BMW i3 Estate Debuts with Impressive 559-Mile Range

BMW has confirmed the new electric 3 Series will be offered in Touring estate form. The model is part of the BMW i3 line-up and carries an official 559-mile range figure.

Appearance and body style

A silhouette shown at the i3 unveiling revealed a different roofline. The outline also hinted at a hatchback-style boot for the Touring estate.

BMW Group chief Oliver Zipse said the Touring format will appeal to families and business buyers. He described the i3 as a fresh start for the brand.

Powertrain and range

The i3 saloon leads UK electric range charts at 559 miles. It uses a 108kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery with motors on both axles.

BMW calls the motors new-generation units for front and rear drive. Together they enable the model’s class-leading range.

Practicality and cargo space

BMW has not yet published official boot capacity figures for the i3 Touring. By comparison, the petrol 3 Series offers 480 litres as a saloon.

The petrol 3 Series estate provides 500 litres of boot space. Exact Touring measurements for the BMW i3 estate remain pending.

Neue Klasse programme

The i3 and the related iX3 SUV are the first Neue Klasse models. This programme rethinks engineering and design for the electric era.

BMW says Neue Klasse draws inspiration from the original cars launched about 60 years ago. The aim is a modern, electrified mainstream range.

Updates to the petrol 3 Series

BMW plans major revisions to the current petrol 3 Series. Engineers told Filmogaz.com the updates make it effectively a new car.

The updated petrol model will align visually and technically with the electric i3. BMW intends a coherent family look across powertrains.

The BMW i3 estate combines long range with estate practicality. Further technical and cargo details will follow ahead of launch.