Drive with us: Test driving the 2020 BMW 3 Series Touring

Join us as we take a closer look at the BMW 3 Series Touring, the premium estate that's been setting the standard for over 30 years

The BMW 3 Series Touring has been dominating the premium estate class for over three decades, and in that time more than 1.7 million have found their way onto driveways around the world.

The proof is in the pudding.

This is a car with an enduring appeal that's genuinely hard to argue with.

We drove the sixth generation 320d M Sport in Black Sapphire Metallic, the diesel being the sweet spot in the range at the time. But since then, BMW dropped diesel from the lineup entirely in 2024.

Fear not though, there's still plenty of choice and the 330e PHEV is now the standout option for most buyers, especially following a battery update that pushed its pure electric range up to 59 miles (WLTP Comb).

But the thing is, the world is obsessed with SUVs.

And Chinese rivals are arriving with serious tech and serious space at a fraction of the price of legacy premium brands.

So, the question is: Can this estate still compete?

What we drove:

Model: BMW 3 Series Touring 320d M Sport Auto

Fuel type: Diesel

Engine: 2.0-litre 320d 190PS Auto Start/Stop

0-62mph: 7.1 seconds

Transmission: Automatic

Colour: Black Sapphire Metallic

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Elegantly purposeful

Long, low and sleek — the BMW 3 Series Touring certainly looks the part. And if you ask us, it looks better than the saloon.

The imposing front grille and low, wide stance make it instantly recognisable as a BMW. Sharp lines run the length of the car, and the slightly raked tailgate gives it the estate proportions without ever looking ungainly.

It's a handsome machine.

Our M Sport test car in Black Sapphire Metallic added to the premium feel, with M aerodynamic body styling, high-gloss shadowline trim and 18-inch bicolour Orbit Grey M light alloy wheels completing the look. Purposeful rather than flashy.

It may not be the most head-turning car in its class — the Mercedes C-Class Estate is arguably the showier option — but the 3 Series Touring has always leaned into subtle sportiness over outright aggression.

And for most buyers in this class, that's exactly the right call.

The 2022 LCI facelift sharpened things further, with revised lights and bumpers keeping it fresh and competitive. And for those wanting to make more of a statement, larger wheel options and premium paint finishes (including BMW's Frozen Tanzanite Blue) are available on the current model.

Premium by nature

Step inside and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen dominates the sloping, angular dashboard.

Alongside it sits a 12.3-inch digital instrument display; crystal clear, bright and responsive throughout. If that's not enough screen real estate, an optional head-up display projects speed, navigation and media directly into your eyeline. Handy.

BMW's iDrive rotary controller features too, making everything intuitive and easy to use on the move. And with multiple ways to control the infotainment — voice commands, touchscreen or the rotary dial — you're never far from what you need.

The seats are leather and sporty, with adjustable lumbar support and memory function.

Our Black Vernasca leather with grey contrast stitching looked particularly striking, and the three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and heated steering wheel mean the British winter is well and truly taken care of.

Storage and space are generous throughout.

Head and legroom in the rear is good enough for adults on longer journeys, and eight cupholders dotted around the cabin means nobody goes thirsty. The 500-litre boot is one of the best in class too, beating both the Mercedes C-Class Estate and the Audi A5 Avant.

The 2022 LCI facelift took things up a notch, bringing BMW's curved display setup — a 14.9-inch touchscreen and 12.7-inch digital instrument cluster sitting side by side.

Crucially, the iDrive rotary controller was retained. A very welcome decision.

Born to drive

This will come as no surprise, but the BMW 3 Series Touring drives like, well, a BMW.

Steering is heavy but controlled with impressive grip, and the suspension is firm without ever becoming uncomfortable. There's plenty of oomph when you put your foot down too.

0-62mph in 7.1 seconds does the job nicely, and it feels very much at home cruising on the motorway.

Let's face it, this is a big car.

But it doesn't feel it from behind the wheel, which is one of the 3 Series Touring's great party tricks.

Very little external noise intrudes into the cabin at speed either, making it a genuinely relaxing long-distance companion.

It's pretty efficient too, with a claimed combined figure of 53.3-56.5mpg from the 320d we drove.

Since we drove it though, the diesel version was dropped from the lineup entirely in 2024.

The standout choice now is the 330e PHEV, offering up to 59 miles of electric range (WLTP Comb) and a 0-62mph time of 6.0 seconds. Quicker, cleaner and more cost effective to run (particularly for business drivers).

What's good, and what's not

There are so many standout features in the BMW 3 Series Touring, but we can’t leave out its flaws:

The good bits:

• Drives like a BMW should — agile, composed and genuinely enjoyable
• Refined and comfortable at motorway speeds with minimal cabin noise
• iDrive rotary controller — one of the best infotainment setups in class
• 500-litre boot — bigger than both the Mercedes C-Class Estate and Audi A5 Avant
• Eight cup holders — nobody goes thirsty

The not-so-good bits:

• Diesel no longer available — dropped from lineup in 2024
• Not the most head-turning estate in class — Mercedes C-Class Estate is flashier
• Some harder plastics visible lower down in the cabin
• 330e has a smaller 410-litre boot than the standard car

What's the verdict?

The BMW 3 Series Touring has been one of the best premium estates on the market for over 30 years — and it's not hard to see why.

It drives brilliantly, looks great and offers more boot space than its closest rivals. In a world obsessed with SUVs, the 3 Series Touring makes a quietly compelling case for the estate.

And with the 330e PHEV now the standout choice on the current model, it's more relevant than ever.

Top five reasons to consider the BMW 3 Series Touring:

1. One of the best driving estates on the market — agile, composed and genuinely enjoyable
2. 500-litre boot outshines both the Mercedes C-Class Estate and Audi A5 Avant
3. Premium M Sport interior with iDrive — one of the best cabins in its class
4. 330e PHEV offers up to 59 miles electric range (WLTP Comb) and low Benefit in Kind tax rates for business drivers
5. Strong residual values make it a smart leasing proposition

Would we recommend leasing a BMW 3 Series Touring?

Absolutely.

The BMW 3 Series Touring is ideal for families and business drivers alike. It’s a premium estate that delivers on every front without ever feeling like hard work.

If you're considering making the switch from an SUV, this might just be the car to change your mind.