2013 BMW 328i Sports Wagon soldiers on in the United States

European wagons have rarely enjoyed much success in the United States. But that hasn't deterred BMW, which will continue selling the 3-series Sports Wagon here for 2013.

BMW will offer just one powertrain in the 328i Sports Wagon, the new 2.0-liter, 240-hp, 255-lb-ft twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder. It replaces the outgoing model's naturally aspirated 3.0-liter, 230-hp, 200-lb-ft six-cylinder. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission; rear- and all-wheel-drive will be offered.

The 328i Sports Wagon is bigger, so the 2013 model is more spacious and more practical from an everyday standpoint than its predecessor. The rear seat now folds 40/20/40, rather than 60/40 in the previous wagon.

The 328i Sports Wagon swapped its six-cylinder for a turbo-charged four, but it feels livelier than ever thanks to an added 10 hp and an extra 55 lb-ft of torque. The car's 0-to-62-mph time of 6.0 seconds is a second quicker than before, and the wagon cruises happily at highway speeds—in near silence—with the engine running at 1,500 rpm.

Find a challenging back road, and you discover that the 328i Sports Wagon's dynamic properties are not that far removed from those of the highly regarded 328i sedan. It dispatches corners in commanding fashion, with a precise and weighty steering feel and excellent body control. One weakness is the firmer ride, a result of stiffer rear springs needed to cope with the added load capacity.

The rear seat now folds 40/20/40, rather than 60/40 in the previous wagon.

ON SALE: Spring 2013

BASE PRICE: $38,000 (est)

DRIVETRAIN: 2.0-liter, 240-hp, 255-lb-ft turbocharged I4; RWD, eight-speed automatic

CURB WEIGHT: 3,516 lb

0-62 MPH: 6.0 sec (mfr)

FUEL ECONOMY: 26 mpg (AW est)

By Greg Kable