BMW has presented the first BMW M3 Touring, the new high-performance family variant with 510 hp and a 500-litre boot capacity.
Aesthetically, it clearly differs from the rest of the M3 range because of its greater length and, obviously, because of the rear insert that improves load capacity. It also adds classic M-specific design elements designed to meet the requirements for directing cooling air for aerodynamic balance. These include the grille with vertically arranged frameless BMW kidneys, the large side air intakes, the flared wheel arches and the side skirts which, together with the fixing elements for the front and rear skirts, form a band in gloss black finish that surrounds the entire car. Other distinguishing elements are the M gills in the front wings and the integrated exhaust outlets to the right and left of the central part of the rear diffuser.
Whichever color is chosen for the bodywork of the new M3 Touring, the roof will be finished in black as standard. The roof rails are standard, as is the roof spoiler. As an option, the roof can also be finished in body color and the M Carbon Fiber Exterior Package can be found in the options list.
It is equipped with the six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the Competition versions of the BMW M3 and M4 range, with a maximum power of 510 hp and a torque of 650 Nm. It features an M-specific exhaust system with electronically controlled throttle valves to generate a soundtrack that adds even more excitement to the sporty driving experience. It is the same mechanics that mount the M3 and M4 Competition.
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The engine is mated to the eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox with Drivelogic, which offers three shift programs and can be controlled via paddles behind the steering wheel. Power from the engine is transmitted to the wheels via the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, which is combined with the active M differential coupled to the rear axle. It is a four-wheel drive car but, through the different driving programs, the distribution can be modified by giving more power to the rear wheels or even turning the car into a 100% rear-wheel drive vehicle.
It completes the 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and it only takes 12.9 seconds to reach 200 km/h. If you opt for the M Driver’s Package, the electronically limited top speed goes from 250 km/h to 280 km/h.
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BMW engineers have worked on the chassis to create a balance between sporty performance and great ride comfort for everyday use and family outings. The high torsional stiffness of the body structure and chassis mounts give the vehicle even greater agility, dynamism and precision, and is complemented by model-specific reinforcement elements fitted to the underbody and cargo compartment. burden.
Both the double-joint front axle and the five-link rear axle have an M-specific set-up and combine lightweight design with particularly high stiffness. Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and M Servotronic steering with variable assistance come as standard in the BMW M3 Touring. The braking system offers two adjustments for pedal feel. As an alternative to the standard M Compound braking system, the optional M carbon-ceramic brakes can be ordered. Meanwhile, 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) forged M light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard.
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The DSC system includes limited wheel slip control integrated into the engine control unit. In addition to the M Dynamic mode, the BMW M3 Touring also features the M Traction Control function as standard. If the 2WD mode is activated in the M xDrive system, the driver can adjust the intervention of the system in ten levels to limit wheel slip.
The new BMW Curved Display (BMW Curved Display) will be part of the standard equipment of the BMW M3 Touring from its launch. The grouping of digital screens is made up of a 12.3-inch information screen and the central information screen with a diagonal of 14.9 inches. The information display located behind the steering wheel presents driving-relevant information in a new M-style graphics design. The BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific information is offered as an option.
M Sport seats with electrical adjustment, memory function and heating, as well as Merino leather upholstery, come as standard in the BMW M3 Touring. Optionally, you can choose bucket seats, which add carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structural elements of the seat cushion and backrest, along with cutouts in the side reinforcements and under the headrests, which save 9, 6 kilograms compared to the standard M Sport seats.
The trunk has a load capacity of 500 liters in its standard configuration. By folding down the rear seatbacks, a maximum of 1,510 liters can be achieved. Automatic tailgate operation and independently opening rear window are standard equipment. As an option, anti-slip rails that automatically rise from the boot floor can be fitted. These prevent luggage items from shifting in dynamic driving situations.
The BMW M3 Touring comes as standard with the three-zone automatic climate control, the BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Maps navigation system, ambient lighting, the hi-fi speaker system and the interior and exterior mirror package. Forward Collision Warning, Speed Limit Indicator with No Overtaking Indicator, Lane Departure Warning and Parking Distance Control also come as standard. Available options include Driving Assistant Professional with steering and lane guidance assistant, active cruise control with Stop&Go function, traffic light recognition and active navigation, as well as parking assistant, which includes reversing assistant.
The fourth variant to the BMW M3 and M4 range that joins the already existing Berlina, Coupé and Cabriolet. Orders for the new BMW M3 Touring can be placed from September 2022, months before the market launch due to start production in November 2022. The BMW M3 Touring will be built alongside the BMW M3 Sedan at the BMW Group plant in Munich.
