Thanks for watching! Feel free to *skip to what you want to see*: 0:00 - Intro to the 330i Touring 1:00 - Front cabin 3:18 - Rear cabin space 4:28 - Boot/trunk/cargo space 5:33 - Driving the 330i Touring 10:49 - Conclusion and wrap-up
I agree, station wagons look so much cooler than your standard suv. The v90, audi Avant and even the old commodore wagons looked so awesome! Glad bmw brought these . Only wished it had a more powerful engine spec option
I’m also grateful BMW still recognise there is a small (but important) market for wagons here. Also agree that an M340i Touring would be a cool six-cylinder option.
Station wagons look way sexier than tall, bulky, chubby SUVs. I'm glad to see more BMW Tourings. If I need to renew my car, I wish I can have a new Station Wagon.
Thanks for this excellent review - wasn't considering a BMW and definitely not a wagon but after seeing this and taking the sedan for a test drive for a couple of days, bought one last week!
Very nice review - I can relate to all that is said as I too have a Dravit Grey with Cognac interior 330i sedan which I also ordered with Visibility Package and a sunroof. This is my fifth BMW but by far the best. Recent 2500 km interstate trip using assisted driving and some capital city driving, gave an incredible 5.5 litres/100km. This for a 190 kw motor with stacks of performance is outstanding. The standard equipment for the price is very good and why would anyone want a more expensive, heavier SUV?
The 330i does not make the diesel equivalent redundant. 8 litres per 100km is less than 30mpg; the diesel 330d will give you well over 40mpg (and a lot more than that if driven conservatively). It also has a 6 cylinder engine and loads more torque at lower revs.
After convincing myself I 'needed' a SUV I rented a X3 30i recently and while it was a comfortable drive it was pretty dull. This looks like an excellent compromise - gives the extra space and comfort of the SUV (outside of ride height, which I do like) and is still sitting in that semi-affordable range. Will be interested to see how it compares to the new wagons from VAG when they finally get here (Octavia, Golf R etc). Yeah, I know they're all FWD or FWD-biased but as a current 7.5 R owner it's still good fun to drive and is a great daily.
Thanks for watching, Brendan. While I quite like the new X3 (on adaptive suspension), the 3 Series Touring is just so much more balanced. Not having to carry all that top-heavy mass makes an enormous difference, as you know from your R, which is also a great car. Agree that the comparisons to the next generation of VAG wagons will be pertinent.
I took one for a test drive (used) and it is a real weapon. Felt like it had 300hp to me but it’s all that torque…no doubt the m340i is the start but also much more expensive. Would be totally happy with this!!!
Great review. I have a manual 3 series wagon with the 3.0L 6. Let’s hope bmw brings back the 6 to the wagon. I just can’t get excited about a 4 cylinder car, especially not for this price. 4 cylinders to me denote econoboxes. Thanks for the super input though.
I own one Tom and couldn’t agree more with your summary. Keep up the good work. I am on my third 3 series touring, having had an E91 and an F31 LCI. This current model moves the game on in all respects. Mine is dravit grey also but with the black vernasca with white stitching. All of the initial cars for Australia were very similarly specified (dravit grey with visibility and comfort packages). I usually go for white as I live in Queensland but the dravit grey intrigued me as it changes depending on the light. All the best.
Great to hear from a seasoned 3er Touring owner, Bryce. The spec on your car sounds great. Wasn't initially a fan of the Dravit Grey but it did grow on me. Still think I would go for the Portimao Blue if I was ordering the car, but I concede that the 'German rainbow' of white/grey/black isn't going anywhere fast.
I had the same reaction as Tom to Dravit Grey until I saw it under street lights where it looks like a shiny grey liquid, and then in the sunlight where you notice the little gold flecks in the paint. Excellent choice.
@Bryce Melville we also had an E91 323i and an F31 328i, both with manual transmissions. They were good cars but the ride was a bit on the harsh side. Test drove a G21 last November and the improvement across the board (comfort, engine power, features, ride quality & tech) was huge. Only downside is automatic only. As a result, we have a Blue Ridge Mountain with Tartufo Merino leather, visibility package, exclusive package and comfort package on order. Can't wait till it arrives.
Nice review, not too long but exhaustive! I like your style! 👍 And... very nice car! I’m driving a 2018 Audi A4 Allroad (great car too! ) but I just ordered the 3 Series Touring, M340d version (not yet in production, coming soon) ... I expect the driving dynamics to be top notch! Greetings from Italy ... ciao!! 🤗
Great review, as always, but I tend to disagree about the Xdrive in the M340i. By all accounts it’s very rear drive biased and and happy to slide about.
