BMW i3 Touring Estate Prototype Spotted Testing
The BMW i3, the electric iteration of the 3 Series, is set to expand its lineup with a Touring estate variant, recently captured in testing by Autocar's spy photographers. The prototype, while featuring a disguised rear end, suggests a longer body and a sloped roofline compared to the standard i3 saloon. This new model follows the silhouette previewed during the saloon's unveiling, generating excitement among potential buyers.
BMW has not yet disclosed the boot capacity for the i3 Touring, but it is expected to exceed the current petrol 3 Series estate's 500 liters, catering to business customers and families who favor the Touring model. However, it appears that the new estate will not include the split tailgate feature that characterized previous Touring versions, which allowed for easier access to the boot.
The i3 and its counterpart, the iX3 SUV, represent the beginning of BMW's Neue Klasse era, a significant shift in the company's approach to designing and engineering vehicles for the electric vehicle market. This initiative draws inspiration from the original Neue Klasse cars that helped establish BMW's reputation in the 1960s.
The i3 saloon is recognized as one of the UK's longest-range electric vehicles, boasting an official range of 567 miles on a single charge. While it remains to be seen how the Touring variant will affect this range, it is anticipated that the less aerodynamic design may result in a slight reduction in distance.
Pricing for the i3 Touring is expected to be higher than the saloon model, which has a starting price of £53,005. As BMW continues to innovate in the electric vehicle space, the i3 Touring is poised to attract attention from a diverse range of customers looking for practicality and performance in an electric estate car.
