New BMW i3 Touring Looks Ready For Family Duties
A lightly camouflaged prototype of the electric wagon was caught testing at the Ring
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BMW’s growing Neue Klasse family already includes the i3 and 3-Series sedans, as well as the iX3, iX4, and iX5 SUVs. More models are getting the same treatment soon, including a few wagons. Our spy photographers have recently caught a lightly camouflaged prototype of the upcoming i3 Touring, giving us a fresh insight into the fully electric family hauler.
BMW has officially confirmed the model earlier this year, during the debut of the i3 sedan. Prototypes have been spied during development testing and a full reveal is expected for 2027. The latest example is a black i3 Touring with camouflage wrap covering the front and rear ends.
The model appears to ride on 20-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers, and comes fitted with the more aggressive bumpers of the M Sport trim. Naturally, the front end is carried over from the closely-related sedan, with the Touring adding a longer roof, sporty rear quarter windows, and a redesigned tail. The rear bumper and the elongated taillights look very similar to those of the sedan, but the tailgate provides easier access to the boot.
More practical interior, same powertrains
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The wagon will inherit the dashboard of the sedan with the 17.9-inch infotainment display, the four-spoke steering wheel and the BMW Panoramic iDrive cockpit. However, it is expected to offer greater rear headroom and increased cargo capacity. This will make it a more suitable alternative to the taller iX3 sedan for buyers who prefer low-slung wagons and don’t really need the extra ground clearance.
The powertrain lineup of the i3 Touring will likely mirror the sedan, which is currently available in two variants with dual electric motors although single-motor variants will be added in the future.
The i3 40 xDrive produces 369 hp(374 PS / 274 kw) and has a 82.8 kWh battery offering 441 miles (710 km) of WLTP range. The more potent i3 50 xDrive generates 463 hp (469 PS /345 kW) and has a larger 108.7 kWh battery pack increasing the WLTP range to an impressive 567 miles (912 km). The different weight and aerodynamics of the Touring are expected to have a slight toll on the range figures, but you get the idea.
It’s not coming alone
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The fully electric i3 Touring won’t be BMW’s only wagon offering in the segment. The automaker is also working on a 3-Series Touring with combustion power. This one will have a very similar exterior and interior design with its electric counterpart, although it will feature slightly altered proportions due to being based on the CLAR underpinnings instead of the EV-dedicated Neue Klasse architecture.
The M350 xDrive variant sounds quite promising for a family hauler, thanks to its mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine which is good for 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS). However, the lineup of the new generation 3-Series won’t include any diesel powertrains that once were a popular option among wagon buyers.
We will learn more about the Touring versions of the i3 (NA1) and 3-Series (G51) in the coming months with more revealing spy shots or official teasers. Both models are expected to hit the roads in Europe in 2027.
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Source: www.carscoops.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.