BMW 3 Series Touring estate review

"The BMW 3 Series Touring is practical, easy to live with and great to drive"

• BMW 3 Series Touring MPG & CO2
• Insurance groups
• BMW 3 Series Touring diesel engines
• Petrol engines
• Hybrid engines
• BMW 3 Series Touring dashboard
• BMW 3 Series Touring interior space & storage
• Boot space
• BMW 3 Series reliability

Pros

• Excellent handling
• Convenient touches
• Spacious interior

Cons

• No manual gearbox
• High servicing costs
• Dubious BMW owner satisfaction

Ever since it first arrived in 1987, the BMW 3 Series Touring estate has been the car to beat for those looking for a fun, upmarket load-lugger. Aided by rear-wheel drive and powerful engines, it has always outclassed the Audi A4 in the driving department, even if things have become much closer over the years.

BMW gave the 3 Series a mid-life facelift in 2022, in order to keep up with the latest generation Mercedes C-Class. This update included a revised headlight design as well as deeper front and rear bumpers. On the inside, the facelifted car gets BMW’s latest iDrive OS8 infotainment system; this features twin screens forming a curved panel and comes as standard on all models.

From the front, it's almost impossible to discern the 3 Series Touring from its saloon counterpart, however, move round to the side and you’ll see the estate gets a taller roofline. The car’s boot grows slightly to 500 litres, meaning there's more room for passengers and welcome features include a pop-up window to quickly access the luggage compartment and a handy anti-slip boot floor.

Out on the road the 3 Series Touring maintains its reputation as the driver's estate, with resolute body control and sharp steering. When its dampers are put in their softest setting, it's genuinely comfortable, too. BMW's chassis engineers are rumoured to test prototypes on Welsh roads, and the results seem to be paying off; the 3 Series rides well on broken British roads.

Engines are predictably strong too, with every version getting from 0-62mph in less than nine seconds and most a great deal quicker than that. The BMW 320d Touring can return over 55mpg and the 330e plug-in hybrid is also available with CO2 emissions that will please company-car drivers. Apart from the fire-breathing M3 Touring – which is a separate model in itself – the 375bhp M340i xDrive is the hottest version of the standard 3 Series on sale, getting to 62mph from a standing start in 4.5 seconds – the same as a Porsche 718 Cayman.

With all this considered, along with improved technology and a noticeable quality hike inside, the BMW 3 Series Touring remains the car to beat in the class, particularly our favourite model – the 320d in M Sport trim.

Customers are well catered for because the 3 Series Touring is available with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains to suit your lifestyle, preferences and budget. For those travelling shorter distances, or prioritising driving dynamics, petrols should fit the bill. High-mileage drivers are still likely to favour diesel but the 330e plug-in hybrid could also be a great option for them, particularly if they're company-car drivers thanks to its low BiK rating.

BMW 3 Series Touring MPG & CO2

The entry-level BMW 318d Touring and the best-selling 320d are the most efficient of the diesel line-up, managing up to 58.9mpg. Both are also affordable choices for private and business drivers alike, thanks to new mild-hybrid technology that gets CO2 emissions as low as 126g/km. Upgrading to four-wheel drive, a more lavish spec or the sportier 330d and M40d will, as you’d expect, impact fuel economy and make things more expensive for company car drivers.

The petrol 320i and 330i both use the same engine but with different power outputs, and have broadly similar economy figures; both should be able to achieve over 40mpg during normal driving, which should be fine for drivers that don’t regularly travel long distances.

A plug-in hybrid BMW 330e Touring is available for the first time in rear or four-wheel drive, promising an electric range of between 34 and 37 miles and economy of 156.9-201.8mpg. CO2 emissions range from 32-42g/km, making it the cheapest version for company-car tax (Benefit-in-Kind), and exempt from low-emission zones such as the expanded London ULEZ zone.

Regular diesel and petrol versions incur the regular VED (tax) rate, with the 330e plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid engines taxed at the discounted rate. Every 3 Series Touring (other than base-spec 320i Sport) costs more than £40,000 and therefore incurs the additional annual surcharge in the first five renewal years.

