Most TGSA staff would argue that the M3 Touring is one of those cars that is quite simply, one of the coolest cars around. It lives in a tiny ultra-niche section of the market where very few cars like this actually exist and yet, every petrolhead we speak to absolutely adores it. Strange then that the sales numbers show a massive uptick in SUV’s over estates, so much so, that wagons or estates hardly even blip the sales charts. That’s for all wagons in general, but performance wagons seem to have benefited from this because performance wagons like the Audi RS6 or the BMW M3 Touring tested here, have become instant cult-classics. Cars that are cool when launched and will remain sought after for many years to come. You can bet your house on that.
Whilst BMW has built a number of M5 Touring variants, this is the first ever BMW M3 Touring. All units initially earmarked for South Africa have been spoken for and that small, limited supply has only heightened the desirability. Yet beyond that, it’s still a BMW M3 with 500-litres of rear boot space so that should mean an irresistible combination of ‘family fun.’
For the most part, it’s a similar story on the interior except for the fact that there is some 480L of rear cargo space with all seats folded down, found mainly in the height change from the sedan sibling. There are a few interior options to tick should you want BMW’s more hardcore M lightweight carbon bucket seats in an interesting colour or an Alcantara steering wheel. Apart from that, the M3 Touring boasts BMW’s curved display and 8.5 OS. This system features a plethora of digital assistance, multiple connectivity options, varying vehicle ‘moods’ and of course, as in any M performance model, a full suite of M-specific performance layouts including on both the driver’s display and the infotainment screen. Things like your driving mode setup, your ability to switch the level of traction on the 10-stage TC system and even that brave option to switch the M xDrive mode to full rear wheel drive. The system is quite intuitive and configurable to suit an owner’s preferences and it all relates to a very good ergonomic layout. The M3 Touring, for all its performance character remains relatively easy to figure out as far as the interior concept goes.
The M3 Touring’s performance is every bit the talking point as it is on any M-car. It’s endowed with the same twin-turbocharged, petrol, inline 3.0l power unit as on the sedan; fitted with the same 8-speed steptronic transmission and rides on the same chassis. The Touring is slightly longer in length but the body width also remains the same and therefore, the M3 Touring does everything the M3 does, except with a larger surprise element. The ride is indeed hard and the space gaps between the wheels are as tiny, but the resultant dynamic ability is something to celebrate. Engage launch control and the Touring squats and bolts off in a hail of modern M-car noise and drama. Its ability to put the power down is impressive thanks to that smart xDrive system which also then adds a level of control and confidence as you attack corners. The M3 Touring still feels like an M3 should, with a playful rear bias but less so than on a rear-driven M-car. With a direct and commanding steering, excellent braking system (carbon ceramics are optional), the package is a car that is immersive in all the right places. In a world of hybrid performance cars, this car still feels balanced and involving especially through the gears and rev-range. There’s nary a hint of lag and the power delivery is firm right up to 4,750rpm complemented by an excellent transmission with responsive shift paddles behind the wheel should that be your choice.
The option to engage 2WD mode is available and that unleashes a far more tail-happy car which allows for playful, lunatic levels of tyre smoke too.
For all its coolness, it’s an M3 from most fore angles, with a slightly bulbous, upright estate backside. None of the M3’s powerful signature elements have been lost. That menacing front grille, flared wheel arches, M-lighting design, carbon exterior mirror caps, spoilers and diffuser inserts all remain. M light alloy dual spoke wheels are sized differently fore and aft with 19-inch and 20-inchers respectively. The M3 Touring is masterfully done and garners as much street cred as the more famed estate from Ingolstadt.
Onto that competitive conversation. Is it better than a RS4 Avant? Yes it is, if you’re only interested in its performance ability. RS4 is cheaper and less powerful and less hardcore. To some, these attributes are good compared to the M3 Touring so it’s ultimately down to what you may be looking for and the price you’re wanting to pay.
The M3 if offered with a variety of performance options, including those Carbon Ceramic brakes and lighter weight options. These take an already exclusive car to very specific levels but these can hike the price by a few hundred grand easily. That's just the way of permium luxury German cars.
It's also sold as standard with the 5yr/100 000km BMW Motorplan, extendable to a 7yr/200 000kms option.
The BMW M3 Touring is as excellent to drive as its M3 sedan that won our coveted Speed Week in 2022. But it’s more than that. Literally, with more cargo space and far more exclusivity. That bodes well for resale values and also for that self-ingratiating conversation you have with other M3 owners where you explain that you drive the same car…but yours is just a bit better.
It's why we've awarded the M3 Touring, the official 'All The Car You Need' at our annual TopGear SA Magazine Awards 2024.
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