Before the M3 arrives, the next 3 Series variant to arrive will be the Touring estate. Codenamed G21, the Audi A4 Avant rival’s design will be familiar to owners of the outgoing model, while also mimicking the current 5 Series Touring’s roof profile and tailgate angle. The new estate will also benefit from pop-up tailgate glass, allowing small bags to be dropped into the boot without having to open the entire hatch.
Just as the new 3 Series saloon has benefited from increased leg, head and shoulder room for rear occupants, so will the estate, which will also have a boost in overall boot capacity. The outgoing Touring offered 495 litres with the seats up, and with the new saloon boasting a 480-litre load bay, the upcoming 3 Series Touring’s boot should offer more than 500 litres of load space.
The new 3 Series saloon’s initial engine range of two diesels and one petrol will transfer over to the Touring. Further variants will be added after deliveries begin in the middle of next year.
BMW has never officially produced an M3 Touring, but there’s every possibility this could be the first generation to receive one – particularly given the presence of rivals such as the Audi RS4 Avant and Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate.
BMW won’t be complementing the Touring with a 3 Series GT this time, due to slow sales of the current model, but there will be the launch of a new 4 Series Coupé next year before it goes on sale in 2020. A convertible will follow that and a new version of the popular 4 Series Gran Coupé is also due in 2020. That car will share its platform with the i4 electric saloon.
