First Oz drive: BMW's twin-turbo tourer of duty

TWO new wagon models have been added to the BMW 3 Series range, including a range-topping 335i version powered by the company’s mighty twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.

This means that the impressive 225kW/400Nm straight-six – last year’s international engine of the year award winner – is now available in all four 3 Series body variants sedan, wagon, coupe and cabriolet.

At the other end of the spectrum, BMW Australia has added a new entry-level wagon in the form of the 320i Touring, powered by the same 115kW/200Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as the sedan and sharing its standard features list.



The 320i Touring is priced from $54,200 with a six-speed manual ($3200 more than the sedan), with an Executive version priced from $59,100 and a six-speed automatic transmission adding $2600 to both.

With the six-speed Steptronic auto as standard (with steering wheel gearshift paddles), 335i Touring pricing starts from $108,600 ($4100 more than the 335i Sedan).

With three models in the 3 Series Touring stable now – compared to just one previously in the form of the 2.5-litre petrol 323i – BMW Australia expects its wagon sales to double this year to more than 300 units. Last year’s tally of 166 units was a 3 Series Touring record.

Although the 320i entry level model should become the volume seller, the company’s experience with the 3 Series Coupe launch suggests that the 335i might initially be the top-seller.

Interestingly, there is no diesel 3 Series Touring variant, as yet.

“With these new models we expect to further drive and grow the market for practical and sporty 3 Series Touring models in Australia,” said BMW Australia marketing manager Tom Noble.

“Customers looking for increased practicality and a dynamic driving experience to match their lifestyle will look no further than the new BMW 3 Series Touring range.”The 335i Touring certainly provides plenty in the way of dynamic driving experience, accelerating from rest to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds, thanks to its massive 400Nm of torque being available from just 1300rpm all the way up to 5000rpm.

Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 9.8L/100km.

The 320i Touring accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds and returns 8.0L/100km (while the existing 323i Touring has figures of 8.2 seconds and 8.6L/100km respectively).

A six-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox is standard on the 335i Touring and optionally available ($2,600) for the remaining 3 Series Touring models.

BMW 3 Series Touring range pricing:
320i	$54,200
320i (a)	$56,800
320i Executive	$59,100
320i Executive (a)	$61,700
323i	$68,900
323i (a)	$71,500
335i (a)	$108,600

Read more:

BMW extends wagon trail

First drive: Twin turbos for small wagon