As a younger guy who’s looking to start a family within the next few years, I’ve started thinking about what kind of car of have to buy once the family starts. Obviously I’d like a BMW, so I started to think of which Bimmer would be the best choice.
Obviously, my mind goes to something with a good back seat and a lot of cargo space. So my choices are limited to any SUV or wagon.
SUVs aren’t bad because they offer the most room and the all-weather capability. An X3 would be the most ideal of all BMW SUVs because of its good combination of size, comfort, performance, economy and, of course, safety. My only issue with the X3 is the price. It’s a bit too expensive for someone who just had children.
This leads me to wagons. Wagons offer the versatility of SUVs yet are cheaper and drive better. The only true wagon BMW sells is the 3 Series wagon. Actually it only sells the 328i ($40,350) or 328d xDrive wagon ($41,900) in either gas or diesel, respectively. So this, to me is the best BMW for a hound family. It has everything needed; good space, good engine, great handling, all-wheel drive and good safety all for less than an SUV will cost to own and run.
How I went from a 2007 Porsche Cayman to a BMW 328i Sports Wagon
At first glance, the F31 BMW 3 Series Touring looks like an evolution of the E91 3 Series Sports Wagon, 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.
The 328d xDrive Sports Wagon variant is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit producing 181 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It averages 35 mpg.
It comes with an eight-speed automatic with Sport programming, xDrive all-wheel drive, iDrive infotainment, Bluetooth connectivity, power front seats, and an adjustable chassis with Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport settings. Add to the options list the automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, a power panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting, and you have a great family cruiser in your hands.
So when it comes time to have little versions of myself running around, I’ll be looking into a 328d xDrive wagon. This way I can ride around with the kids in style and economy.
