BMW i3 Touring: First Video Sighting Reveals the Wagon Rear
BMW is apparently expanding its Neue Klasse, the company’s new EV architecture and model generation: The BMW i3 Touring has been caught on video in traffic for the first time. Although the prototype is still heavily camouflaged, the key details are easy to make out: a longer rear end and a gently sloping roofline that clearly point toward a wagon.
BMW is therefore targeting precisely the segment in which wagons have traditionally been strong in the DACH region—Germany, Austria and Switzerland—and Northern Europe: greater practicality without having to move straight to an SUV. The sedan is already on the market, while the Touring is expected to broaden the i3 family as its second body style.
Positioning and Pricing: Sedan Confirmed, Touring Likely to Cost More
The electric i3 launched as the second Neue Klasse model after the iX3 and is already on sale in Germany. Prices announced for the sedan were 65,900 euros for the standard version and 75,340 euros for the i3 50 xDrive First Edition.
No official price has yet been announced for the Touring. Based on past experience, however, BMW wagons often cost slightly more than their sedan counterparts, partly because of the more complex body and their positioning as lifestyle and family variants.
Design: Front Likely to Remain Identical, Rear to Become Much More Practical
We do not expect any major surprises at the front: The Touring variant will likely adopt the sedan’s front end, including the new headlight signature and BMW’s modernized interpretation of its kidney grille. The rear is the more interesting area because that is where the practical benefits emerge: more cargo space, easier access and greater versatility.
This combination of efficiency and practicality is often crucial in everyday EV use, whether for a dog crate, stroller or longer vacation trips with more luggage.
Interior: Neue Klasse Features Panoramic Vision and a Large Central Display
Inside, the i3 Touring is expected to adopt the Neue Klasse cockpit layout. This includes a floating-style 17.9-inch central display and the Panoramic Vision display extending across the base of the windshield. The idea is to keep important information within the driver’s field of view, while the large display handles navigation, media and vehicle functions.
Ultimately, this is less about showmanship and more about ergonomics—provided the software is implemented well: fewer head movements and a more relaxed experience on longer journeys.
Technology Outlook: 800 Volts, Large Battery and Very Fast Charging
BMW’s Gen6 eDrive paired with a 108.7-kWh battery has been announced for the sedan. Also under discussion are up to 400 kW of DC charging power and an 800-volt system. This matters because higher voltage typically allows lower currents, making cables, thermal management and the charging plateau easier to manage → in practice, this often means more consistent fast charging when the infrastructure supports it.
The i3 50 xDrive is rated for a WLTP range of up to 912 km, placing it among Europe’s longest-range EVs. The Touring, however, will likely sacrifice some range because of its additional space and potential aerodynamic disadvantages. In return, it offers more room, which many buyers will consider a fair trade-off.
Real-World Impact: Who Is the Touring Likely to Appeal to?
An electric wagon is particularly appealing if you do not want an SUV but need more versatility than a sedan can provide. This is a genuine niche with potential, particularly in the DACH region, because many drivers love the classic wagon format but have often had to choose crossovers when buying an EV.
Likely Advantages of the i3 Touring
- More cargo space and greater everyday practicality than the sedan
- Neue Klasse interior with Panoramic Vision and a large central display
- 800-volt charging technology as the basis for very short charging stops
What Buyers Should Realistically Expect
- Slightly less range than the i3 Sedan because of its shape and weight
- A price premium over the sedan, as is typical for Touring variants
Market Positioning: A Wagon Instead of an SUV—and That Is Good News
The move toward a Touring model sends a clear signal: BMW is serious about covering different use cases within the Neue Klasse rather than pushing a single, one-size-fits-all format. For Tesla fans, that is still no reason for drama: Tesla continues to play to its strengths in efficiency, software development speed and charging network. At the same time, it is good for the market when premium manufacturers finally begin filling the traditional wagon gap in the EV segment again.
If you are interested in BMW’s broader Neue Klasse strategy, it is also worth looking at the BMW i1 with an 800-volt approach. And anyone seeking a better understanding of 800 volts can find a practical comparison here: 800V vs. 400V in an EV.
