BMW is testing the new i3 Touring near the Nürburgring circuit, marking its first electric wagon in the Neue Klasse lineup. The i3 Touring aims to offer up to 750 km of range and around 470 horsepower, with a market launch expected in the second half of 2027.
Prototype Reveals Design and Features
Spy photos show a prototype of the BMW i3 Touring undergoing real-world testing on public roads around Nürburgring. This latest sighting reveals much of the car’s design, with minimal camouflage remaining. The vehicle features full LED headlights, a double-oval grille, and daytime running lights (currently turned off in the images).
The rear of the i3 Touring stands out with a new C-pillar design, rear light clusters sharing the same light signature as the i3 sedan, and a rear bumper with distinct shapes. A subtle spoiler is integrated into the tailgate, improving aerodynamics, which is common in Touring versions.
This electric wagon keeps the futuristic Neue Klasse look introduced by the sedan version launched earlier, offering a practical alternative to SUVs like the iX3.
Inside and Technology Highlights
The interior is expected to include a large windshield-mounted display with six customizable zones alongside a 17.9-inch central touchscreen. The i3 Touring will come well equipped with a panoramic glass roof and advanced comfort, connectivity, and safety systems.
The car should offer semi-autonomous driving features for highways and city roads, enhancing driver assistance. It will also support bidirectional charging technologies such as V2L (Vehicle to Load), V2H (Vehicle to Home), and V2G (Vehicle to Grid), allowing energy to flow back from the battery for various uses.
Powertrain Options and Range Expectations
The i3 Touring lineup will reportedly have three versions by late 2027. There will be single-motor rear-wheel-drive variants, such as the i3 30e and i3 40x, the latter producing around 320 hp. At the top, the i3 50 xDrive model will feature dual motors with all-wheel drive and about 470 hp.
While exact WLTP range figures haven’t been released yet, sources suggest that the most efficient versions could exceed 750 km on a full charge, highlighting a competitive edge in electric range for this segment.
Launch Timeline
BMW is expected to formally reveal the i3 Touring in spring 2027, likely around April. This will follow roughly one month after the official launch of the i3 sedan variants. The first deliveries are anticipated around November 2027.
Source: motor.es