The 3-Series Touring features a raft of safety features and an impressive tally of equipment including six airbags on all models. All cars get stability and traction control (six-cylinder models getting an even more sophisticated system), and an extra feature is trailer stability control which detects if a towed caravan or trailer starts to swing and intervenes to regain control.

The boot capacity, both with the rear seats in place or folded flat, has increased over that of the old model. The rear hatch features an opening rear window, and a neat feature is the luggage cover which can be released as the rear window is opened then easily pulled back down into place. The boot features a collapsible waterproof box, ideal for storing muddy boots plus there’s also a tow bar which folds away when not in use.