BMW 3 Series Touring

Our verdict

A fine-handling small estate that benefits from the entire range (if not the M3’s V8) of BMW engines. The 335i Touring is a street-sleeper of the highest order.

Comfort

BMWs tend toward the stiff, so what you gain in handling accuracy, you lose in spinal comfort – though the Touring actually seems to ride a little better than the saloon. Run flat tyres don’t help, but once you’re past the lack of magic carpet under your buttocks, you can revel in some of the world’s best engines – and that includes everything from the 2.0-diesel to the twin-turbo 3.0-litre 335i. Continents are easily crushed, with enough luggage space for more than two days. 

Performance

As per the 3-Series proper in terms of engines, the Touring gets a whole raft of motors with varying levels of performance. The range goes from four cylinder variants including the 118i, 118d, 120i and 120d to three straight-sixes; 325i, 330i and 330d. Then there are the big-hitter twin-turbo variants of those last two, the 335i and the 335d. Both are more than capable of scaring an M3. The 320i is a nice balance; 150bhp and a 0-62mph time of nine seconds. The 320d Touring seems the most appropriate choice though; 177bhp, 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds, 143mph and mid-fifties for mpg. There’s no M3 variant, though the rumours are circulating. 

Cool

Too common to be cool, unfortunately, though probably just has the edge on the saloon. Probably.

Quality

As good as the 3-Series proper, so that means a very nicely put together car. Simple, driver-oriented dash architecture, good seats, nothing that feels fragile. You can’t go wrong, really.  

Handling

Proper rear-wheel-drive feel and lovely steering make the Touring Three the obvious choice if you want to have some driving fun woven into your practicality. Body control is fantastic, grip levels are very high and you’ll only rue the lack of a limited-slip diff if you’re being dangerously committed. 

Practicality

Don’t be fooled, the Touring isn’t actually any bigger than the saloon, in fact, if you pack up to the window line, the Touring has the same space as the saloon seats up at 460-litres. Where the difference comes is in the fact that there’s so much more space and a much more advantageous rear body shape. The space is easier to use and feels bigger than it really is –though a sofa won’t fit, a small doggie will. Tie Rover down though, or he’ll die. 

Running costs

Residuals are rock solid, complimenting both the badge and the car. Insurance varies depending on where your engine choice lies, and you’ll pick your mpg level everywhere from mid-fifties for the 320d to mid-teens for the 335i when you crack on. If you’re in the market for a Three Touring, you need to check stuff out specifically against your engine size – they vary a lot.