BMW expands 3 Series product portfolio with the launch of the Touring

• BMW 3 Series Touring returns to New Zealand with the two diesel variants available from launch: the BMW 320d xDrive and BMW 330d xDrive 
• M Sport package as standard and Luxury Line also available
• Sixth-generation showcases a fresh modern exterior that incorporates the new BMW design language 
• Enhanced interior elements create suitability for thrilling driving adventures and comfortable long-distance journeys
• Stiffer chassis and reduced weight add to the dynamic ability
• Showcasing the latest technology including BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Operating System 7.0, Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assistant and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant

BMW Group New Zealand will expand its 3 Series model line-up with the introduction of the all-new 3 Series Touring that will go on sale in New Zealand from October 2019.

32 years from the debut of the first-ever BMW 3 Series Touring, the sixth generation of the sporting wagon complements the 3 Series product range and brings cutting-edge versatility to the premium midsize car segment once again.

Priced at $83,500 for the BMW 320d xDrive and $97,900 for the 330d xDrive, the latest generation BMW 3 Series Touring combines new chassis technology and improved powertrains to demonstrate greater dynamic performance.

With enhanced practicality, new interior and exterior design features, and the latest driver assistant technologies, the all new BMW 3 Series Touring offers a compelling choice for BMW customers. 

New sporting proportions enhanced with a fresh aesthetic design 

The all new BMW 3 Series Touring exudes dynamic intentions by incorporating clean cut lines and eye-catching contours on a classic touring look.

Compared to the predecessor, the new BMW 3 Series Touring has a 76 millimetre increase in length, 16mm increase in width and 8mm increase in height. Together with the extension of the wheelbase by 41mm and larger front and rear track width, it creates a dynamically poised silhouette.

Immediately eye-catching, the bold single piece BMW kidney grille, slim twin LED headlights and intricate front apron highlight the width of the car and contribute to its commanding road presence.

Similar to its sedan sibling, the distinctive Hofmeister kink dictates the muscular shoulder and melds perfectly with the stylish 3D taillights. 

The rear window is now 20mm wider than the predecessor and exhaust pipes are now 90mm in diameter, emphasising its widened sporting stance. The stainless steel load sill cover also comes as standard.

Exquisite design elements establish premium interior

Renewed interior space adds contemporary style to a familiar BMW appeal.

Designed with driver ergonomics and convenient operations in mind, the control panel in the centre console features the start/stop button, arranged iDrive shortcuts, and the customary iDrive controller. Located close to the gearshift lever, is the Driving Experience Control switch unit and electromechanical parking brake.

Electroplated trim strips contour the cabin surfaces, pronouncing the interior space. Galvanic Embellishers now come as standard, adorning key interior elements and adding a touch of elegance.

Located in front of the centre console, the elegantly designed cover reveals two cup holders, a 12V socket and a USB port. Furthermore, wireless smartphone charging tray comes as standard for easy on-the-go charging.

Newly designed sport seats for the driver and passenger provide added lateral support and greater range of adjustment, enhancing the long-distance comfort level of the new BMW 3 Series Touring. 

Alcantara/Sensatec combination upholstery or Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery is available in various colour options to decorate the premium cabin space. Further customisation is possible with the exclusive BMW Individual catalogue, which includes a variety of interior trims and tactile Leather ‘Merino’ upholsteries as an option.

Extended proportions of the vehicle have resulted in more shoulder room for the driver and front passenger, an increase of 11mm of leg room for the rear passengers, as well as extra head room for all occupants.

Being family focussed, the rear seats are now capable of fitting two child seats with ISOFIX units now positioned at the outer edges of the seats for added convenience.

To create the perfect atmosphere for holidays or everyday commuting, panoramic glass roof can be optioned to bring extra sunlight and fresh air into the cabin. The two part glass structure along with the interior blind operates electronically and improves rear head room.

Convenience and practicality at its finest

An incredible 500 litres of luggage capacity comes with the new BMW 3 Series Touring. 

The boot capacity is capable of further expansion due to the flexible 40:20:40 split folding rear seats. A maximum of 1,510 litres can be achieved easily via a touch of a button found on the newly designed control panel located in the boot. 

Larger exterior dimensions have translated to an extra 112mm of width, 30mm in height and up to 125mm of extra width in the upper section of the boot. However, the loading sill is slightly lower and the boot floor height has reduced from 35mm to 8mm for ease of loading larger and heavier items.

Additional highlights include a flexible luggage compartment cover, detachable boot partition net and anti-slip rails for safe and secure transport of gear.

Automatic tailgate operation with Comfort Access (optional on 320d xDrive) allows for convenient hands-free operation of the boot. Unique to this segment, the rear windows can be activated separately via the radio remote control.

Thrilling dynamic performance with exemplary ride comfort

The amalgamation of superb handling, outstanding agility and luxurious ride quality makes the BMW 3 Series Touring the sweet spot for all driving scenarios.

Systematic upgrades have been made to the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology for the two-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 320d xDrive Touring. It now includes multi-stage turbocharging, which brings increased efficiency across all engine speeds.

With maximum output of 140 kW at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, the new diesel unit accelerates the BMW 320d xDrive Touring – which comes with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard – from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds.

