BMW may have called dibs on the first look at a camouflaged M3 Touring last week through the release of a teaser video showing a prototype undergoing testing just after confirming plans to build it earlier this month, but our spy shooters got to work nabbing a slew of photos.
As with the official video, the first-ever M3 station wagon was caught driving around “M Town” aka BMW’s facilities in Munich, Germany. These photos provide us with a more definite look at the car that takes the regular 3-Series Touring body and enhances it with bespoke elements from the M3 sedan, including the bespoke nose and wider bumpers. Original article follows below. [Updated 8/28/2020]
As you can see, the model will follow in the footsteps of the M3 sedan and adopt a massive grille that is flanked by large air intakes.
The model also sports aerodynamic mirrors, aggressive side skirts and a unique rear bumper. A closer inspection also reveals a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system and what appears to be extend fenders on both ends giving it a more muscular look.
BMW is staying tight-lipped about the model, but they have previously said the M3 Touring is in the early stages of its approximately two year long development process. As a result, the model is still a ways off and will be launched after the M4 Convertible which debuts next year. That being said, BMW has stated the go-ahead to test on public roads “means that the decisive step towards series maturity has been taken.”
The company has been coy on specifications, but the standard M3 will be powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine sourced from the X3 M and X4 M. In base form, it produces 473 hp (352 kW / 480 PS) and 442 lb-ft (598 Nm) of torque. Customers will also be able to opt for a Competition variant which has 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS).
Leaving M Town for the first time.
Posted by BMW M on Tuesday, August 25, 2020
While the Bavarians have already confirmed the M3 Touring will have a “6-cylinder M TwinPower turbo engine,” additional details remain unconfirmed. This means we can’t be certain the wagon will be offered with automatic and manual transmissions as well as a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive like the upcoming sedan model.
Regardless, BMW has said the car will be the most fun and precise wagon in its class. They have also described the M3 Touring as a “functional utility” that’s also a “thoroughbred sports car.”