BMW’s long‑roof electric i3 Touring — the wagon derivative of the Neue Klasse i3 — was captured on video during high‑speed testing at the Nürburgring, with recent coverage surfacing on November 6, 2026. The footage shows a lightly camouflaged prototype completing laps at the Green Hell, suggesting the Touring is well into its validation programme and closer to series production than earlier test mules.

What the footage reveals

The spy video and accompanying photos show the i3 Touring with final‑style body panels and production lights visible under minimal disguise, particularly around the rear section where the roofline stretches to a conventional tailgate. Motor1 notes the Touring appears to borrow the i3 sedan’s front end while changing the rear from the B‑pillar rearwards to create the estate silhouette. These images and clips underline BMW’s intent to offer a practical wagon alternative to compact SUVs in its core European markets.

Hints from BMW and test locations

BMW has previously been linked to Munich assembly for the i3 Touring; earlier video showed near‑production prototypes leaving the Munich factory, and reporting has placed final assembly in BMW’s Munich lines. That production location and the visible maturity of the prototypes together point to a launch window around 2027.

One detail that has drawn attention among Touring fans is whether BMW will retain the classic independently opening rear window, a long‑standing Touring trait. When asked about the feature, Neue Klasse chief Dr Mike Reichelt declined to confirm or rule it out — reportedly smiling and saying, “We will see.” The remark, given during interviews earlier this week, keeps the option alive but is not a confirmation.

What this means for the market

For Central and Eastern Europe the i3 Touring matters on several fronts. Wagons (Tourings) remain a strong purchase choice in parts of Europe where cargo flexibility and fuel/energy efficiency are priorities; an electric 3‑Series estate gives buyers a lower‑sitting, more aerodynamic alternative to compact SUVs and could slow further migration to crossovers. The Munich production signal also matters for regional supply chains: if BMW builds the Touring in Germany, parts sourcing, logistics and aftersales support for CEE dealers will follow established BMW channels, which helps maintain steady availability across neighbouring markets. Finally, retaining practical features such as an independently opening rear window would be a small but meaningful differentiation for buyers who still prefer estate body styles.

The spy footage and manufacturer comments do not replace official specifications or a launch date from BMW. But the combination of near‑production prototypes on track, filmed movements out of Munich, and public hints from BMW executives makes the i3 Touring one of the more consequential new models to watch for Europe in 2027.

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Sources: Motor1, BMWBLOG, Auto Express