Chasing Cars thanks for the reply, a back to back would be extremely interesting. I believe BMW are brining an Estate Alpina B3 out later this year to Australia based off the M340i, now that’s just amazing news.
Thanks Tom.. I had the 320 GT some years ago (best car ever driven) and the X1 after that. Unfortunately I do not drive BMW today. The next one will be the 3 Touring (2022 hopefully). Motor yet to be decided.
Can’t help but agree... the existing 2 Series is alright to my eyes and I actually don’t mind the design of the X3 (I know, I am literally the only person who thinks that) - but they nailed the 3 Series.
After driving station wagons, you can say to yourself or even other that there is no replacement of lower centre of gravity which estate cars have over high riding SUVs.
Like it? It's my new fave "lotto win" car. Sweet motor, no dual clutch transmission in a compact wagon. I seriously didn't think you could get a 3 Series wagon (without an X) in Australia anymore. Wheels magazine doesn't list it. I'd definitely go the 18 inch rims, but that's my comfort bent. Bravo Tom, excellent work. Straight to the BMW configurator for me!
I completely agree about the benefits of wagons over SUVs. Bizarrely most people think they're getting more room in an SUV. It's the height though when you have little kids that makes an SUV (or in our case, a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso) preferable, saving your back. It seems pretty expensive for what it is. If it would fit in my garage I'd prefer a Skoda superb 206tsi, or the even bigger (no way it'll fit) and getting very cheap and incredibly spec'd Holden Commodore/Calais. Maybe in a year there'll be a better priced one or two of these 3 series sitting around.
That is a point I should have mentioned - there is a bend to seat a little one in their child seat. The C4 Grand Picasso is a good happy medium - and then once kids can get in themselves a wagon makes a lot of sense. As for the price, there’s an additional refinement to the car over the Superb (and I say that as a huge fan of Skoda), but $74k is a lot of cash.
Love your reviews Tom! Quick question, do you know why BMW has moved the door lock button tongue door from the centre stack of sometime again? Semi noticed the passenger cannot lock the car unless they reach over to the driver's door.....
Doesn't suffer for low-end torque. Any delays come from the gearbox very occasionally getting confused before changing down - and the I6 shares the same box…
Thanks for watching! Feel free to *skip to what you want to see*:
0:00 - Intro to the 330i Touring
1:00 - Front cabin
3:18 - Rear cabin space
4:28 - Boot/trunk/cargo space
5:33 - Driving the 330i Touring
10:49 - Conclusion and wrap-up
Absolutely better than SUV Nice review
Thanks for watching.
Great review, as always. My fave Aussie car reviewer.
Cheers!
I agree, station wagons look so much cooler than your standard suv. The v90, audi Avant and even the old commodore wagons looked so awesome! Glad bmw brought these .
Only wished it had a more powerful engine spec option
I’m also grateful BMW still recognise there is a small (but important) market for wagons here. Also agree that an M340i Touring would be a cool six-cylinder option.
Station wagons look way sexier than tall, bulky, chubby SUVs. I'm glad to see more BMW Tourings. If I need to renew my car, I wish I can have a new Station Wagon.
Thanks for this excellent review - wasn't considering a BMW and definitely not a wagon but after seeing this and taking the sedan for a test drive for a couple of days, bought one last week!
Wow - so glad to hear. What colour/spec did you go for?
Very nice review - I can relate to all that is said as I too have a Dravit Grey with Cognac interior 330i sedan which I also ordered with Visibility Package and a sunroof. This is my fifth BMW but by far the best. Recent 2500 km interstate trip using assisted driving and some capital city driving, gave an incredible 5.5 litres/100km. This for a 190 kw motor with stacks of performance is outstanding. The standard equipment for the price is very good and why would anyone want a more expensive, heavier SUV?
Dravit Grey over Cognac - nice spec! Echo your comments about fuel consumption and the performance of the two-litre turbo.
Thorough review again thanks Tom, would be a perfect car to replace my wife’s Skoda superb estate
I think it’d be a good upgrade.
The 330i does not make the diesel equivalent redundant. 8 litres per 100km is less than 30mpg; the diesel 330d will give you well over 40mpg (and a lot more than that if driven conservatively). It also has a 6 cylinder engine and loads more torque at lower revs.
