BMW is heralding its most practical ever 3 Series Touring model, which is due to hit the streets in September.

Prices will be from £30,400 for the 328i model rising to £34,700 for the 330d for a car that's both larger and boasts more interior space than before. The company is also claiming the largest load capacity in its class.

From launch there will be a 328i petrol plus 320d and 330d diesel engines, though more units, like the 320i petrol, will join the line-up later.

Likely to be the biggest seller, the 320d uses the same 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo diesel engine from the previous generation, but with its own set of modifications to make it cleaner and more frugal.

It produces 184bhp and can shift the car from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds yet is still capable of returning 60 miles per gallon - 61.4mpg when fitted with the eight-speed automatic gearbox - while CO2 emissions are 124g/km (122g/km).

The more powerful 330d Touring produces 258bhp, enough to reach 62mph from rest in 5.6 seconds, yet still achieves 55.4mpg on the combined cycle.

Style-wise, the new estate is identical to the saloon up to its B-pillar, but with its sweeping silhouette is 97mm longer overall and 50mm longer in the wheelbase than before.

The interior design of the new BMW 3 Series Touring is identical to that of the recently introduced saloon model, but with a focus on practicality.

Standard on all models are luggage securing lugs, a pair of coat hooks, a luggage net and strap and a deep storage compartment on the left side of the load area.

The rear seats have a 40:20:40 split, with load-through hole in the centre, and with the seats folded, there's 1,500 litres of carrying space and near-level load floor.

Standard kit includes an electrically powered split rear boot, which can also be opened by a kick under the rear bumper when your hands are full.

Options include aluminium roof rails and panoramic glass sunroof while a trailer hitch turns the latest Touring into a tow car.

And BMW's Efficient Dynamics initiative means the Beemer comes as standard with Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and the ECO PRO function.

Trim grades are ES, Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Sport.