2016 BMW 328i Wagon — All cars should be this much fun to own and drive

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 31, 2016) Cars are an emotional choice, an expression of our personal style, likes and aspirations. As a working automotive journalist I’m first and foremost, an automotive geek. An automotive enthusiast. I honestly don’t know anyone who loves cars more than I do and for whatever reason I have always been completely addicted to station wagons.


Of course automakers abhor the station wagon nomenclature and favor terms like sports wagon, cross country or just wagon.

Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Subaru also offer wagons and I confess I love everything about them so imagine my elation getting the keys of the Mediterranean blue metallic BMW Sports Wagon recently delivered to me.



The BMW Sports Wagon is nowhere near the class of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the world fastest and rarest station wagon but it doesn’t have to be for you to fall in love in love with it. After all, not all cars need 500 plus horsepower and foot wide tires to make it thrilling to drive.

But why my fascination and enthrallment of wagons? After all most Americans lump wagons into the same category as minivans when it comes to personal appeal. But for some including me wagons are cool. Perhaps because in a world full of mundane sedans, utility vehicles and hatchbacks, wagons really stand out especially when they’re trimmed with sporty wheels, attractive BMW “M” modifications like the Sports Wagon tested here, it looks fantastic.

For one thing the BMW Sports Wagon can carry more than double the amount of cargo than the BMW 328i sedan. If you need even more space the rear seats flip forward and space cargo room grows to more than 61 cubic feet of space.

The Sports Wagon is available in two engines choices, a 189-horsepower diesel and the 2.0-liter 240 horsepower 4-cylinder in our test car matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sports Wagon isn’t particularly fast but it feels fast, actually much faster than you think it is and it handles magnificently commanding serious cornering grip – a handful of sports wagon that’s nothing short of brilliant from behind the wheel.

Our test vehicle was fully kitted with $14,000 in options including upgraded audio, technology packages, convenience packages, additional safety features and more.

Add it all up: Killer good looks, impossibly precise handling, impressive performance, supremely equipped and comfortable, loads of cargo space and an absolute riot to drive — I’m not kidding — the excitement will last as long as you own the vehicle.
 
Vital Stats

Price: $42,950 - $44,450
Price as Tested: $57,620
Seating: Up to 5
Engine: 2.0-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 240
Fuel Economy: 22-mpg City – 34-mpg Highway

Fab Features

Gorgeous “wagon” styling
Beautiful driving dynamics with exceptional comfort
Harmon Kardon surround sound system