BMW has introduced the G50-generation 3-Series as the internal-combustion counterpart to the NA0 i3. The range currently consists only of sedans, but BMW has confirmed that Touring versions are being developed, prompting digital artist Theophilus Chin to produce realistic renderings.
The new illustrations show the upcoming wagon in sporty M350 xDrive specification. It will sit at the top of the G50 3-Series range until the next M3 arrives closer to the end of the decade. The wagon shares the sedan’s front end and bodywork through the B-pillars, while adding a longer roof, revised greenhouse and quarter panels, plus a conventional tailgate for access to a larger cargo area.
Although the rear section is substantially different, the Touring could retain the sedan’s narrow LED taillights and rear bumper. With quad exhaust outlets and more aggressive black trim, the M350 resembles an M3 without its widened fenders. Theottle’s design also includes a black roof spoiler and matching roof rails to complete the wagon look.
Although the G50 adopts the latest Neue Klasse design and technology, its upgraded CLAR platform is shared with the previous G20-generation 3-Series.
The rendered M350 uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine developing 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS). The all-wheel-drive M350 xDrive sedan reaches 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.1 seconds, while the slightly heavier Touring would likely complete the sprint in about 4.2 seconds.
The long-roof model is not expected to offer a diesel engine, following BMW’s decision to remove diesel powertrains from the 3-Series range.
The key question is whether BMW will offer the 3-Series Touring in North America or limit the market to the sedan. Increasing interest in wagons among BMW enthusiasts could persuade the automaker to import both body styles, at least in selected trims.
What About the i3 Touring?
The 3-Series Touring will not be BMW’s only compact wagon. The automaker is also developing a fully electric i3 Touring to be sold alongside the combustion-powered model. Camouflaged prototypes have been seen at the Nurburgring, while Theottle has produced speculative images based on the i3 sedan.
Although the i3 follows the same overall design language, its proportions differ from those of the 3-Series because it uses the EV-specific Neue Klasse architecture.
The i3 50 xDrive combines two electric motors for a total of 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS), giving it 25 hp (19 kW / 26 PS) more than the combustion-powered M350i xDrive. Its larger 108.7 kWh battery enables the sedan to achieve up to 912 km (567 miles) of WLTP range, with the forthcoming wagon expected to deliver a similar figure.
The two models will also be produced at different sites. The i3 is built in Munich, while the 3-Series is manufactured in Dingolfing. Those locations currently apply to the sedans, and the corresponding wagon versions will also be produced at the same facilities.
BMW’s upcoming 3-Series Touring will expand the G50 lineup with a wagon body style, initially previewed here in 437-hp M350 xDrive form. It is expected to share much of its sedan’s design and performance, though diesel power will not return. BMW is also developing an electric i3 Touring with up to 463 hp and a projected range close to the sedan’s 912 km WLTP figure.
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