2018 BMW 3 Series Wagon

This wagon by BMW is priced at $44,650, a little bit expensive than 3-series saloon. Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine, it can produce 248hp of power and 258lb-ft of torque combined with xDrive’s combed handling can make this wagon the most viable option in this segment, but it’s not.

BMW is available in two trims, the only thing that sets them apart is the fuel they run on. The 328d runs on diesel and produces less power, and on the other hand we have 330i which runs on petrol and is much powerful.

Trims	330i xDrive Sports Wagon	328d xDrive Sports Wagon
MSRP	$44,650	$46,150
Key Features	330i has a more powerful 2.0-liter engine (248hp, 258lb-ft of torque)	Features same as 330i xDrive
	Power-adjustable front sport seats Driver-seat memory settings and split-folding rear seatbacks	It engine uses diesel fuel Generates 180hp and 280lb-ft of torque
	Power-folding and heated side mirrors Auto-dimming mirrors
	Paddle shifters for automatic transmission-equipped models
	LED headlights

We Recommend

BMW 330i wagon is available with a wide variety of features, and you won’t need many upgrades to make this German more beautiful. There is just one package that we’d recommend for the pack of adrenaline junkies, the ‘Track handling package’. This added package will add some of the best features from M series and make your car track ready.

The BMW 3-series wagon is equipped with a cutting-edge 2.0L engine which is responsive, refined and fast. This engine can churn up to 248hp of power and 258lb-ft of torque, making this a powerful touring estate. There are much powerful options to consider such as, Audi A4 All-road which can deliver a better power output with a price tag similar to Beamer.

Models	BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon	Volvo V60 Dynamic	Audi A4 All road Premium
MSRP	$44,650	$38,250	$44,500
Engine	2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder Turbocharged	2.0L 16V I4 Turbocharged	2.0L DOHC 4-Cylinder TFSI 16V
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic
Power	248hp	240hp	252hp
Torque	258lb-ft	258lb-ft	273lb-ft

The 8-speed transmission is smooth as a butter on a hot knife, downshifts are prodigious and subtle. The responsive throttle needed a much refined transmission and BMW never fails to deliver a full-hearted project.

Acceleration

We all love a practical car, we love how it can ease daily chores dramatically, but with BMW’s 3-series wagon, you get practicality with sports-car like performance. It is quick, quickest in its segment and even with a 2.0L engine it can reach the 60mph mark in just 5.7sec. Whereas, Volvo took 7.3sec to reach that mark, Audi is close enough with its A4 Allroad but is not close enough to the Beamer.

Models	BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon	Volvo V60 Dynamic	Audi A4 Allroad Premium
0-60 MPH	5.7 sec	7.3 sec	5.9 sec
Quarter mile	14.2 sec	15.5 sec	14.3 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.5	6.1	7.1

Ride & Handling

BMW has always been a pioneer in creating well-balanced vehicles and with 3-series’s wagon, they did a tremendous job. The ride quality in BMW’s wagon is magical, and it won’t let you feel those dreadful bumps. The epic weight management that BMW did in this wagon leaves it with no negative feedback in terms of ride quality.

The low-stance and broad rear-end provides this magnificent vehicle with razor-sharp handling. In addition, BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system with dynamic stability control works together in providing this wagon a responsive handling and improved traction.

Braking

‘With great powers, comes great responsibility’. BMW should have taken that dialogue from Spiderman a little bit seriously. BMW is packed with an astonishing handling and mediocre power output, but the braking is not satisfactory. The Beamer wagon can put itself to a halt from 60mph in 123ft. which is not up to that ‘German’ level.

Model	BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon	Volvo V60 Dynamic	Audi A4 Allroad Premium
Brake Front(in)	12.3	11.8	13.3
Brake Rear(in)	11.8	11.9	13.0
Curb weight(lbs.)	3867	3670	3825
60-0 MPH (ft.)	123	130	119

The addition of xDrive in 3-series’s wagon reduced the fuel efficiency by 1mpg and that might provide you with better handling and power output, but not with efficiency. The engine is refined and perfect for long touring but with a fuel economy of 23mpg in city driving conditions is not enough. On highways, BMW can churn out 33miles in one gallon which is better than its rival Audi but not Volvo.

Model	BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon	Volvo V60 Dynamic	Audi A4 Allroad Premium
MPG (city)	23	25	22
MPG (highway)	33	36	30
MPG (combined)	27	29	25

BMW is as beautiful inside as it is outside, the interiors are to the point. No excessive styling or throwing unnecessary buttons are fitted inside which makes the layout of this wagon more easy and sublime than Merc or Audi. The bucket seats are not exactly what you might have in your mind, they are not made for long touring.

