Fast and powerful, but nearly as heavy as an MP5.
BMW finally revives the M Touring formula, ten years after it discontinued the M5 E61. Bavaria’s first ever M3 with a long roof was the M3 E46 touring concept in 2000. However, it never became a production model. The G81 will soon be able to compete with the AMG C63 Estate or the RS4 Avant. The fast family car comes only with xDrive or the more powerful 503-hp Competition specification.
Although the M3 Touring is arguably the best BMW to do the vertical grille, we are certain that there are many who prefer a more traditional design like the M5’s. The super sedan is lighter than the fast-estate. The M3 wagon weighs in at 1,865 kg (4,111 lbs) and is only 30kg (66 lbs!) lighter than the M5. It is 85 kg (187 lbs heavier) than the all wheel-drive M3 Sedan.
The 3Series LCI has been given slightly more sharpened headlights in both body styles, but the M3 Touring still uses the same headlights that the M3 or M4 models. It does have the newer iDrive 8 with the 12.3 inch driver’s screen and 14.9 inch touchscreen, both housed in a single piece curved glass. In less than two years, the M3 Sedan already has the latest infotainment.
The M3 Touring is practical and offers 500 liters (17.6 cubes) of cargo space with the rear seats in place, and 1,510 Liters (53.3 cubes) when they are folded. The M3 Touring retains the separate opening for the tailgate’s window and the 40/20:40 split rear seat backrest. It is a wagon through-and-through, with features like a boot partition net and antislip rails.
The 2023 BMW M3 Touring, considered a forbidden fruit in America, will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week.