Teaser images of the new BMW 3 Series Touring were shown during the 106th Annual General Meeting of BMW shareholders. The car itself is still hidden in the shadows, but the design is not the main thing here. Oliver Zipse explained why BMW decided not to abandon the wagon, even though the market has long been taken over by SUVs.
According to the manager, the 3 Series Touring remains popular among family buyers and corporate clients. BMW analyzed the demand and concluded that the new generation still makes sense. In the context of how many brands have already buried traditional wagons, BMW's position seems almost stubborn. But it is the Germans who remain among the few who continue to systematically develop this type of body.
There will be not only an electric version
BMW has confirmed the appearance of the electric BMW i3 Touring, internally designated as NA1. Its production will be set up in Munich along with the i3 sedan.
But the most interesting thing is something else: BMW seems not to be planning to translate the Touring exclusively into electric traction. According to sources, the company is also preparing the G51 wagon with gasoline and diesel engines. This was indirectly confirmed by Zipse himself. In his speech, he specifically mentioned the 3 Series Touring, not just the i3 Touring.
BMW continues to play with multiple technologies
BMW has been promoting the idea of "technological openness" for several years now. The company does not want to focus on only one type of powertrain and is simultaneously developing internal combustion engines, hybrids, and electric vehicles.
Earlier, BMW's product directive head Bernd Körber also hinted that most of the brand's models will continue to have several types of powertrains. Therefore, the appearance of a new wagon with traditional engines looks quite logical, especially for the European market.
The new generation relocates to another plant
The next BMW 3 Series with internal combustion engines will receive the index G50. Its production will be moved to Dingolfing. This will be the first gasoline or diesel 3 Series not to be produced in Munich.
The sedan is expected to be officially presented in the coming months, and serial production will start at the end of 2026. The wagon, according to BMW's traditional schedule, will debut about a year after the sedan.