Insurance groups

The cheapest insurance premiums in the BMW 3 Series Touring range belong to the 320d as it occupies groups 28-32, depending on which trim and options you pick. The more-powerful 330d is, as you’d expect, more expensive to insure, sitting in groups 38 and 39. Most petrols sit in 29-33, except the range-topping M340i xDrive which sits in group 38. The plug-in hybrid 330e ranges from groups 31-33.

Warranty

Every new BMW comes with a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty, with three years of roadside assistance thrown in. It's slightly more generous than Audi's policy and matches that of Mercedes. For an extra outlay, the warranty can also be extended on an annual basis.

Servicing

The BMW 3 Series is fitted with a number of sensors that can determine when a service is required, depending on how the car is driven. This means service intervals can vary, but are usually no longer than two years or 20,000 miles apart.

Just like the saloon, there's no question the BMW 3 Series Touring goes straight to the top of its class for driver appeal. Not only is it the sharpest, most fun executive estate, but BMW has also optimised the ride comfort. In cars with adaptive suspension, Comfort mode really is just that, filtering out bumps better than most rivals.

It might not offer the last word in feedback, but the car’s steering has a pleasing weight and accuracy, and in Sport mode the 3 Series Touring is controlled and confidence-inspiring. Four-wheel drive is available for the 320d, 330d and 330e, but there's little discernible difference on the road, so we'd only recommend it if you regularly need the extra grip.

BMW 3 Series Touring diesel engines

The 3 Series Touring diesel range kicks off with the 320d; this produces 187bhp and has traditionally been the bestseller in the model’s lineup. For an economical engine, 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds is certainly impressive, and this only drops a couple of tenths if you choose xDrive all-wheel drive.

The BMW 330d is even more potent – its 261bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine should be enough for just about every situation on the road. Not only that but its performance is combined with smooth responses and, surprisingly, a pleasing sound. It can get from 0-62mph in a rapid 5.4 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

Above that is an M340d xDrive, with a 335bhp power output. It accelerates from 0-62mph in only 4.8 seconds (meaning it’s one of the fastest diesels on sale now) which is all the more impressive considering it matched the 330d for fuel economy. Both the M340d and the 320d get mild-hybrid technology, which provides an 11bhp overboost to aid overtaking, as well as helping to save fuel.

Petrol engines

As mentioned above, both the 320i Touring and 330i share the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, albeit with 182bhp and 255bhp respectively. These can get from 0-62mph in 7.5 and 5.9 seconds, and they're joined by a straight-six M340i xDrive Touring with 369bhp that’s capable of the same sprint in just 4.5 seconds. The latter is the fastest 3 Series estate available bar the new M3 Touring, with the new M Division-derived flagship model claimed to reach 62mph in just 3.6 seconds.

Hybrid engines

The BMW 330e Touring is powered by the same petrol engine as the 320i, along with a 68bhp electric motor for a combined total of 288bhp. This combination allows a 0-62mph time of less than six seconds, and an electric driving range of between 32-37 miles, depending on spec. The added weight of the batteries does hamper the 3 Series’ handling somewhat though, meaning that despite its impressive performance the plug-in hybrid is the least dynamic model available.

BMW interiors are known to evolve at a steady pace but BMW has pulled out the stops to ensure the 3 Series Touring can stand its ground against the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate.

There are now more expensive-looking materials and finishes than before, all of which lift the atmosphere inside. The new additions don't distract from the Touring's logical dash layout, though, which is as clear as ever.

BMW 3 Series Touring dashboard

Infotainment has taken a big step forward because it now benefits from BMW's latest iDrive OS8 software and includes “Hey BMW” style voice commands. All models get BMW’s new ‘Curved Panel’ display setup which comprises a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. The system itself is slick and responsive and the displays are incredibly crisp and bright.

