It seems like we’ve been waiting for ages for BMW to finally build a Touring (wagon) version of its M3 sedan and now it’s finally happening, as the final product goes on sale in 2022. Prototypes have been out testing for some time already, with these latest spy images showing us the upcoming M3 Touring attacking corners on the Nurburgring, looking very planted and quite aggressive, thanks to its massive grille, large intakes and wider fenders.
We also knew these Nurburgring runs were
coming, since we already saw this prototype on video cruising the roads near
the famous German racetrack very recently. Now, if you’re a future buyer, the
bad news is that just like the regular 3-Series Touring, the M3 Touring isn’t
crossing the Atlantic either. However, if you happen to live in other markets,
say Europe, you can look forward to driving a top-spec package from the get-go.
Some believe that the M3 Touring will
launch exclusively in Competition spec, featuring BMW’s 8-speed automatic
gearbox and M-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system. This means that power will
come from a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder unit, putting down 503 HP and 650 Nm. This setup can take the M3 Sedan Competition to 96 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, so given the longer roof and added weight,
the Touring might be one or two tenths of a second slower – let’s say 3.9
seconds as a best-case scenario.
In the end, everybody wins, because the
world gains another good-looking sporty wagon, while the Audi RS4 Avant and
Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate gain a new direct rival.
