BMW i3 Touring was photographed on the Nürburgring test circuit last week, sparking speculation about a new estate‑style electric vehicle aimed at daily drivers.
Boxy shape replaces the hatchback silhouette
The spy shots show a upright, boxy profile that departs from the current model’s rounded look. Upswept windows sit just behind the C‑pillar, while the rear retains the horizontal light strip seen on the sedan. No sweeping roofline or coupe‑like taper is evident.
Because the design follows the brand’s “Neue Klasse” language, the vehicle feels more like a conventional estate than a futuristic concept. The rear lamp cluster does not converge in the centre, mirroring the styling of the saloon version.
Powertrain mirrors the sedan’s specifications
The test car appears to share the same drivetrain as the high‑output sedan, including the 50 xDrive configuration that pairs two electric motors for a combined 463 bhp and 476 lb‑ft of torque.
Battery capacity is listed as 108.7 kWh, identical to the sedan, while a rear‑wheel‑drive variant is expected to use an 82.6 kWh pack. The extra weight and less aerodynamic shape will likely shave some distance off the quoted 559‑mile range of the sedan, but fast charging remains at 400 kW, capable of adding roughly 250 miles in ten minutes.
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Charging speed is a key selling point, especially for owners who need quick top‑ups on longer trips.
Industry observers note that the shift to an estate body may broaden appeal beyond city commuters. The added cargo space could attract families who currently consider larger plug‑in hybrids.
One could argue that the move mirrors past strategies where manufacturers turned successful hatchbacks into wagons to capture a niche market. In those cases, the wagon often outsold the original by offering practicality without sacrificing the core driving trends.
The automaker is also teasing a high‑performance variant based on the upcoming electric M3 concept. That version would reportedly house four motors delivering over 600 bhp, along with adaptive suspension and steering systems managed by an M‑specific control unit.
Such a model would likely be positioned as a halo product, showcasing the brand’s electric performance credentials.
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While the design is more conventional, the interior is expected to retain the minimalist, sustainable materials that define the current model. A flat‑floor layout should stay intact, preserving passenger space despite the longer roof.
Production timelines have not been disclosed, but the presence of the prototype on a demanding track suggests that homologation testing is well underway.
Analysts will watch how the estate’s pricing compares with rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and upcoming electric wagons from European manufacturers. If the price gap is narrow, the new body style could become a compelling alternative for buyers seeking everyday usability.
For now, the NĂĽrburgring images remain the clearest indication of what to expect, and the automotive press will likely receive more details as the launch approaches.
