The BMW 3 Series Touring, in its F3x designation, comes back to the United States. BMW of North America will offer lovers of sport wagons (how many remains to be seen) the 328i xDrive model.
At first glance, the F31 BMW 3 Series Touring looks like an evolution of the E91, but after a prolonged drive, the improvements over the previous generation begin to surface. Overall, the new F31 surpasses its predecessor by 3.66 inches in outer length, which in addition to larger cargo space, it offers the passengers more head and legroom.
The sporty touring also has a longer wheelbase, 1.96 inches over the previous model, as well as a wider track (front + 37 mm/1.46 in., rear + 48 mm/1.85 in.), all of these combined give the F31 Touring increased dynamics and ride balance. Despite the larger dimensions, more standard equipment and increase in torsional stiffness by ten percent, the mass weight is kept in check – depending on the model, up to 40 kilograms less than the E91 model.
Under the hood, the 328i uses the new and efficient 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine which sends 245 hp to the rear wheels.
In combination with the engine, the eight-speed sport automatic transmission and its shift paddles on the steering wheel can perform any desired acceleration maneuvers.
The F30 3 Series Sedan interior design transposed itself into the touring model, so not many changes there.
Here is a video of the 328i xDrive as introduced at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.
