For the driving enthusiast who needs something more practical than a sports sedan but doesn't want a cross-over SUV, BMW offers the same powertrain and suspension of the naturally-aspirated 3-Series sedan in the BMW 328i and 328xi sports wagon. The body style was introduced in 2006, a bit longer, wider, and higher than its predecessor. In 2007, the wagon and sedan got a more powerful engine. The 328i is front-engine rear-drive, while the 328xi is equipped with electronically-controlled all-wheel drive for sure-footed performance on wet and icy pavement.

The sports wagon is powered by BMW's workhorse three-liter inline six-cylinder engine that now puts out 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, and is available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and rear-wheel drive or, in the xi, all-wheel drive.

The sports wagon is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed steptronic automatic transmission. With the manual, the sports wagon is capable of zero-60 in 6.5 seconds or 7.1 seconds with the automatic, and even the all-wheel drive wagon can make sixty mph in 7.1 seconds with the manual.

The xDrive "intelligent" all-wheel drive system always transmits power to the rear wheels, with power transmitted to the front wheels most of the time through a fully-variable multi-disc clutch that responds electronically to changes in road and driving conditions. In addition to varying traction among the wheels, the system also minimizes oversteer and understeer by controlling torque to the front wheels.

Styling of the sports wagon is identical to the 3 Series sedan from the center pillar forward, while the roof line tapers down and the belt-line tapers upward to the electrically-operated rear hatch. Standard roof rails accentuate the flowing lines of the wagon-style rear.

With the rear seats folded, the sports wagon can carry a solid 60.9 cubic feet of cargo in the completely carpeted rear luggage area, more actually than its larger 5 Series sports wagon sibling. Convenience equipment includes separate enclosed bins, cargo straps, and bag holders, as well as a power point and cargo cover.

A long list of luxury and performance options is available, including a convenience package and a sport handling package. A navigation system is optional, though it is controlled by the still-clunky iDrive single-knob control system.

In addition to the excellent handling the sports wagon shares with the sedan that functions as a sort of active safety system, the BMW sports wagon is equipped with six airbags, including front and side driver and passenger airbags, and inflatable curtains protecting rear passengers. Of course, antilock brakes, antiskid, and traction control systems are standard.