BMW's First Electric 3 Series Wagon Spied Looking Nearly Ready For Production

And our exclusive rendering tries to predict what the camouflage is hiding.

2028 BMW i3 Touring rendering by Motor1

Photo by: Motor1.com

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Oct 21, at 6:11am ET

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BMW’s electric 3 Series wagon is getting closer to reality, with a new spy video capturing the i3 Touring testing ahead of its expected debut next year. As the first electric 3 Series wagon, it will bring a completely fresh design language to a long-roof body style, giving buyers a practical alternative to the seemingly unstoppable SUV invasion.

The prototype was spotted testing near the Nürburgring, wearing camouflage at both ends. However, the disguise hides little now, suggesting BMW is getting closer to the final design. Logic tells us the front end should look virtually identical to the i3 Sedan, as BMW will likely carry it over to keep costs down. The changes occur from the B-pillar rearward to accommodate the longer roof and redesigned tailgate, giving the wagon its own identity.

But before the wraps come off, our rendering imagines what BMW is hiding beneath its typical black-and-white swirly camouflage. Judging by the spy video, the rear window no longer appears to open independently of the tailgate. That’s hardly a surprise, since the bigger 5 Series Touring has also lost this feature. When that happened, the company told us it wasn’t a cost-cutting measure, but a decision made for aerodynamics.

Everything You Like About The i3, With Extra Space In The Back

When the i3 Touring arrives next year, it’ll borrow nearly everything from the i3 Sedan, including a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and the pillar-to-pillar projection at the base of the windshield. The so-called Panoramic Vision replaces the traditional instrument cluster with three fixed tiles in the driver’s line of sight, joined by six customizable widgets to the right. There’s also a new optional 3D head-up display, but the traditional iDrive knob is dying with every new model BMW launches.

Range will be another major selling point, especially since wagon owners tend to take longer trips. The i3 Sedan can travel up to 567 miles (912 kilometers) on a full charge under the WLTP cycle. However, the Touring will likely fall short because of its slightly higher weight and marginally less aerodynamic body. Nevertheless, the quoted range should help put any lingering range anxiety to rest.

The sedan’s rapid-charging capability of up to 400 kW should carry over, making the i3 Touring a compelling option for buyers who want an electric car without sacrificing the practicality of a traditional estate. Under ideal conditions, the sedan can replenish its battery in just 10 minutes with enough energy to cover 249 miles (400 kilometers) under the WLTP cycle.

2028 BMW i3 Touring rendering by Motor1

2028 BMW i3 Touring rendering by Motor1

Photos by: Motor1.com

2028 BMW i3 Touring rendering by Motor1

2028 BMW i3 Touring rendering by Motor1

Photos by: Motor1.com

Will BMW Also Build A Gas-Powered 3 Series Touring?

The electric wagon isn’t the only reason for traditional BMW fans to pay attention. Munich is also considering a combustion-powered successor to the current 3 Series Touring, which would share much of the i3 Touring’s styling while using a different platform. Internally known as the G51, the conventional wagon hasn’t been greenlit yet. Well, at least we don't know of it.

If approved, it would use BMW’s CLAR architecture and offer gasoline and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Diesel is on its way out of the 3 Series lineup, especially since BMW dropped oil-burners from the new sedan, and it wouldn't make much sense to bring it back just for the wagon.

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BMW Is Saving The Wagon

As automakers increasingly steer buyers toward crossovers, it’s refreshing to see BMW invest in another wagon. The i3 Touring won’t need an X in its name to offer the space families want, and it could prove that going electric doesn't mean giving up on the traditional BMW estate. Hopefully, ICE loyalists will get one more 3 Series generation with combustion engines, ideally including the inline-sixes for long-roof versions of the M350 and M3.

BMW’s wagon lineup will get another refresh in 2027, when the 5 Series/M5 Touring and electric i5 Touring receive mid-cycle facelifts. It's safe to say that Munich is doubling down on long-roof models at a time when SUVs dominate the market. It’s a welcome move for those who still prefer a traditional wagon over a high-riding crossover.