We only get the 320d with the 2.0L diesel here in Australia
I have a 330i and can get >45 mpg it’s more powerful and tuneable than a diesel. (Mines tuned)
Great review of a great car. Love wagons! Wonder if we’ll get the M340i touring?
It’s definitely a maybe. If they shift more 330i Tourings than expected, it is possible.
After convincing myself I 'needed' a SUV I rented a X3 30i recently and while it was a comfortable drive it was pretty dull. This looks like an excellent compromise - gives the extra space and comfort of the SUV (outside of ride height, which I do like) and is still sitting in that semi-affordable range. Will be interested to see how it compares to the new wagons from VAG when they finally get here (Octavia, Golf R etc). Yeah, I know they're all FWD or FWD-biased but as a current 7.5 R owner it's still good fun to drive and is a great daily.
Thanks for watching, Brendan. While I quite like the new X3 (on adaptive suspension), the 3 Series Touring is just so much more balanced. Not having to carry all that top-heavy mass makes an enormous difference, as you know from your R, which is also a great car. Agree that the comparisons to the next generation of VAG wagons will be pertinent.
I took one for a test drive (used) and it is a real weapon. Felt like it had 300hp to me but it’s all that torque…no doubt the m340i is the start but also much more expensive. Would be totally happy with this!!!
Great review. I have a manual 3 series wagon with the 3.0L 6. Let’s hope bmw brings back the 6 to the wagon. I just can’t get excited about a 4 cylinder car, especially not for this price. 4 cylinders to me denote econoboxes. Thanks for the super input though.
A manual three-litre in this would be incredible.
I own one Tom and couldn’t agree more with your summary. Keep up the good work.
I am on my third 3 series touring, having had an E91 and an F31 LCI. This current model moves the game on in all respects. Mine is dravit grey also but with the black vernasca with white stitching. All of the initial cars for Australia were very similarly specified (dravit grey with visibility and comfort packages). I usually go for white as I live in Queensland but the dravit grey intrigued me as it changes depending on the light. All the best.
Great to hear from a seasoned 3er Touring owner, Bryce. The spec on your car sounds great. Wasn't initially a fan of the Dravit Grey but it did grow on me. Still think I would go for the Portimao Blue if I was ordering the car, but I concede that the 'German rainbow' of white/grey/black isn't going anywhere fast.
I had the same reaction as Tom to Dravit Grey until I saw it under street lights where it looks like a shiny grey liquid, and then in the sunlight where you notice the little gold flecks in the paint. Excellent choice.
@Bryce Melville we also had an E91 323i and an F31 328i, both with manual transmissions. They were good cars but the ride was a bit on the harsh side. Test drove a G21 last November and the improvement across the board (comfort, engine power, features, ride quality & tech) was huge. Only downside is automatic only. As a result, we have a Blue Ridge Mountain with Tartufo Merino leather, visibility package, exclusive package and comfort package on order. Can't wait till it arrives.
Nice review, not too long but exhaustive! I like your style! 👍
And... very nice car!
I’m driving a 2018 Audi A4 Allroad (great car too! ) but I just ordered the 3 Series Touring, M340d version (not yet in production, coming soon) ... I expect the driving dynamics to be top notch!
Greetings from Italy ... ciao!! 🤗
Great review, as always, but I tend to disagree about the Xdrive in the M340i. By all accounts it’s very rear drive biased and and happy to slide about.
Fair enough! Would love the chance to test them back to back.
Chasing Cars thanks for the reply, a back to back would be extremely interesting.
I believe BMW are brining an Estate Alpina B3 out later this year to Australia based off the M340i, now that’s just amazing news.
Thanks Tom.. I had the 320 GT some years ago (best car ever driven) and the X1 after that. Unfortunately I do not drive BMW today. The next one will be the 3 Touring (2022 hopefully). Motor yet to be decided.
The only attractive looking car in the BMW lineup now !!.. amazing review as usual
Can’t help but agree... the existing 2 Series is alright to my eyes and I actually don’t mind the design of the X3 (I know, I am literally the only person who thinks that) - but they nailed the 3 Series.
@@chasingcars Tell me you don't mean the Active Tourer (2)....
Great Video Review. One Of The Best Estate Modela
Thanks, Jamie.
Good work and great review Tom the BMW 3 series touring is the best BMW I wonder if will get the 320d M touring
Great review! Can't believe I only just found your channel. Love your work.
Thanks - glad you enjoyed it!
