It won't surprise you to learn that from the front bumper to the B-pillar, the 3 Series Touring is identical to the saloon model. Compared to the old pre-2018 'F30'-series Touring model, this seventh generation 'G20'-series version grew by 76mm to 4,709mm in length, by 16mm to 1,827mm in width and by 11mm to 1,440mm in height. So it's usefully more spacious - and with the facelift updates, the revised model is slightly better looking too. If you know this MK7 model, you'll notice the updated front end, which offers slimmer LED headlights, a resculpted grille and gloss black brake cooling vents. M Sport variants get a distinctive hexagonal lower air intake too. There are reshaped bumpers at the rear and colour-coded trim elements, plus M Sport models feature a chunky diffuser.
The major changes though, have taken place inside, where this improved 3 Series Touring gets the new-look curved instrument panel that we first saw on the iX luxury EV. this incorporates a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen with the brand's latest eighth generation iDrive interface. This all allows for a big step forward in media functionality, with things like real-time mapping, a parking space locator and wireless smartphone-mirroring. Other cabin updates include slimmer air vents, a redesigned gear shifter, standardised gear shift paddles and new touch-sensitive buttons for the centre console.
Otherwise, things are much as before. As a Touring customer, you'll want to know about the boot, accessed via a standard powered tailgate. It's 500-litres inside (20-litres bigger than the boot of a 3 Series saloon model). The capacity falls a bit (to 410-litres) with the 330e PHEV Touring variant, due to the battery placement beneath the floor. Fold the seats flat and there's a maximum capacity of 1,500-litres (1,420-litres with the 330e).
