pair of turbos, so whichever model, engine capacity or fuel type you opt for, you’ll get that brisk off the line punch that only forced induction engines can provide.
Seven new models
There are four 2WD models and three xDrives, with the range kicking off with a pair of 2WD models; a diesel powered 318d at $77,800 and a petrol 320i at $79,800. The four wheel drive line-up starts with a 320i xDrive at $84,300 through to the range topping 330d xDrive with a price tag of $112,500, the same price as the 335i Touring. There’s also a 328i sitting mid-way up the range at $94,000.
We love the fact that there are no hidden “On road costs” with BMW product – the price quoted is the drive-away price including a full tank of fuel, 12 months registration, 10,000km of Road User Charge for diesels and a WoF, number plates etc. It’s about time other car manufacturers followed suit.
Engine capacities range from 2.0 litre to 3.0 litre, with fuel economy ranging from just 4.5L/100km for both the 105kW/320Nm 318d and 135kW/380Nm 320d xDrive to 7.6L/100km for the 225kW/400Nm 335i. The 135kW/270Nm 320i burns 6.1L/100km in 2WD form or 6.5L/100km in xDrive. The 180kW/350Nm 328i and 190kW/560Nm 330d xDrive use 6.5L/100km and 5.4L/100km respectively.
The 3 Series Touring continues the BMW trend of offering outstanding driving dynamics with a range of engine configurations to suit all tastes and one of the best automatic transmissions in the business; a sharp and smooth eight speed unit with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters on all but the 318d.
All models have run flat tyres, with 17 inch alloys on the lower models in the range and 18 inch on 328i upwards and up. Leather seats, rain sensing wipers with automatic headlight activation, cruise control with braking function are standard features for all models, as are Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear and a reversing camera.
Rear loading space with 40:20:40 through load rear seat folding capability provides great flexibility and practicality. Black roof rails are standard across the range and adaptive headlights with high beam assist are standard fare on 328i and up.
What's your line?
For those who want to personalise their 3 Series Touring a little, BMW offer the options of Sport Line, Modern Line or Luxury Line. For a price premium of $3,000 on 318d, 320i and 320d models and $2,000 on 328i, 330d and 335i, each Line includes features that reflect their description and the buyer’s personality.
Sport Line includes sport seats and steering wheel, high gloss black trim, grille bars and shadow line, BMW Sport door sill finishers, red interior trim accents, including speedo and rev counter detailing, and even extends to red accents on the key fob.
Modern Line offers a more contemporary look with matte black trimmings, chrome pearl grey dash trims, aluminium door sill finishers with BMW Modern designation and oyster detailing on the key.
Luxury Line models use chrome trim accents, chrome trim on the key, fine wood interior dash trim with pearl chrome accent lines, exclusive leather trim stitching and Luxury Line door sill finishers.
We’ve always had a soft spot for the 3 Series and with a wider range than ever before including styling options to reflect your personality, diesels, petrols, wagons and now grippy xDrives for those trips to the snow or to meet the demands of backblock gravel roads, it’s hard to argue that this isn’t the most versatile mid-sized premium car on the market today.