While wagons command barely 2 percent of the U.S. auto market -- less than that of hybrids -- BMW is keeping the faith with a sleek 5-door version of its all-new 3-Series, set to debut next spring.

The 2013 3-Series Sports Wagon is so bold that it uses the name “wagon,” not “crossover” (unlike the Volvo XC70 and 2013 Subaru XV Crosstek, which are ashamed to be called wagons). While previous 3-Series wagons were achingly compact, the new wagon offers a 10 percent increase in cargo volume, thanks in no small part to a wheelbase grown larger by 2 inches, a 1.85-inch wider rear track and an overall length stretched by 3.66 inches. BMW did not release official cargo capacity, but with the automaker now selling long-wheelbase 335Li sedans to the Chinese, the age of cramped BMW back seats should largely be over. (However, the 5-Series Touring is still largely absent from the U.S. market.)

Expect a 328i Sports Wagon to use the same 2.0-liter 240-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder (not the diesel of the European-spec 330d, pictured above). Currently, BMW sells only the 328i as a wagon -- meaning the more powerful 335i doesn't get the cargo-hauling treatment -- and we expect that to remain the case due to wagons' low sales volume. All-wheel drive will continue to be offered -- as well as, we hope, as a 6-speed manual transmission. Pricing has yet to be announced.

An M Sport Line will also be offered, with upgraded suspension and aerodynamic body skirts. There will also be an M3 wagon just like the one in your dreams.

[Source: BMW.]