Always been one of my fave cars since j was young nice to see it improved
It's a really great car
After driving station wagons, you can say to yourself or even other that there is no replacement of lower centre of gravity which estate cars have over high riding SUVs.
Love this car.... Great review
Thanks, Nathan.
This car looks very smart in grey.
Agreed. There is also a deeper metallic grey available.
Thanks for the great review again. Wondering if there's a Kia Seltos review in the pipeline anytime soon?
No worries, Mark. Still working on that for you.
I wouldn't say that the car is light. Disappointing for a twin turbo to only have 250 Hp. Nice vid thanks
Good review, thats why I have one also ! Great comeback by BMW.
if bmw made a 340i version with the B58 engine, they would have my money!!
Some sideways spirited drivign there Tom ;)
Having a bit of fun!
Like it? It's my new fave "lotto win" car. Sweet motor, no dual clutch transmission in a compact wagon.
I seriously didn't think you could get a 3 Series wagon (without an X) in Australia anymore.
Wheels magazine doesn't list it. I'd definitely go the 18 inch rims, but that's my comfort bent.
Bravo Tom, excellent work. Straight to the BMW configurator for me!
You can indeed, Ben - and it’s actually a series model, not even a special order. Glad you enjoyed the review.
I completely agree about the benefits of wagons over SUVs. Bizarrely most people think they're getting more room in an SUV. It's the height though when you have little kids that makes an SUV (or in our case, a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso) preferable, saving your back.
It seems pretty expensive for what it is. If it would fit in my garage I'd prefer a Skoda superb 206tsi, or the even bigger (no way it'll fit) and getting very cheap and incredibly spec'd Holden Commodore/Calais. Maybe in a year there'll be a better priced one or two of these 3 series sitting around.
That is a point I should have mentioned - there is a bend to seat a little one in their child seat. The C4 Grand Picasso is a good happy medium - and then once kids can get in themselves a wagon makes a lot of sense. As for the price, there’s an additional refinement to the car over the Superb (and I say that as a huge fan of Skoda), but $74k is a lot of cash.
The trim on this lovely car looks infinitely better than the M340i.
Not a fan of that sort of bronze trim on the M Performance cars?
In Australia this is a $100k car, definitely way more expensive than a X3
Tom says he's never owned one. What car do you own Tom? I have a feeling its a sporty wagon of some description?
It looks better than the sedan variant in my opinion.
Fair enough, Michael. We think the sedan is also very accomplished.
Beauty.
Indeed.
The year they didn't bring them to the USA is the year I want one
That's a shame! Great car.
very nice
"Does the 3er wagon beat an Audi A4 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class?"
Of course YES !!!
We think so.
Love your reviews Tom! Quick question, do you know why BMW has moved the door lock button tongue door from the centre stack of sometime again? Semi noticed the passenger cannot lock the car unless they reach over to the driver's door.....
Great review, but I’ll take the 330d in the UK.
Wish we got the 330d here in Australia. We don’t even get it in sedan form!
will this auto fit 5 adults, one of which is smaller??
How does it compare to the Volvo V60 T5 R-design??
The BMW 3 series touring is definitely the best car on many levels, even in SUV era...
Tend to agree.
i guess i will just wait for the G81 M3
At least y’all can get them! We only get their SUVs here.
That’s a shame. Hopefully BMW bring them back in future.
Chasing Cars Agreed!
Great car ...
Indeed, Paul. The 3 Series Touring earned a 9.5/10 over on our website.
Isn't the M340i Touring coming?
I honestly thought it was...
At this stage, no. Not ruled out in the future but the 330i is at least a good start.
4 pot? No go. 6 pot will have low end torque before turbo comes on
Doesn't suffer for low-end torque. Any delays come from the gearbox very occasionally getting confused before changing down - and the I6 shares the same box…
@@chasingcars talking about low speed driving with load. No turbo can help with that. Even SC can't help with that. Lower final gear can help a bit.
Can't it be released in Korea??
If you lobby your local dealer hard enough, maybe you can convince them!
Chasing Cars pelase... wait... tired..
thank you!!!! 👍
Its a disgrace we don't get the M340i wagon here. NZ has it, we don't. Joke!
SUV, Why, why, why?????
Look, I understand the appeal - I just understand the appeal of wagons a whole lot more!
Wish I could justify affording one. Let sheep drive suv's
Relatively light not really, over 3,800 pounds is more than a lot of suvs 🚙
It weighs 1575kg (under 3,500 lbs).
How do you think the new Octavia RS wagon compares to this?