The Audi RS4 Avant and Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate are finally getting some competition as BMW has unveiled the first-ever M3 Touring. the high-performance wagon is based on the M3 Competition and features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that develops 503 hp and 650 Nm of torque. It’s connected exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to a standard M xDrive all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the M3 Touring to rocket from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of up to 280 km/h.
There’s more to the M3 Touring
than a high-performance engine as the model has also been equipped with a sport-tuned
suspension and an Active M differential. They’re joined by 19- and 20-inch
forged alloy wheels that are wrapped in performance tires and backed up by a
beefy braking system, which can be equipped with optional carbon ceramic discs.
Thanks to all these improvements, the M3
Touring was able to lap the Nürburgring in 7:35.060 which is a new record for
wagons. However, the feat is more impressive when you consider the wagon is
quicker than the M5 Competition and second-generation Acura / Honda NSX.
As for the rest of the car, it isn’t much
of a surprise as it follows in the footsteps of the M3 and M4. As a result,
there’s a big honking grille, aerodynamic mirrors, and a sporty four-tailpipe
exhaust system. That being said, the model promises to be the most practical M3
ever created as the boot holds up to 1,510 liters of luggage.
Speaking of the interior, the model
follows in the footsteps of the 2023 M3 and adopts a Curved Display that
consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment
system. They’re joined by Merino leather sports seats and a sport steering
wheel.
Unfortunately, the M3 Touring isn’t coming
stateside as it will only be offered in a handful of markets including Europe
and Australia. The model will go into production in November and German
customers can place their orders in September.
