BMW has confirmed that the fourth-generation of the 3 Series Touring will go on sale in the UK from 17 September. Two Touring models will be available from the launch: a 163bhp 320d costing from £24,875 for the ES to £28,195 for the M-Sport, a little over £1500 more than its saloons sibling and roughly a £1000 increase on the current 320d, or a 218bhp 325i priced between £26,905 and £29,435.
The diesel comes in ES, SE or M-Sport specifications, with petrols initially restricted to SE and M-Sport only. Later in the year the range will be expanded with 320i petrol, 330i petrol and 330d diesel models. The 320i ES trim will become the entry level 3-Series, at a starting price of £23,040, with the 228bhp 330d assuming the role of range-topper with a £30,560 entry-level version. Space is up on the previous 3-Series Touring, with a longer load area providing 460 litres of space, or 1385 litres with all the seats folded, compared to the old car's 435/1345 litres. This is also the first time the Touring’s launch has preceded the Coupe and Convertible models, a graphic demonstration of the recent growth of estate car sales in this sector. Coupé and Convertible models are not expected until later in 2006.
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