News: BMW Introduces M3 Touring

The clear surfaces and athletic form emphasize the M3 Touring’s performance potential, as do the M’s special design details and functional elements such as cooling air openings and aerodynamics. Most notable are the BMW vertical frameless kidney grille, large side air inlets, strongly shaped wheel arches and prominent side sill extensions. Together with additional elements on the front and rear bumpers, the side sill panels form a glossy black line all around the car. Other features include M gills on the front panel and the left and right twin exhausts integrated into the rear bumper.

Regardless of the body color chosen, the roof of the M3 Touring is finished in glossy black as standard. The roof rack system, which is also standard and the model-specific roof spoiler, is finished in the same colour. Optionally, the roof can be finished in a body color. Also optional is the M Carbon exterior package.

In-line six-cylinder high-speed.

This version of the M TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder petrol engine was developed specifically for the BMW M3 and M4 Competition models and produces a maximum power of 375 kW (510 hp) and a maximum torque of 650 Nm. The high-revving character the M engine is known for, together with the linear power delivery of the 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder, forms the basis of the new BMW M4 GT3 race car engine. The cooling and oil systems are designed for the strong forces released in the circuit.

The engine is mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which has three shift programs and can also be operated with the shift paddle on the steering wheel. Engine power is channeled onto the road by M xDrive all-wheel drive, which works in conjunction with the Active M Differential on the rear axle.

Distribution of power on the wheels adapted to the situation. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.6 seconds and a sprint from 0 to 200 km/h takes 12.9 seconds. With the M Driver’s Pack, the top speed is increased from 250 km/h to 280 km/h.

In addition to the usual 4WD settings, the driver can also select 4WD Sport via the Setup menu. Then the four-wheel drive M xDrive places more emphasis on the rear wheels for a more intense driving experience. Disabling DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) provides 2WD, or pure rear-wheel drive mode.

Performance and comfort

The dual front suspension and five-link rear axle have a custom M-tuning and combine a lightweight design with high rigidity. The M Adaptive chassis with electronically controlled dampers and M Servotronic variable ratio steering is standard for the BMW M3 Touring. The integrated braking system has two pedal feel settings. Optional are M Carbon ceramic brakes as an alternative to the M Compound braking system. 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) forged light alloy wheels come standard with track tires as an option.

With the DSC system, traction control is integrated into the engine control unit. Apart from M Dynamic Mode, the BMW M3 Touring is also equipped with M Traction Control as standard. In the 2WD mode of the M xDrive all-wheel drive, the driver can limit traction control intervention to ten stages and thus easily push the brakes’ physical limits on the track.

The feeling of racing in the cockpit

The Curved look is standard since launch, an interpretation of the cockpit design that provides an intense driving performance experience. The fully digital display consists of a 12.3-inch information screen and a 14.9-inch Touch Control Screen. Both are housed behind a single curved glass pane that faces the driver. The information display behind the wheel shows all information relevant to driving with new graphics in a signature M style. A special widget with information about BMW settings and tire condition can be seen on the home screen of the Touch Control Display. Head-Up View with custom M view is optionally available.

The electrically adjustable M Sport seat with memory function, seat heating and Merino leather upholstery are standard equipment for the M3 Touring. The optional M Carbon bucket seats for driver and front passenger promise a unique combination of motorsport sensation, lightweight design and long-distance comfort. The use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structural elements of the seat and backrest, together with gaps in the sidewalls and under the headrests, results in a weight savings of 9.6 kg compared to the standard M Sport seat.

There are three seats in the back of the BMW M3 Touring. The rear seat back can be folded down in a ratio of 40:20:40. By folding the rear seats completely or partially, the luggage space can be expanded from 500 to a maximum of 1,510 liters at will. Automatic tailgate operation and separately open rear window are standard. The storage compartment under the luggage compartment houses the luggage compartment cover and partition net. Optional is a non-slip rail that automatically lifts off the floor of the luggage compartment. These rails prevent the trunk from sliding in dynamic driving conditions.

As standard, 3-zone automatic air conditioning, Live Cockpit Plus with Maps navigation system, ambient lighting, Hi-Fi audio system and mirror packages for interior and exterior ensure comfort in the M3 Touring. There is also a choice of automated driving and parking systems. Approach Control Warning, speed limit and no overtaking display, Lane Departure Warning, and Park Distance Control are all standard. Optional features include Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, traffic light recognition, Active Navigation, and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant.

The M-specific control system includes a Setup button, which provides direct access to the M xDrive engine, chassis, steering, braking and all-wheel drive settings. Two general vehicle settings can be saved and recalled via the M button on the steering wheel. In addition to M Traction Control, M Drive Professional is standard equipment, including the M Drift Analyzer and M Laptimer. The M Mode button on the center console can be used to set the response level of the driver assistance system and the content of the information display and Head-Up Display. M3 Touring also offers a choice of ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.