• First derivative of the new E90 Sedan
• 460 litres of luggage space expands to 1385 litres
• Flat-load floor
• Flip-up rear-window hatch

The new generation BMW 3 Series Sedan, which arrives in Australia in June, will be joined next year by a wagon, the Touring.

The new Touring will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005.

It shares a strong visual link with the 3 Series Sedan, largely identical to the Sedan from the front to the A-pillars.

The enlarged, more flexible and practical luggage compartment blends harmoniously with the Touring's overall styling. A sleek roofline tapers down gently and smoothly to the large tailgate, while the shoulder line moves up somewhat to give the Touring a unique appearance.

The fourth-generation BMW 3 Series Touring has been developed as an entirely different and unique car in parallel to the Sedan.

The Touring is now typically BMW both in its looks and performance. Its lithe dimensions hide a roomy and practical interior.

The Touring is 42 mm longer, at 4,520 mm, than the previous model, 78 mm wider at 1,817 mm and 9 mm higher at 1,418 mm. The wheelbase is stretched a further 35 mm to 2,760 mm.

Occupants both the front and rear enjoy extra space and comfort, while the enlarged luggage area grows to 460-litres (an increase of 25-litres).

By folding the rear 60/40 split fold backrest, up to 1385-litres of luggage space is available on an almost totally flat loading floor.

Even more important than the interior dimensions alone are the many innovative ideas included to enhance the everyday driving experience.

The luggage compartment cover for example, automatically moves up together with the flip-up rear window in order to facilitate loading at the rear.

Thanks to run-flat tyres, overall weight is optimised and luggage space increases, with an additional storage box beneath the floor of the luggage compartment.

The luggage compartment floor section is reversible, with a touch plastic cover to repel water or dirt. There are lashing points to securely fasten heavy goods on one side and a plastic cover on the other side that can be laid over panels and surfaces to protect against dirt and scratches. A water-tight folding box beneath the floor of the luggage area serves additionally to house wet boots or similar items.

Roadholding is one of the strengths of the 3 Serries Touring.

The ideal 50/50 weight distribution, rear wheel drive and long wheelbase, allow the Touring to deliver agility and driving safety.

Supporting the front wheels, the same new double joint aluminium front axle from the E90 Sedan endows the Touring with optimum balance of driving dynamics and motoring comfort.

This innovative axle design allows tracking stability and particularly low roll noise.

Agility and dynamic handling, in turn, are also ensured by the five-arm rear axle in lightweight steel design ensuring precise wheel guidance as well as excellent roll comfort.

The new 3 series wagon will compete againgst the new Audi A4 Avant and the new Peugeot 407 wagon. As such, it's easy to see BMW face very tough competition in this segment, with both Audi and Peugeot meeting sucess in the marketplace. In time, we'll endeavour to publish road tests on these cars.

Australian market specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the launch.