BMW i3 Touring Excluded from US Market: What This Means for Electric Car Enthusiasts

The Future of BMW i3 Touring in the US Market

Recent reports suggest that the highly anticipated BMW i3 Touring (NA1) will not be making its way to the United States, despite being set to enter production later this year. This news may not come as a shock to many, given historical trends in the American automotive market.

Wagons have traditionally struggled to gain traction in the US, with only a few exceptions such as the M5 Touring. Additionally, the electric vehicle (EV) market in the US has experienced a slowdown in recent years, making it challenging for low-volume models like the i3 Touring to find success with a full EV drivetrain.

Rumors suggest that production of the i3 Touring will commence in Munich in July 2027, with initial variants including the 30 xDrive, 40 xDrive, and 50 xDrive models. An i3 M60 Touring is also rumored to join the lineup later on. The San Luis Potosi plant, which is set to produce the NA0 i3 sedan for North America, may also add the i3 Touring to its production lineup. However, indications point to this Mexican production run being primarily aimed at other markets, not the US.

The Future of Wagons in America

Given the challenges faced by wagons in the US market, any future wagon models looking to succeed in America may need to offer a higher-end trim level to attract consumers. This could involve the inclusion of an M Performance model with a six-cylinder or V8 engine, or even a dedicated M wagon. Base or mid-range Touring models, whether electric or conventional, may struggle to meet the expectations of American consumers.

Two wagon models that are generating interest are the potential G51 M350 Touring, featuring a B58 straight-six engine, and the possibility of an M3 Touring with the next-generation 3 Series. The idea of a US-bound M3 Touring has been considered in the past, and with the success of the M5 Touring, there is growing support for the introduction of a six-cylinder M3 wagon in the American market.

While the future of the BMW i3 Touring in the US remains uncertain, there is increasing anticipation for the potential arrival of high-performance wagon models that could fill the void left by the absence of the i3 Touring. The decision to introduce these models will ultimately depend on market demand and BMW’s strategic direction.