2016 BMW 3 Series Touring (F31) LCI 320d xDrive 6MT AWD (190 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Just three years after the introduction of the 3 Series Touring (F31) at the Auto Mobil International Leipzig in 2012, BMW launched the refreshed version of this vehicle.

While it was part of the sixth iteration of the 3 Series, the Touring was one generation short since this family’s first station wagon version was introduced in the mid-80s, along with the facelift for the second generation 3 Series, the E30. In the U.S., this version was known as the Sports Wagon and was praised for its qualities not just because it could carry more in its trunk but also because it provided more interior room overall. That happened because it had a 50 mm (2 inches) longer wheelbase than its sedan sibling, and it was also available with unique features such as a panoramic glass roof that could open. BMW introduced the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) version of the F31, as it was known in factory coding, in 2015 for the 2016 model year. The refreshed version shared most of its underpinnings with its four-door brother but had some particularities.

At the front, the automaker installed a new set of headlights. For the first time in the model’s history, these were available with full LEDs, while its predecessor was offered only with bi-xenon brights. In addition, the new headlamps featured redesigned daytime running lights, which had an angular shape and underlined the high- and low-beam bulbs. Previously, the DRLs were circular. Another noticeable change was for the lower bumper, which received wider side scoops with available fog lamps. As an option, customers could opt for an M Sport package, which was the closest version of an M-badged 3 Series Touring since there was no M3 Touring available.

From its profile up to the B-pillars, the F31 shared its body panels with its four-door sedan sibling. However, after that, things went differently. The car featured a long roof extended above the trunk space and slightly sloped down to create a dynamic, sporty look for the vehicle. At the back, the automaker added a roof spoiler at the top of the raked-forward tailgate. The rear fascia also featured new full-LED taillights that were split between the quarter panels and the metallic part of the tailgate.

Inside, just a few things were upgraded for the 2016 BMW 3 Series Touring. These included a few available black or satin aluminum trims on the dashboard. However, the most significant change was for the infotainment system, which allowed LTE data communication. The new Connected Drive unit helped customers reach their destination faster thanks to real-time traffic information. All versions now featured music streaming via Bluetooth connectivity with mobile phones. Still, there was no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto available since these two systems were launched by Apple and Google, respectively, in 2014. Like its non-facelifted version, the F31 provided 17 mm (0.7 inches) more knee room for its rear-seated passengers. However, the tall transmission tunnel took its toll in that matter and obstructed legroom for the one that sat in the middle.

The 2016 BMW 3 Series Touring was available with a choice of four gasoline and seven turbodiesel engines, depending on the market. In addition, the automaker introduced a plug-in hybrid version, the 330e, which promised excellent fuel efficiency on par with its turbodiesel-powered siblings. Depending on the version, the station wagon could be ordered with rear or all-wheel drive systems.