Driving Impressions: Four To Go; All-wheel-drive wagon extends 3 Series' terrific talents.(Brief Article)

``I love this wagon. It has all the perfection of the 3 Series, the beautifully rear-biased awd system, plus extra cargo capacity.''

``This really is the perfect car.''

Those are just two of the logbook comments heaping praise on the little BMW 325xi sport wagon that recently spent some time with us. For the most part, the car deserves it.

The 325i sport wagon was introduced here late in 2000. While BMW had offered 3 Series wagons in Europe, this is the first time BMW has offered it in the States. The 325xi is new for 2001.

The ``xi'' in the model name means full-time all-wheel drive, which adds $1,750 to the 325i's sticker. BMW's system, shared with its X5 sport/utility vehicle, adds 265 pounds to the standard 3 Series wagon's curb weight. The system splits the torque 38/62 front/rear, the idea being the awd models will feel more like BMW's traditional rear-drivers. If wheelspin occurs, the traction control kicks in. BMW expects about half of its 3 Series wagon sales will be awd versions.

BMW's 2.5-liter six powers the 325xi, producing 184 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. The horsepower figure is up 14 from the 2000 model's. The engine in our test car was coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is also available.

To accommodate the awd system, the xi's ride height is 0.8 inch higher than a standard 3 Series wagon. There's four-wheel independent suspension, with struts in front and a multilink rear.