One drawback, however, is that in order to fit this new system to the car, BMW has sacrificed the physical climate control knobs for a set of controls integrated into the bottom of the touchscreen. While this is a better solution than having to enter a separate menu, we much prefer the old buttons and switches as these are easier to operate when on the move.

Equipment

Unlike the outgoing model which had an endless list of trim levels, BMW has slimmed the 3 Series Touring lineup down to three specifications: Sport, M Sport and M. As standard, all cars get adaptive LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio, a rear-view camera, adaptive LED headlights and a powered tailgate come as standard. M Sport adds a racier bodykit as well as larger 18-inch alloys, lowered M Sport suspension and Alcantara upholstery. The M-badged models almost act as separate models altogether and get an even more aggressive appearance as well as leather upholstery and 19-inch wheels.

The 3 Series Touring is also one of the first BMW models to come with Drive Recorder, which constantly records footage from its cameras in a loop. If a collision occurs, this can be saved to provide dash-cam style footage of what happened immediately before and during the crash.

Options

While BMWs tend to come with more standard kit nowadays, there's still lots to choose from on the options list. A driver-assistance package can help the driver tackle long trips with less fatigue, adding features such as adaptive cruise control. The Touring's LED headlights can also be upgraded to 'laser' lights that can shine farther into the distance at night.

The BMW 3 Series Touring hasn't grown massively since its previous generation, but it's still just ahead of the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class for space, with the Volvo V60 leading the pack. BMW has paid attention to clever touches, too, making the 3 Series Touring easier to use than ever thanks to features such as an opening rear windscreen.

BMW 3 Series Touring interior space & storage

The days when the 3 Series felt cramped inside are long gone; there's now more legroom for back-seat passengers in the BMW than in several of its rivals. The car’s wheelbase has been lengthened slightly to create extra space, and there's easily enough headroom for all but the tallest of passengers. It's even possible to line up three child seats across the back row, although only the outer two benefit from ISOFIX mounting points. Drivers will find lots of adjustment thanks to new seats, with a memory function available as an option.

Boot space

Measuring 500 litres up to the retractable parcel shelf, the Touring's boot has grown by a mere five litres, but it's very competitive for the class. Unfortunately, if you configure your car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, this figure reduces to 410 litres in order to house several of the electrical components.

Thankfully, BMW has also imbued it with lots of clever touches, including an opening tailgate window that can be activated from the key fob. This should be really handy for throwing a few bags of shopping in the boot in a tight car park or garage. The boot is also powered, revealing a loading sill that's now a bit lower and wider, and it has a higher roofline, allowing awkwardly shaped cargo such as a mountain bike to fit inside more easily.

Towing

An electrically retractable towing hitch is available, operated from a control panel found in the boot. Every version of the BMW 3 Series Touring can tow a braked trailer of up to 1,800kg, except for the 320i Touring, which is restricted to 1,600kg.

In the eyes of buyers, BMW models are held in high esteem, and this has helped boost residual values over the years. The German manufacturer's reputation for design and engineering is impressive to say the least.

Yet, perhaps in some small part as a result of these high expectations, the brand could manage only a lowly 21st place out of 29 manufacturers in our 2021 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey. It just managed to beat Audi (23rd), but finished behind Mercedes (13th), Lexus (10th) and Jaguar (7th).

BMW 3 Series reliability

The sixth-generation BMW 3 Series is mostly new, so it's impossible to say how reliable it will be until customers have put it through its paces over a period of time.

Overall, 19.2% of BMW owners who responded told us they'd experienced one or more faults within the first 12 months. Customers were generally impressed with the car's engines and acceleration, but felt servicing and insurance costs were high and ride comfort was a let down; that’s something newer cars should improve upon.

Safety

Independent safety experts Euro NCAP gave the BMW 3 Series a maximum five-star rating, and this applies to the 3 Series Touring, too. It was one of the best in class, with scores of 97% for adult protection, 87% for child and pedestrian protection and 76% for the standard safety kit on board.

Every version is fitted with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection as standard. Lane-departure warning with steering assist is also standard, along with a system to flag up speed limits on the dashboard.