BMW 3-Series Touring 2024

SMC Asia Cars Distributors Corp, BMW’s local distributor, launched the 3 Series Touring in the Philippines on June 1, 2023. The 3 Series Touring launched here is based on the G21 and G81 generation of the 3 Series and the M3 respectively. At launch, the 3 Series is available in three different variants, the 318i Touring, the M340i Touring xDrive, and the M3 Touring Competition xDrive. 

BMW launched these cars with the following introductory price tags: P3,890,000 for the 318i Touring, P5,890,000 for the M340i Touring xDrive,  and lastly, at the top of the price ladder, P10,490,000 for the M3 Touring Competition xDrive.

BMW offers two engine options for the 3 Series Touring without counting the M3 performance version. All variants of the 3 Series ride on the BMW Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform which makes use of high-strength steel and aluminum in its construction. 

Starting with the 318i, this variant is powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder which pumps out 156 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

Next is the M340i xDrive which gets a major step up in power. Under the hood of this variant is a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six, this mill churns out 374 hp with 500 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with AWD.

The 3 Series has a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. These suspension systems are complemented by a hydraulic damping system, which further improves the vehicle's ability to absorb impacts. Stopping power is provided by disc brakes on all four corners of the 3 Series Touring.

The new 3 Series Touring features BMW’s new Live Cockpit Plus system which consists of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The 3 Series Touring’s system is powered by iDrive OS 8.0 which controls a range of the car’s features such as satellite navigation, entertainment, and the three-zone automatic climate control.

Additional features inside the 3 Series Touring include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB-C charging ports, 12V power sockets, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, a convenient power tailgate, and 40:20:40 split-rear seats. Drivers and passengers are also treated to Sensatec perforated upholstery.

The exterior design of the 3 Series Touring is sleek and sporty, much like the 3 Series sedan it is based on. It features a mixture of straight body lines at the sides which works well with the aggressive creases in the 3 Series’ front. Since it’s a BMW creation, the front fascia is adorned with a bold kidney grille. Placed at the edges are striking LED headlights featuring two strips of LEDs for the daytime running lights on each headlight.

Moving along the sides, the 3 Series Touring displays a streamlined profile with gently sculpted contours. Since it’s a wagon version of the 3 Series sedan, the Touring has an elongated roofline, but, it does not take away from the car’s beautiful silhouette. At the back, the rear of the Touring is characterized by sleek LED taillights that wrap around the sides, following the aggressive look of the front fascia. 

The sportier, BMW M340i xDrive Touring features a much more aggressive front fascia and various aesthetic elements to differentiate it from the 318i Touring such as painted brake calipers, a wider grille, different wheel designs, and M-design roof rail.

The interior of the 3 Series Touring offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. Upon entering, passengers are greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin designed with a rather charming meticulous attention to detail characteristic of a German-made car.

The front sports seats are wrapped in Sensatec Perforated upholstery, providing a combination of comfort and support. The seats are ergonomically designed and offer various adjustment options facilitated by the 3 Series Touring’s power-adjust seats. All variants of the 3 Series Touring feature three-zone automatic climate control.

The 3 Series Touring features BMW’s new Live Cockpit Plus system which consists of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, serving as its command control center. Multiple USB-C charging ports and 12V power sockets ensure that your devices stay powered up throughout your journey.

In terms of practicality, the 3 Series Touring offers versatile seating configurations to accommodate both passengers and cargo. The rear seats can be split in a 40:20:40 ratio, providing flexibility for carrying larger items while still accommodating passengers comfortably. The spacious cargo area, accessible through the power tailgate, offers ample room for luggage, groceries, or any other items you might need to transport.