3 Series 2012 BMW 3er Touring (F31) Spyshots.

[klier]

Thanks a lot for that man. It's safe to say that settles it. No need for any covering up anymore BMW, you can start testing without cladding as we now know the looks

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Yep, not much left to the imagination now.

I'm actually surprised to see a few noticeable differences to the 5er Touring.

 

[klier]

One noticeable difference I see (that's for the better on the F31) is the area around the licence plate holder, the way the sheet metal is shaped.
That's maybe the only weak point/weakest point of the (amazing looking) F11.

What else to look for? The D pillar is perhaps a bit more pointy?

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Yeah, the sheet metal around the license plate is the most significant difference, and I agree it's executed better on the 3er than the 5er.

The other differences are very minor. There seems to be a less pronounced 'shelf' look/feature below the outer-part of the tail lights. I really like how it looks on the 5er Touring. Also of course the reflectors are left down low near the exhausts, while the 5er has them repositioned higher (again, like the 5er's style more)....and finally it seems like the 3er Touring has a few more aggressive creases around the exhaust tip and the entire lower part of the bumper. But as I said, these are very minor differences.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Slowly but surely, we're becoming quite smitten with the F30 BMW 3 Series. The four-cylinder 328i and six-pot 335i sedans have officially launched here in the United States, and now, it's only a matter of time before the rest of the 3er body styles get the F30 treatment. First up is the wagon Touring (F31, internally), which our spies recently caught testing out in the snow.

Let's start with some good news: We have no reason to believe that BMW won't offer its capacious 3 Series here in the United States. The Touring has been a part of the 3's lineup in the U.S. for decades, and BMW executives have already confirmed that the wagon will be offered here in the States.

Like the outgoing 3 Series, expect just a 328i model in rear- and (forthcoming) xDrive all-wheel-drive formats. Of course, other markets will get some tasty diesel options, but since the wagon doesn't account for a huge percentage of 3 Series sales in the U.S., having one engine option will likely have to suffice.

Look for the 3 Series Touring to launch in the near future (Geneva Motor Show?) with the first cars hitting the ground in Europe this fall.

BMW 3 Series Touring shakes its roomy rump

 

[klier]

Hmmm....this is the first time where I think a 5er Touring looks better......sleeker perhaps...

 

[SKY]

BMW is becoming the SUV & Touring master. No other brand does this better.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

I would say Audi gives them a fair fight.

 

[klier]

^ not with SUVs

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Hmmm....this is the first time where I think a 5er Touring looks better......sleeker perhaps...

Well to be fair these last 2 batches of spy shots show the 3er Touring with winter tires, so they're not exactly flattering.

These spy shots may help its case a bit.

....but not enough. The 5er Touring still looks sleeker, sportier, sexier, and more desirable! Throw some M performance body work on the 3er Touring and I imagine it'll be a different story.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

It's going to receive it's public debut in Leipzig in April.