BMW i3 Touring spotted: Neue Klasse EV expands into wagon variant

BMW is expanding its next-generation electric lineup with the introduction of a wagon variant. The BMW i3 Touring has been captured on video for the first time, signaling a move to bring more utility to the brand's strategic Neue Klasse architecture.

Footage obtained by CarSpyMedia shows the i3 Touring while still partially covered in camouflage. The video reveals a distinct departure from the sedan's profile, featuring a longer rear end and a sloped roofline that gives the vehicle a fastback or wagon-like silhouette. While the sedan version of the Neue Klasse i3 is already available in select markets, this Touring variant is expected to join the lineup as a more practical alternative for buyers who require additional cargo space without transitioning to a full SUV.

The Neue Klasse Foundation

The i3 Touring is built upon the same advanced technical foundation as the i3 sedan. The sedan's top-tier i3 50 xDrive First Edition currently starts at €75,340 in Germany and £57,905 in the UK. This platform is defined by a massive 108.7 kWh battery pack, which delivers a WLTP-certified range of up to 566 miles (912 km).

Charging performance is a cornerstone of the Neue Klasse shift. The vehicle utilizes an 800V architecture that supports DC fast-charging speeds of up to 400 kW. According to various reports, this high-voltage system allows the battery to recover significant range in as little as 10 minutes, with estimates ranging from 186 miles to approximately 250 miles depending on the charging conditions.

A Digital-First Interior

Inside, the i3 series departs from traditional cockpit layouts. The cabin is dominated by a 17.9-inch floating central display. More notably, BMW has implemented a 43-inch Panoramic Vision display that spans the entire base of the windshield, projecting critical information directly into the driver's line of sight.

Strategic Market Positioning

This expansion into a Touring body style demonstrates BMW's commitment to offering diverse configurations within its new EV ecosystem. By providing a wagon variant, BMW targets a specific segment of the market that values the efficiency and aerodynamics of a lower car but requires the versatility of a larger hatch. This approach allows the company to compete across multiple segments using a single, highly efficient architectural core.

What to Watch

While the exterior silhouette is now public, BMW has yet to release official specifications for the Touring variant. It remains to be seen how the additional body mass and potential changes to interior volume will impact the sedan's confirmed 566-mile WLTP range. Industry observers will be looking for official pricing and a confirmed launch date for the wagon as BMW continues to roll out the Neue Klasse generation globally.