To be introduced at
Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005,
all-new BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon will be available in
US beginning in October 2005. The BMW Sports Wagon will continue
highly successful tradition of combining more versatile cargo space with
performance and handling of a sports sedan.The Sports Wagon will be powered by BMW's new, advanced N52 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine. This includes magnesium/aluminum composite engine construction, and BMW's patented Valvetronic variable valve lift system, which replaces
conventional throttle for more efficient engine breathing and improved responsiveness. The 325i Sports Wagon is equipped with a new, standard six-speed manual gearbox and a six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission is optional.
It is equally impressive in its space and roominess. Length (+1.65"), width (+3.07"), height (+0.35"), and wheelbase (+1.38") are all increased compared to
previous generation Sports Wagon, providing front and rear occupants with additional space and comfort on
road.
Near 50-50 weight distribution, all-wheel drive, a long wheelbase, and short body overhangs front and rear are simply ideal for outstanding agility and driving safety under any circumstances.
The double-pivot front suspension, newly developed for
3 Series Sedan, offers an optimum balance of driving dynamics and ride comfort in
Sports Wagon as well. Utilizing extensive aluminum component, this innovative suspension design offers superior tracking stability and low unsprung weight. The five-link rear axle in lightweight steel, ensures precise wheel guidance as well as excellent roll comfort, ensures class-leading agility and dynamic handling.
Safety features include
first front-to-rear Head Protection System to be offered in
3 Series employs a curtain-type system, which takes up less space in
headliner and can remain inflated for several seconds after deployment, especially important in case of rollover. The 3 Series is BMW's first to employ seat-mounted side-impact airbags, as opposed to
door-mounted type of
predecessor and other current Series. In their function of protecting occupants' pelvis and thorax regions in side impacts,
seat-mounted airbags are equal to
door-mounted type, but offer greater freedom for
interior designers to achieve their functional and esthetic goals. It has a sophisticated electronic control strategy for managing
deployment of airbags and safety belt tensioners.