BMW M3 Touring: Audi’s RS4 Avant finally meets its match

BMW M3 Touring: Audi’s RS4 Avant finally meets its match

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We regard the G80 BMW M3 as the best-rounded of the M3 sedans but the latest M3 Touring has especially tickled our zeal. 

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As the fourth model type to the BMW M3 and M4 range alongside the sedan, coupe and convertible variants, the new M3 Touring becomes the first high-performance station wagon to ever come out of Bavaria. 

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Engineered to go head-to-head with the Audi RS4 Avant, the BMW M3 Touring wields the same powerplant as the current M3 and M4 duo in the form of a 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine that spews out 375 kW and 650 Nm. 

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All that grunt is transferred to all paws via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed M Steptronic with Drivelogic that’s enough to blister the wagon from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds before maxing out at 250 km/h. The optional M Driver’s Package raised the limiter to 280 km/h. 

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Performance meets safety

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The new M3 Touring also comes with the 4WD setting which allows drivers to change to 4WD Sport mode or 2WD when the situation permits. 

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Underneath, the new BMW M3 Touring comes standard with an adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled shock absorbers and M Servotronic steering with a variable ratio. The road patches come courtesy of 19” M light-alloy wheels in front and 20” rubbers at the back. BMW can fit optional track tyres at an additional fee. 

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The stopping power comes from a standard M Compound braking system and that can be upgraded to the optional M Carbon ceramics. For an enhanced pedal feel when braking, the integrated braking system offers two settings. 

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When it comes to space, station wagons like the M3 Touring as affectionately known in SA offer it in spades, thanks to foldable three full-size seats, and a 500-litre boot space that can be further expanded to a generous 1,510 litres. This is further complemented by an automatic tailgate plus a storage compartment underneath the boot floor as standard. For comparison's sake, the BMW M3 and M4 boast 480 and 440 litres respectively. 

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Next-gen cabin

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The cabin, on the other hand, benefits from the BMW Curved Display as standard. This consists of a fully-digital screen grouping made up of a 12.3” information display and a control display with a diagonal 14.9” screen. A head-up display with M-specific content can be fitted as an option. 

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The interior is further equipped with electronically-adjustable M Sport seats with memory function and seat heating plus Merino leather trim as standard. Not your choice of seats? M Carbon bucket front seats can be specified at an added charge. The seats make use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest, as well as cut-outs in the side, bolsters and below the head restraints which sheds 9.6 kg over the aforementioned M Sport seats. 

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As it stands, the new BMW M3 Touring remains a forbidden fruit of note since the local arm of the German marque says it hasn’t been confirmed for our market. Orders for destined markets will be taken from September 2022. 

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BMW will produce the M3 Touring alongside the M3 sedan at the BMW Group’s plant in Munich from November 2022.

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