The engine in the new BMW 330d xDrive Touring makes its mark with superb power delivery from its six cylinders, exceptional smoothness for a diesel unit and exemplary efficiency given the high performance on offer. This latest-generation straight-six diesel extracts maximum output of 195 kW from its 3.0-litre capacity at 4,000 rpm and serves up peak torque of 580 Nm between 1,600 and 3,000 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 5.4 seconds. 

Through BMW EfficientLightweight measures, an increase of high-strength steels and aluminium are utilised to reduce weight, furthering the agility and performance of the vehicle.

Hot-stamped steel and aluminium alloys used for safety passenger cell are further reinforced with multi-phase steels. 

Debuting on the new BMW 3 Series Touring are aluminium front spring struts and engine sub frame which saves 7.5 kilograms of weight. An extra 15 kilogram decrease has resulted from utilising aluminium for the construction of the side panels and bonnet.

Overall, the new BMW 3 Series Touring weighs up to 10 kilograms less than its predecessor despite larger exterior dimensions, extensive standard equipment additions, increased body rigidity and added acoustic properties.

Featuring an even weight distribution, lower centre of gravity, and increased camber values in the front, the new 3 Series Touring can take on any corner with grace and agility.

Delivering unmistakeable BMW dynamism, the BMW 3 Series Touring showcases the latest chassis innovation and suspension calibration. A 25 per cent increase in body rigidity and suspension mountings, along with a 20 per cent increase of suspension spring rate significantly improves handling.

To ensure uncompromised ride comfort, innovative shock absorber technology is integrated into the chassis. Like the 3 Series Sedan, the 3 Series Touring is fitted with lift-related dampers which are essential to harmonising performance and ride comfort. 

Lightweight M Sport brakes on the 330d xDrive Touring provide superb braking performance and feel when navigating the urban city maze or taking exhilarating drives on weekend getaways. The brake discs consist of grey cast iron friction ring with an aluminium brake disc chamber and demonstrates outstanding thermal resistance for lasting effective deceleration.

New technologies to enhance the driving experience

The driver-focused cockpit design philosophy is synonymous throughout the BMW range and the new BMW 3 Series Touring is no exception. 

Featuring a BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0 which includes a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a driver oriented 10.25-inch Control Display, which allows driver customisability and helps maintain on-road focus.

The 320d xDrive Touring comes with innovative safety equipment including Driving Assistant which comprises of lane departure warning, lane change warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, rear crossing traffic warning and rear collision prevention. Parking Assistant includes Rear View Camera, Lateral Parking Aid and Reversing Assistant. 

Recording the last 50 metres of forward travel and capable of navigating the same path in reverse, the Reversing Assistant is perfect for manoeuvring out of tight narrow parking spaces.

On the BMW 330d xDrive Touring, additional features include Driving Assistant Professional which features Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function as well as Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View, Panorama View and 3D View. 

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has revolutionised the interaction between driver and car by introducing voice activated operation. By simply prompting the system with the phrase ‘Hey BMW’, the Intelligent Personal Assistant can action functions and deliver information to the driver swiftly and efficiently.

The skills and range of functions will be expanded with consistent updates available through smartphone or in-car Remote Software Upgrade,

Adaptive LED headlights illuminate the road ahead with a dynamic cornering light function for added safety when turning. Additionally, BMW Laserlight spotlight with selective beam can be optioned to augment visibility. 

The capability of illuminating 500 metres ahead in conjunction with the High Beam Assistant, enhances night vision and road safety for the driver and other road users.

M Sport Package: the driver’s choice

Furthering the sporting experience, the M Sport package is available as standard. Highlights includes:

• Adaptive M Suspension
• BMW Individual headliner Anthracite
• BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line
• Interior trim finishers Aluminium Tetragon
• M Aerodynamics
• M Leather steering wheel
• Sport seats for driver and front passenger 

Luxury Line: a touch of elegance

Alternatively, customers can opt for Luxury Line, which includes:

• Interior trim Fine-wood trim ash grey-brown high gloss
• Sport leather steering wheel 
• Instrument Panel in Sensatec 
• Sport Seat for driver and front passenger 
• Roof rails Aluminium satinated
• 19-inch BMW Individual light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 793 I Bicolour

Luxury Line is available as $1,500 option for the 320d xDrive and is a no-cost option on the 330d xDrive Touring. 

Other standard equipment highlights of the 320d xDrive Touring include:

• 18” M light alloy wheels Y-spoke style 790 M Bicolour, with mixed tyres and runflat tyres 
• Adaptive LED headlights with Extended contents, High Beam Assistant and LED foglights
• Alcantara/Sensatec combination upholstery
• Automatic tailgate
• BMW Head-Up Display
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3” instrument display and high-resolution 10.25” Control Display incl. split screen function, touch display, iDrive touch Controller and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant 
• Heated seats for driver and front passenger
• HiFi loudspeaker system with 10 speakers
• Wireless phone charging

Additional highlights for the 330d xDrive Touring include:

• 19" M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 791 M Bicolour mixed and runflat tyres 
• Comfort Access system, keyless entry to all doors and Digital Key functionality
• Driving Assistant Professional, incl. Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
• M Sport brakes
• Parking Assistant Plus incl. 3D view
• Upholstery Leather ‘Vernasca’

BMW 3 Series Touring: Performance and Efficiency

As with all New Zealand-new BMW vehicles a five year warranty, three year service inclusive programme and five year roadside assist coverage is fully included. The new BMW 3 Series Touring will be arriving at all BMW dealers nationwide from October.