What the heck is a BMW 3-MAX?

Simply it's BMW's answer to Ford's European Focus C-Max. A small family hauler that will never sell in the U.S. so it stays quietly across the pond. Since the 3-Max images seem to be exclusively in this week's AutoExpress magazine we'll just bring you the small cover image we took from their site. It does look interesting. Almost like a 3-Series meets Dodge Magnum. Also there are "barn-style" doors, that I assume means the rear doors swing aft like a Mazda RX-8. Interestingly enough the 3-Max will also be 4WD, seat six or seven with sliding and removable seating. Engines will probably match those of the standard 3-Series. Don't expect even German car buyers to see this on the roads until 2007 or so.