BMW has just launched the G50 generation of the 3-Series, serving as the ICE-powered equivalent of the NA0 i3. While the lineup is currently limited to sedans, the automaker has confirmed that Touring variants are under development, inspiring digital artist Theophilus Chin to create realistic illustrations.

The fresh renderings depict the upcoming wagon in the sporty M350 xDrive trim. This is the flagship version of the G50 3-Series until a new M3 arrives closer to the end of the decade. Naturally, the front end is shared with the sedan, as with the sheet metal up to the B-pillars. The Touring gets a longer roof, redesigned greenhouse and quarter panels, and a proper tailgate providing access to a larger boot.

More: The BMW M3 Is Going Electric, But Not Every M3

Despite the big changes at the back, the wagon could retain the slim LED taillights and rear bumper of the sedan. The M350 features quad tailpipes and sportier black trim, looking like an M3 minus the wide fenders. Theottle has also added a black spoiler and matching roof rails, to complete the wagon transformation.

BMW 3-Series Touring Renderings by Theottle

Despite adopting the latest Neue Klasse design and technology, the G50 generation of the 3-Series rides on an upgraded version of the CLAR underpinnings, also used by its G20 predecessor.

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The pictured M350 is fitted with a mild-hybrid turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS). This allows the AWD-capable M350 xDrive sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.1 seconds, meaning that the slightly heavier wagon would probably need 4.2 seconds.

Interestingly, the long-roof variant won’t be getting a diesel powertrain option, as BMW discontinued those from the 3-Series lineup.

The big question is whether BMW will bring the 3-Series Touring in North America, or if we’ll be stuck with the sedan. Hopefully, the growing interest for wagons among BMW fans might convince them to import both – at least in select trims.

What About The i3 Touring?

BMW i3 Touring Renderings by Theottle

The 3-Series Touring won’t be the only compact wagon in the Bavarian lineup. The automaker is also working on a fully electric i3 Touring that will be sold in parallel with the combustion model. Camouflaged prototypes have been spotted at the Nurburging, while Theottle has created speculative renderings based on the sedan.

Despite adopting the same design language, the i3 has different proportions from the 3-Series, due to the packaging of the EV-dedicated Neue Klasse architecture.

More: BMW’s New Wagon Is The Cure For Everyone Bored By Electric SUVs

In terms of performance, the i3 50 xDrive has dual electric motors producing 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) which is 25 hp (19 kW / 26 PS) more than the ICE-powered M350i xDrive. Furthermore, the larger108.7 kWh battery pack allows up to 912 km (567 miles) of WLTP range for the sedan which should be similar for the upcoming wagon.

Another difference between the two models is the production location. The i3 is manufactured in Munich, while the 3-Series is built in Dingolfing. This currently stands for the sedans, but the wagons will also come out of the same facilities.

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It seems as though a new, all-electric crossover or SUV is unveiled every week, and although there are plenty of appealing ones on the market, they’re all a little too similar. BMW’s upcoming i3 Touring is shaping up to be the perfect antidote to them and may sway some buyers out of an iX3.

Moments after BMW unveiled the all-new i3 sedan earlier this year, it confirmed an estate version was just around the corner. While vehicles like this aren’t as popular as they once were, primarily because most shoppers would rather have a high-riding SUV, BMW has clearly decided there will be enough demand for an i3 Touring to justify its development.

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Recently, a lightly camouflaged prototype was snapped testing at the Nürburgring, and it looks like quite a tantalizing prospect. Painted in a lovely shade of silver and sporting camouflage only on the front, rear, and side mirrors, the car retains most of the same sleek styling as the sedan, albeit in a slightly lengthened form.

Dual-Motor Power

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It’s unclear which specific variant and trim level we’re looking at, but it’s likely a tester for the i3 Touring 50 xDrive, the only version BMW has confirmed at this stage. As such, it should sport a pair of electric motors with 463 hp, which is only 17 hp less than a standard BMW M3.

Read: BMW Just Started Building Its Model 3 Rival, And Munich Will Never Be The Same

Underpinning the i3 Touring is BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, shared with other new models like the second-gen iX3 and the new i3 sedan. It includes the brand’s sixth-generation motors and batteries, and in the 50 xDrive configuration, should sport a 108.7 kWh battery with cylindrical cells. For a vehicle of this size, this is a sizeable pack, and should help it achieve a WLTP driving range of around 550 miles (885 km), more than enough for long European road trips where this model should prove popular.

Further adding to the practicality of the new i3 Touring will be its support for DC charging speeds of up to 400 kW, meaning the battery can be charged from 10-80 percent in roughly 21 minutes. AC charging will also be rated at 22 kW, allowing for relatively quick charging at home, too.

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