BMW, along with a rapidly diminishing handful of other European automakers, continues to prove year after year that there is a small niche in the United States for smaller, performance-oriented cargo haulers. Don't call them station wagons, even though that's what they are -- BMW calls them Sports Wagons.

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Offered in 328i or 328i xDrive guise, the latter indicating BMW's sophisticated xDrive mechanism, the BMW wagons slot below the midsize 535i xDrive in the automaker's North American lineup.

BMW hasn't often offered a 3-Series wagon in the United States, despite the fact that the automaker has long sold a cargo-hauling version of its best-seller in it home European market. Introduced to small success with the previous-generation E46 3-Series, the E90, as the current model is called in BMW's coding, is only the second 3-Series wagon to be officially imported.

Naturally, cargo space is up substantially over the standard sedans, coupes and convertibles that make up the rest of the fifth-generation BMW 3-Series lineup. With the rear seats folded, the 328i wagon can accommodate about 60 cubic feet of cargo, compared to the 12 cubic feet the sedan's trunk will hold.

The only available engine on both is the automaker's otherwise entry-level (on sedans, coupes and convertibles) 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, which puts out 230 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 200 lb-ft. of torque at 2,750 rpm. It mates to either a six-speed automatic, with optional paddle shifters, or a conventional six-speed manual transmission.

The xDrive all-wheel-drive is programmed with a rear-axle bias in order to retain the traditional rear-wheel-drive feel of a BMW, though power can be apportioned to the front wheels rapidly when slip is detected.

Introduced for 2006, the current 3-Series was lightly facelifted for 2009. Though most of the changes were merely cosmetic enhancements, including a revised front fascia and new LED tail lamps, the optional iDrive system was thoroughly revamped with a new menuing setup, faster processor and higher-resolution screen. The only change of note to the interior was a revised starter button design.

iDrive remains an option â€' bundled with navigation â€' for those uninterested in the system, which controls the audio system. From 2009 onward, the system's menuing was dramatically simplified.

Unlike in the sedans and coupes, the wagon gains a large standard dual-pane power-retracting panoramic moonroof with a power sun shade cover.

Like its traditional trunk brethren, the 328i wagons are available with two major option packages, as well as a number of stand-alone options to allow for personalization. The Premium Package bundles power leather seats, BMW Assist emergency and concierge service, Bluetooth and auto-dimming rearview and exterior mirrors. Enthusiasts will want to take note of the Sport Package, which adds sports seats and steering wheel, high-performance run-flat tires with 17-inch alloy wheels and, on rear-wheel-drive 328i wagons, a sport suspension. It's worth pointing out that 328i xDrive wagons equipped with the Sport Package do not gain the lowered and stiffened sport suspension; the package is cosmetic.

Other major options include the aforementioned navigation system, heated seats, rear obstacle detection, Xenon headlamps and adaptive cruise control.

BMW's Active Steering makes an appearance on the option chart, as well. It lightens up the steering for reduced effort at parking speeds to make the car feel more nimble and increased effort for greater precision at highway speeds.