When it comes to the term wicked, you can opt for the mischievous or ultra-cool meaning, however, when it comes to the new M3 Competition Touring, BMW went for both. Not only is pushing down on the accelerator an event, but boy does it turn heads – oh, and it’s a family wagon too.
When we (and virtually every other motoring journalist) heard that there was a first-ever M3 Touring in the wings, the anticipation was palpable. You see, having a vehicle that masterfully blends high-performance engineering and practical family functionality is a reviewer’s dream – sure SUV’s have a similar offering, but seriously, this is a wagon and a fresh take on the iconic M3 lineage. Anyway, it’s now had an LCI upgrade, upping the Competition Touring’s power and presentation – and we got to play with it.
Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter, the powertrain. Under the bonnet lies a refined 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic Sport transmission with Drivelogic. Together they produce 390kW (15kW more than before) and 650Nm of torque. Moreover, it offers impressive low-end response and seemingly relentless power delivery. Borrowing features from motorsport applications, such as forged internals and 3D-printed components in its headers, the engine not only performs exceptionally but also retains reliability under extreme conditions.
The M3 Competition Touring accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, outpacing competitors like the Audi RS4 Competition, and its all-wheel-drive system, based on BMW’s xDrive technology, primarily favors the rear wheels but can adjust torque distribution as required, or even decouple the front axle for a ‘purists’ rear-wheel-drive experience.
Complementing the drivetrain is an electronically-controlled M-Sport differential for seamless torque vectoring at the rear wheels. Despite its considerable weight, the M3 feels agile and precise, with body roll kept to an absolute minimum and damping excellent across challenging road surfaces. Drivers can expect remarkable control and exhilarating handling at all speeds.
BMW M engineers paid particular attention to the M3 Touring’s chassis, integrating bespoke elements like wider rear arches, custom suspension geometries, and underbody bracing borrowed from the M4 Cabriolet. The Touring’s design borrows heavily from the saloon, while subtle details like massive staggered wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear) and a more aggressive stance enhance its aesthetic appeal (especially in my Dravit Grey review model). Though controversial, the prominent kidney grilles remain a divisive design feature – but as I’ve said many times before I LIKE THEM.
The interior showcases BMW’s latest curved dashboard design, with digital displays for both instrumentation (12.3-inch) and infotainment (14.9-inch). Powered by BMW’s Operating System 8, the infotainment system combines slick functionality with live traffic updates, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Harman Kardon audio system comes as standard, ensuring top-notch sound quality. Customisation is extensive, with options for bold upholstery colours and M-specific carbon-fibre trims for a personal touch .
But let’s not forget that the M3 Competition Touring is practical as well, retaining the spaciousness and flexibility of the standard 3 Series Touring. Despite the emphasis on performance, its rear seats, ample boot space, and premium materials ensure that it fulfills its role as a family-friendly vehicle – although they may well be more queasy should you drive anywhere near this bad-boy’s potential.
In a word, the BMW M3 Competition Touring’ performance is brutal. It pulls stronger than a gigolo at a hen’s party and has far more staying power. It has three specific drive modes Road, Sport and Track (the latter making you jump through a few disclaimers to engage), with each mode kicking the fun up several rungs. While for those that like their driving experience more personalised, you can set up everything from acceleration and steering inputs to chassis firmness and even the gear-change mapping (speed). With the red M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel being your individual shortcuts once set.
In the corners, the Michelin Pilot Sport rubber acts like velcro to the tarmac, while the light-weight and M-illuminated seats keep you from kissing the side windows when things get really spirited. Although the 8-speed box is more than capable of racing up and down the gears (arguably) quicker than you, there are paddles available for you to add to the M3 driving experience – is there nothing this car can’t do?
When not driving it like someone possessed (so hardly ever), the Road mode does tame things down a bit. The ride is softer, but still firm, and its space and wagon practicality comes to the fore. Despite it being a performance car, the nose is not too low as to scrape its chin on speed bumps. Like I said, is there nothing this car can’t do? (alright, let’s not talk about efficiency).
The BMW M3 Competition Touring is all I hoped for, it combines unparalleled M- performance with the practicality of a family estate. Its incredible engineering and cutting-edge features make it stand out in the high-performance car market, although its price and operating costs may deter some buyers. Nonetheless, for those seeking the ultimate fusion of speed, luxury, and utility, the M3 Competition Touring confidently justifies its premium $200k price tag.
