BMW

All New BMW i3 Touring (2026)

BMW dropped a bit of a bombshell last month during the i3’s world premiere. At the very end of the sedan’s debut event, a shadowy silhouette briefly appeared in the background. As CEO Oliver Zipse wrapped up his speech, teasers of a wagon flashed behind him. That was enough to quash rumors that Munich might kill the 3 Series Touring after the G21 runs its course.

Since then, we’ve learned that BMW remains open-minded about powertrains. While it’s still unclear whether a 3 Series Touring (G51) with combustion engines will happen, the electric i3 Touring (NA1) is definitely on the way. BMW confirmed the news this week, announcing the electric wagon will be built in Munich. It will share the production line with the i3 Sedan (NA0), which enters series production in August.

BMW hasn’t said when i3 wagons will begin rolling off the assembly line. An educated guess suggests it won’t happen this year, but rather in the second half of 2027 at the earliest. We do know the i3 Sedan and i3 Touring are just two of several Neue Klasse EVs the company plans to produce in Munich, according to plant manager Peter Weber.

Mind you, chances are that you won’t notice that this model will travel less on a full charge, because the Munich-based auto marque quoted 400 miles (644 km) on the EPA cycle and 559 miles (900 km) on the WLTP cycle. This applies to the i3 50 xDrive variant of the new-generation BMW i3, which offers 463 horsepower (345 kW/469 ps) and 476 pound-feet (645 Nm) of torque. The powertrain mirrors that of the iX3 crossover, and uses a dual-motor setup, with one unit on each axle.

Since the M3 Touring has become a popular model with driving enthusiasts, BMW’s M Division will likely have its way with the i3 Touring, too. After all, the i3 Sedan is getting the hot makeover, and we do not see why its station wagon sibling won’t follow in its footsteps. Nevertheless, the new Touring(s) should launch in 2027 or 2028, and that is a rather long wait, though one that might just be worth it if you are into new-age premium compact electric vehicles with 800V tech and a very quirky design.

It’s too early for BMW to detail the other EVs it intends to build there beyond the i3 models. We’re certain that the iX3 won’t be one of them, since production is already taking place in Debrecen. Aside from Hungary, the electric crossover will also be built in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, from 2027, with the i3 Sedan to follow there in 2028.

We can also rule out the upcoming iX4 (NA7), as it makes sense for the swoopy crossover-coupe to be manufactured in Debrecen alongside the conventionally shaped iX3. Perhaps BMW will build the rumored i4 (NA2) two-door coupe in Munich? However, that remains speculation, as the model hasn’t even been officially announced.

On the combustion side, a new 3 Series Touring would be built elsewhere. With the century-old Munich factory switching entirely to EV production from 2027, an ICE-powered wagon is off the table there. If (fingers crossed) BMW decides to follow up on the G21, its direct successor could be produced in Dingolfing alongside the 3 Series Sedan (G50).

Since the M3 Touring has become a popular model with driving enthusiasts, BMW’s M Division will likely have its way with the i3 Touring, too. After all, the i3 Sedan is getting the hot makeover, and we do not see why its station wagon sibling won’t follow in its footsteps. Nevertheless, the new Touring(s) should launch in 2027 or 2028, and that is a rather long wait, though one that might just be worth it if you are into new-age premium compact electric vehicles with 800V tech and a very quirky design.

Now, there may be a while until the car manufacturer pulls the wraps off the long-roof version of the all-new EV, but until that happens, we have a pretty clear image of what it will look like. After all, it will have an elongated roof toward the rear, larger rear three-quarter windows, bigger rear three-quarter panels, and a proper tailgate opening into a very generous cargo area. 

Regensburg is also preparing for Neue Klasse EV production, but BMW remains tight-lipped about what it plans to build there. It would make sense for the plant to produce the new iX1 (NB5), especially since prototypes have already been spotted. The smallest electric crossover to wear the roundel is expected to receive a second-generation model next year.

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