[DJ]

Production Ready 2013 BMW 3-Series Touring/Estate Spotted Winter Testing

Our trusty Teamspeed spies have spotted a production-ready BMW 3-Series Estate this morning with virtually no camouflage. As we have been reporting over the past 6-months, the Estate will grow in all dimensions which means more interior space for the passengers and their luggage. It will also become a bit more flexible than its predecessor: All 3-Series Estates will most likely have 40/20/40 flat-folding rear seats, a boot cover that retracts and lowers with the boot lid, and the glass window in the tailgate opens separately to aid practicality too.

The exteriors typical proportions will pretty much stay the same – meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner. The overall look will be slimmer and more toned compared to the current car and it will still be an elegant load lugger with the emphasis on style over outright capacity.

The typical BMW glasshouse remains with the new design link of a shadow Hofmeister kink as featured on the 7-series and X1. The front of the car receives a large kidney grille, smaller than at the current 5-series with shapely lighting units surrounding the grille. Under each headlight unit there is a semi circle shape which in the center allows for a V shaped opening where the kidney grille is placed. The rear of the car offers a typical BMW layout with the classic L-shape lighting units.

Like the 1-series , The new 3-series, and its Estate version, will take advantage of a new modular platform. Again this allows BMW to spin off extra models, makes savings in costs and enables production to be very efficient.

BMW will also enable the next 3-series to feature the very latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies – like the 1-series there will be an active hybrid model using a range extended 3 cylinder engine connected to an electric motor as well as lightweight resistance tires, aerodynamically designed alloy wheels, BMW’s active aerodynamics, solar roof panel for extra energy efficiency in the use of interior controls, brake energy regeneration, stop-start and pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential.

The new BMW 3-Series Estate will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in the fall, and should go on sale in early 2013.

[DJ]

A rather reluctant to be photographed test-driver