BMW has answered enthusiasts’ prayers with the all-new M3 Touring Competition – the first-ever full-production M3 estate
BMW is taking the fight directly to the Audi RS4 Avant and with its first ever M3 Touring. Available exclusively in Competition guise and with M xDrive four-wheel drive, the new car brings unprecedented practicality to the M3/M4 lineup. The new model is on sale now priced from from £80,550.
As per its saloon sibling, the M3 Touring Competition is powered by a 510hp twin-turbocharged S58 straight-six mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox. Its M xDrive four-wheel drive setup features BMW’s Drivelogic system which can shuffle power between all driven wheels as required. Performance is blistering: 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and 174mph flat out (when derestricted as part of the M Driver’s Pack). Remarkably, claimed efficiency figures are fairly palatable: 229–235g/km of CO2 and 27.2–28mpg.
The M3 Touring takes a similar approach to visual aggression as its saloon counterpart, with a large-nostrilled grille, larger intakes, flared wheel arches and aerodynamic ‘flics’. The iconic M-specific mirrors also make a return. The M3 Touring’s bodywork adjustments and aerodynamic addenda add 83mm to the 3 Series Touring’s length and 76mm to its width.
The M3 version also rides 4mm lower than the standard car, sitting on staggered 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels that can be had in Jet Black or a bi-colour diamond-polished finish. Optional forged items are also offered along with track-specific tyres. Adaptive M suspension is standard-fit, featuring electronically controlled shock absorbers; drivers can choose between Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus modes depending on the road surface and conditions at hand.
No modern performance car would be complete without a smattering of carbon fibre details and the M3 Touring is no exception. The optional M Carbon exterior pack adds inlays for the intakes and rear diffuser, along with mirror caps formed from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic.
The carbon-heavy focus continues in the M3 Touring’s interior, where standard carbon fibre trim strips join optional M Carbon bucket seats. BMW’s latest infotainment takes centre stage inside, the new Curved Display comprising a 12.3-inch information screen behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch central control screen. These each merge together seamlessly for a driver-focussed widescreen effect. Naturally, M-specific information and vehicle settings can be accessed alongside the usual array of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and ConnectedDrive over-the-air update systems.
Perhaps most at odds with the M3 Touring’s practical streak is its M Drift Analyser function, which allows drivers to improve their lairy cornering skills. The system tracks drift duration, distance and angle, offering up a score out of five. Countering this is a wide range of standard active safety systems including lane-departure warning, Attentiveness Assistant and rear-cross traffic warning. Active cruise control with stop-go functionality is added as part of the Driving Assistant Professional package.
The G81 BMW M3 Competition Touring made its dynamic world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday, June 23.
