New BMW adds practicality to M3 icon

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This is a first for BMW, and quite frankly it's been too long in coming.

The combination of incredible power and practicality can be difficult to achieve, but surely somebody could have come up with the obvious solution before now: the brand-new BMW M3 Touring just makes too much sense.

We all know the BMW M3 is one of the best driver's cars available today. Now you can get all of that with the added practicality of an everyday estate. Not that there's anything “everyday” about the M3 Touring.

It boasts all the looks of a range-topping BMW with its M-specific BMW kidney grille, large air intakes, flared wheel arches and side skirts. Full-LED headlights with U-shaped fibre-optic light guides for the daytime driving lights are also fitted as standard. The BMW M3 Touring is a little bit wider and longer than a standard 3 Series Touring so space and stability are covered. And of course, you get the big alloy wheels with an option to have special track tyres fitted if you choose.







In terms of practicality, you get three full-size rear seats with the backrest able to be split 40:20:40, and a boot space that can be expanded up to 1,510 litres. Standard specification also includes automatic tailgate operation as well as a rear window that opens separately for quick access.

The interior features the usual array of technology and driver aids you'd expect. Heated and electrically adjusted seats will keep you comfy, or you can swap them for the optional bucket seats if you prefer the 9.6kg weight saving they offer. The BMW curved display combines a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display of 14.9 inches, which merge into a single high-resolution unit angled towards the driver. This controls pretty much everything in the car and can be configured so your most used functions are easily accessible.

But we all know the most interesting part of an M3 is hiding beneath the sculpted bonnet.







The 3.0-litre six-cylinder is the same as the one found in the M4 GT3 race car – albeit without some of the race tuning. The engine, turbos, and intercooler all combine to produce 510bhp and a healthy chunk of torque. The BMW M3 Touring takes just 3.6 seconds to reach 62mph and opting for the M Driver's Package increases the electronically limited top speed from 155 to 174mph.

That should be sufficient for most commutes, and the xDrive all-wheel drive system fitted as standard makes sure all that power is properly distributed so you get the best possible driving experience without sacrificing traction and grip. The eight-speed automatic gearbox lets you cruise along in peace, or you can use the paddle shift to shave a few seconds off your drive home.

So now we've got your attention, hands up who fancies leasing themselves a special treat with a trick up its sleeve. The new BMW M3 Touring has been too long coming. Now it's here why wouldn't you want to treat yourself to a practical estate car…that just happens to be stupendously quick.

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