BMW’s new G50-generation 3-Series lineup will expand beyond the sedan, with Touring wagon variants confirmed to be under development. The combustion-powered wagon is expected to be joined by a fully electric i3 Touring, giving BMW two compact wagons based on different architectures.

G50 3-Series Touring previewed

Digital renderings envision the upcoming 3-Series Touring in M350 xDrive form, which currently represents the top version of the G50 range before a new M3 is expected closer to the end of the decade. The imagined wagon carries the sedan’s front end and the same bodywork through the B-pillars.

From there, the design changes to accommodate a longer roof, a revised greenhouse, new quarter panels and a conventional tailgate. The renderings also show black roof rails and a matching rear spoiler, along with the sportier trim associated with the M350.

The wagon could retain the sedan’s narrow LED taillights and rear bumper design. Quad exhaust outlets and additional black exterior details give the M350 xDrive a sportier appearance, though the renderings do not show the wider fenders associated with an M3.

Although the G50 adopts BMW’s latest Neue Klasse design and technology direction, the combustion-powered 3-Series continues to use an upgraded version of the CLAR platform. That architecture also underpins the previous G20-generation model.

Possible M350 xDrive performance

The pictured M350 xDrive uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance and an output of 437 horsepower (326 kW/443 PS). In sedan form, the all-wheel-drive model is listed with a 0-to-100-km/h (0-to-62-mph) time of 4.1 seconds.

A Touring version would likely be slightly slower because of its additional weight, with an estimated 4.2-second sprint to 100 km/h. BMW has discontinued diesel powertrains from the 3-Series lineup, so the wagon is not expected to receive a diesel option.

Whether the combustion-powered 3-Series Touring will be sold in North America remains unresolved. The source material does not identify a confirmed regional launch plan.

Electric i3 Touring also in development

The combustion model will reportedly share BMW’s compact-wagon space with an electric i3 Touring. Camouflaged prototypes have been seen at the Nürburgring, while additional renderings have been created from the i3 sedan.

Though the i3 and 3-Series use a related design language, the electric model has different proportions because it is built around the dedicated Neue Klasse EV architecture. The i3 Touring is therefore expected to differ from the combustion wagon beyond its powertrain.

The i3 50 xDrive sedan’s dual-motor system produces 463 hp (345 kW/469 PS), or 25 hp more than the combustion-powered M350 xDrive. Its 108.7-kWh battery enables up to 912 km (567 miles) of WLTP range in sedan form, with the wagon expected to offer a similar figure.

Production locations will also differ. The i3 is built in Munich, while the 3-Series is manufactured in Dingolfing. The sedans currently follow those arrangements, and the upcoming wagons are expected to use the same respective facilities.