BMW announces M3 wagon coming, Nurburgring testing coming
First time for extra-space M3 Touring body
Well, we heard earlier this week that maybe BMW would be turning the M3 into a wagon for the first time in the model’s four-decade history, and now it’s official. BMW M is testing the M3 Touring, bringing big power to the little long roof for the first time.
BMW’s official release says that “what is presently still a rhetorical question will soon become a concrete offer.” Depending on your market, that is. The all-new BMW M3 sedan is just weeks away from finally being revealed along with the old M3 coupe, now badged the M4. A convertible M4 will come next year. And a little while after that, the Touring, BMW sprechen for wagon.
M Performance has come in wagon form before, in the guise of the second and fourth-generation M5, but never in the brand’s smallest, and therefore most sporting car. While the X3 M might offer more overall space, and the X4 M more trendy styling, the M3 Touring should offer up a vehicle that has almost as much space, but is much lower and lighter, and therefore sharper and better to drive.
20 years ago, BMW says, they made a prototype M3 wagon, based on the third-generation E46 model M3. It was an exercise in production capability and never made it past the prototype process.
Under the M3 Touring’s hood will be the same inline-six engine as the sedan, with no power figure quoted yet, but likely in excess of 500 hp. BMW is giving us just a tease for now, but it shows a wide rear stance and four massive tailpipes sticking out from under the 3’s tailgate.
BMW still isn’t saying when, but we’ve heard 2023. Though if the M4 vert drops next year, the Touring could come the following year to complete the lineup. As for it coming to North America? Well, if you want one, head down to your BMW dealer with your chequebook, and let them know what you want to see.