Model	BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon	Volvo V60 Dynamic	Audi A4 Allroad Premium
Passenger capacity	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft cube)	96.9	93.0	N/A
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.4/55.1/42.0	38.7/57.0/41.9	39.2/55.9/41.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.8/55.1/35.0	37.6/55.2/33.5	38.2/54.5/35.7

When it comes to comfort, BMW leads the way with brands like Merc and Audi. The Adaptive suspension adjusts itself according to the road conditions and provides utmost comfort to the passengers. The cabin noise is kept in check, providing the interior of this wagon a soothing experience.

Infotainment System

BMW’s 3-series wagon is available 6.5inch iDisplay which is more than sufficient for a wagon. If you like giving your Bimmer a luxurious touch, the optional 8.8inch touch screen is the way to go. The straightforward menu and steering mounted controls makes it an easy task to maneuver through the infotainment. The handwriting input is not very practical, who would write a command while driving?

Cargo Capacity

The only reason one will buy a wagon instead of a sporty and classy saloon is because of the cargo space. BMW is not very bountiful when it comes to cargo capacity, as it can only store up to 53.0ft3 of cargo. Whereas, Audi with their A4 Allroad is quite a generous wagon which can store up to 58.5ft3 of cargo space which is best-in-class.

Model	BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon	Volvo V60 Dynamic	Audi A4 Allroad Premium
Behind Front Row(ft.3)	53.0	43.8	58.5
Behind 2nd row (ft.3)	17.5	28.0	24.2

3-series is one handsome touring estate, and the ‘German-mustache’ grille brings out its aggressive stance. The widened end and lowered front helps with performance uplifts and makes this Beamer an eye candy also. Wagons are not always pretty but BMW did this job pretty easily, the cosmetic updates they made on a 3-series saloon to make it a wagon is impressive.

Model	BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon	Volvo V60 Dynamic	Audi A4 Allroad Premium
curb weight(lbs)	3780	3670	3825
Length(in)	178.6	182.5	187.0
Width(in)	71.5	73.4	72.5
Height(in)	56.5	58.4	58.8
Ground clearance(in)	5.7	5.4	6.5
Wheelbase(in)	108.7	109.3	110.9
Track width(in) F/R	59.1/60.2	62.1/62.0	62.1/61.7

BMW’s wagon is heavy, and how this weight was divided in equal proportions is quite impressive. This is not the case with Volvo, the heaviest in this segment and the most disproportionate. BMW has the shortest wheelbase and that makes this wagon more maneuverable in city.

The BMW 3 series wagon is a comfortable and luxurious ride. But on the other hand it also offers many features to keep you safe while driving. So lets have a look at what these safety features are:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Adaptive Brakelights
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) 
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
• Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
• Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
• Front-passenger-seat-occupation recognition with Passenger's Airbag Off indicator
• Coded Driveaway Protection
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Impact sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery; automatically unlocks doors; and turns on hazard and interior lights
• Programmable LED Daytime Running Lights
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Active Driving Assistant
• BMW Assist eCal

IIHS and NHTSA have not rated this car yet.

Volvo V60 Dynamic

This Scandinavian can referred as Thor, loaded with a ton of safety features definitely makes it ‘The Guardian of Asgard’. The 2.0L turbocharged engine in this wagon is powerful and can churn up to 240hp of power and 258lb-ft. of torque which is not as good as its rivals. The cargo space and fuel economy suggests considering better options.

Audi A4 Allroad Premium

This sleek looking German can be labelled as the ‘Nightcrawler’ of this segment. The looks and agile handling with some tasty power output numbers backs up with the tag provided to this wagon. The best option to consider in this segment, Audi keeps itself ahead of everything. A4 is quick and can store a larger amount of cargo than the BMW.

BMW 3-series wagon is not a regular family car, it is equipped with top-notch features and luxurious interiors. The 3-series wagon is not track ready but with some minor optional tweaks, it can swivel through a track pretty easily. You will be getting the best of both worlds, and with practicality at your side, you have very little to worry.

A little bit expensive for a 3-series, BMW offers a lot. The cramped up rear seats are not ideal for adults but can easily fit children. The idea of owning a wagon is picking up groceries and executing a long road trip with family, with BMW you can achieve both. We’d recommend considering Audi before you jump to the conclusion of buying BMW as the price tags are pretty much same but looks and features don’t.