Crossovers Claim Another Casualty: RIP BMW 3 Series Wagon [News]

BMW 3 Series Wagon axed in US

Bad news for wagon enthusiasts – BMW is killing the 3 Series Wagon in the U.S.

Even though wagons have arguably been coming back these past few years, the latest news out of BMW is a blow to the segment. The 3 Series Wagon will no longer come to the U.S., according to a recent CarBuzz report. Much the same as the company’s decision to drop a manual offering in the new G20 3 Series, this decision isn’t terribly surprising. Nonetheless, it’s likely a sad piece of news to loyal wagon buyers. A BMW spokesperson told CarBuzz, “BMW of North America has no plans to bring the next generation 3 Series Sports Wagon to the US Market.”

Crossovers have been strong sellers these past several years. To that end, BMW has expanded its crossover lineup considerable. Now, you can buy an X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 and, soon, an X7. As their sales continue to build, cars like the 3 Series Wagon are left out in the cold. BMW reports its sales figures for the entire 3 Series lineup, so its not clear how many wagons they sell in any given month. However, we can’t imagine the take rate is terribly high. Clearly BMW agrees, as it’s axing the 3 Series Wagon from here on out.

BMW Axes 3 Series Wagon model

3 Series Wagon will leave the U.S. market after 2019

Low demand is not the only likely reason BMW is dropping the model. Apart from the X1 and X2, all of BMW’s crossovers are built in the U.S. at the brand’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. As crossovers take off, it makes sense to cut costs importing models that don’t sell. Instead, the company could see higher profit margins from selling U.S.-built vehicles at higher average transaction prices than the wagon.

If you want a 3 Series Wagon, then, the 2019 model year will be your last shot. BMW will build the new G20 generation 3 Series alongside the old 3 Series Wagon and Gran Turismo models. Currently, you can only buy the 3 Series Wagon in one flavor. The 330i xDrive comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s only available in all-wheel drive, with an eight-speed automatic transmission.