The BMW 3 Series Touring

The curved front section with wide wind intake vents and the elegant shape of the headlights deflects wind in all directions as it passes the flexed arch of the bonnet with its poignant character lines that taper towards the emblem. Accelerating as it moves over the long curving lines of its gently sloping rear with BMW-familiar L-shape taillights, it then disappears as quickly as it arrived - the BMW 3 Series Touring continues on unperturbed leaving wind resistance far behind.

One glance inside the cockpit and across the distinctive dashboard and you immediately know that within the BMW 3 Series Touring hides a realm of discoveries: interior trims in fine wood, titanium or aluminium compliment the perfectly combined colours, materials and high-quality chrome trim that underscore the generous spaciousness inside the vehicle. However, you would be forgiven for overlooking the intelligently positioned instrument dials - they are simply placed where you expect to find them.

Compact on the outside, generously spacious on the inside, the BMW 3 Series Touring provides all of its passengers with plenty of leg- and headroom. When the rear seat is in an upright position, the boot possesses 460 litres of stowage space. However, the rear seats can be split to fold down in a 60:40 ratio, increasing the total boot capacity of the vehicle to an impressive 1,385 litres. An additional stowage compartment is located underneath the boot floor that is available with luggage fasteners or a reversible liner and integrated protective cover.

For self-assured control at high speeds and effortless manoeuvring in and out of tight parking spaces: the optional Active Steering feature of the BMW 3 Series Touring adapts the degree of steering angle to suit the driving situation. The lower the vehicle speed, the more direct the steering. The result: a more intense connection with the road and heightened pleasure behind the wheel.

The aluminium double-joint tiebar axle delivers outstanding driving dynamics and excellent passenger comfort weighing around 30 percent less than normal steel axles. With weight distribution between axles almost exactly 50:50, the 3 Series Touring steers with crystal-clear precision. Stability, traction, control: qualities that turn every journey in this vehicle into a study in the pure pleasure of driving.

Rear-wheel drive and the intelligent use of modern lightweight materials ensure that the BMW 3 Series Touring's overall weight is distributed evenly between the two axles. The result is excellent handling and outstanding agility for maximum enjoyment on every bend.

A tarmac highway, a dirt track, a cobbled lane - whatever you're driving on, the 3 Series Touring's suspension and damper system is ready for the challenge. Precise design of the suspension architecture enables the vehicle to excel at dynamic sports driving, just as much as comfortable cruising. It is a science - or an art - that is best appreciated from behind the wheel.