2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon

I’m not sure why America’s love affair with the station wagon came to an end, but the Europeans are determined to rekindle our spirit.  This is the most recent addition to the 3-Series lineup – the all-new 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon.

Yes, BMW’s nomenclature sounds ridiculous but that’s for another show.  However you choose to refer to it, the smallest Bimmer wagon is back, this time exclusively with 4-cylinder power, an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive…at least for now.  Though a diesel is an option, my tester this week moves with BMW’s ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbo 4 gas engine making 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque starting at 1,250 RPM.  Its power is impressive for a mill of this size, particularly when considering its 26mpg combined fuel economy rating – nearly 25% better than the less powerful inline 6 it replaces.  And if you’re buying a wagon, having enough space to put stuff is obviously important and this model has been designed with larger dimensions affording those in the rear seats more room in addition to a 10% increase in luggage volume.

Anyone can give you a spacious cargo area but BMW adds a host of clever touches that make it even more usable.

A clever space it is indeed with various under floor storage options, cargo covers, a partition net, cargo nets, hooks, a 12-volt outlet and a configurable strap bar to section off a specific area.  There’s even a place to stow the cover under the floor when not in use.  And the seats fold easily without histrionics.  It’s a pleasure to see a company take this space seriously by giving it great versatility.

And unlike an ungainly SUV, this wagon sits very low to the ground allowing for easy access to the roof where you can add BMW Raised carrier bars, a roof box and a ski and snowboard holder.  The downside to that is there’s not much ground clearance – only 5 ½” – so despite the xDrive system’s 4-wheel traction the 328i isn’t much for going off pavement.  The stone camping trail is just about it.

BMW offers this car in 4 pre-configured lines and this one is the Luxury.  For an additional $2,300 it adds a variety of high-gloss chrome elements inside and out and special 18” light-alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli all-season run flats.  High gloss wood trim also appears in the Luxury Line.

The 328i Sports Wagon is a joy to drive with hallmark BMW suspension tuning concocting that perfect blend of damped body motions and a pleasing ride quality.  Driving Dynamics Control allows you to choose between ECO Pro, Comfort and Sport settings while the automatic has its own sport mode if desired.  Each selection is clearly delineated by variances in accelerator and engine responsiveness, power steering effort and stability control thresholds.  Transmission and Dynamic Damper Control are integrated into the system as well.  It is possible to shut the DSC off altogether for sliding shenanigans.

All told, this car can feel very lively, even putting down a 6.0-second 0-to-60mph time which launches timidly but quickly builds speed.  And its low slung design, reduced weight and smallish size make it even more of a driver’s car.  But BMW takes this Efficient Dynamics thing seriously, even adding regen braking to foster a start-stop system…working more smoothly here than in other BMW’s I’ve tested.  With ECO Pro, 33mpg highway is attainable.

Base price of the Sports Wagon is $42,375 while a long list of extras on my car – including a host of safety electronics, parking assistant, panoramic roof and everything to make the cabin comfy and cozy raises the price to $55,900.  If you had given up the wagon, BMW’s latest will do its best to change your perspective.