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Since the inception of BimmerFile we haven ‘t been shy of our love of the BMW wagon. Offering all the utility of a crossover with the performance and efficiency of a sedan, it ‘s the perfect family vehicle in our minds. Yet the wagon marketshare has been in steady decline especially in truck-happy America. So it was with great pleasure that we stumbled upon a well specced M Sport wagon at the Chicago auto show press day.

The first thing you notice is the stance of the car. Even in xDrive format (which is regrettably standard here in the US) it ‘s low and purposeful looking with the M Sport bodykit. Finished in Estoril Blue this particular 328i looked like it could have been a medical car for an open wheel series. In fact the only potential critic is that the higher belt-line on the F3X models calls for 19 ” wheels to hit that magical wheel/tire/belt-line ratio that we all tend to like. Unfortunately 19 “s aren ‘t a factory option on the 328i.

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The 3 Series will hit US showrooms later this spring in 328i form with xDrive standard. The exceptional 8 speed auto will also be standard and unavoidable. Yes if you ‘re looking for the purist rear wheel drive manual wagon you ‘ll have to move out of the US market. Yet we ‘re not all that bothered by the lack of options. Especially with the ZF sourced 8 speed auto as it continues to impress the most diehard manual fans like us.

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The 3 Series wagon continues the tradition started with the E30 and then continued on with the E46 touring. Sport mixed with utility wrapped in a package that is arguably the best looking 3 Series model. Look for it to hit US showrooms April of this year. And if you value the future of wagons in the US, don ‘t be shy when it comes to voting with your wallet.