Breaking from the norm of prevalent sedan and SUV body styles in South Africa, the highly anticipated BMW M3 Touring has arrived on local shores. This isn't just any station wagon; it's a potent, high-performance version of the iconic M3.
Globally unveiled in 2022, its late 2024 arrival in South Africa was met with significant demand, with the initial allocation of units quickly selling out, hinting at a potential shift in local appreciation for this versatile yet thrilling performance machine. While traditionally more popular in European markets, the M3 Touring's blend of M-car dynamics and wagon practicality clearly struck a chord, and we delve into what this special model offers.
Touring or station wagon body shapes are not as common as hatches, sedans or SUVs, so when one gets launched, it’s usually a special or high-performance version. In this instance, it is a combination of both. The BMW M3 Touring was first unveiled globally in 2022, and arrived in South Africa towards the end of 2024 when local media got a first viewing at the annual M Fest.
At the event, representatives of the German brand made it clear that all of the allocated units for SA had already been accounted for. With that being said, additional units will likely be made in 2025 for those that missed out on the first batch of units, but there’s no guarantee how many that will be. It just shows that people have money.
While SA hasn't been one of the biggest markets for BMW's Touring chassis overall, the model is extremely popular in Germany, Great Britain and other European countries, as well as Australia.
The exterior comprises of the now-familiar large kidney grille, LED headlights, a roof (with roof rails) finished in high-gloss black, a Gurney air-directing flap on the roof spoiler as well as 19-inch alloy wheels in the front and 20-inch versions at the rear. Other noticeable exterior additions are flared wheel arches and side skirts.
The M-specific cockpit consists of a 12.3-inch information display, Harmon Kardon audio, wireless charging, a 14.9-inch control display, M sport seats, and seat heating for the driver and front passenger. Available as options are electrically adjustable and heated M Carbon bucket seats, Head-Up Display and seat ventilation.
Standard specification for all model variants includes Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, Cruise Control with brake function, front collision warning system with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, Park Assist Plus and the Driving Assistant Professional, which adds functions such as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant with automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Keeping Assistant, traffic light detection and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.
The Touring's source of power comes from an M TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine that has overall outputs of 390kW (up from 375kW) and 650Nm. An eight-speed M Steptronic transmission sends power to all four wheels, and that translates to a 0-100km/h time of 3.6-seconds. The M Driver’s Package is offered as standard in SA, which increases the overall claimed top speed from 250km/h to 280km/h. For those interested, the average fuel consumption is claimed to be 10.4-litres/100km.
The drive
With a professional instructor in the passenger seat, we got to experience the M3 Touring around the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, and we could feel every bit of acceleration and traction from the pull-off, largely thanks to the xDrive AWD system. The surge of raw power available in a straight line is almost never-ending, and the experience is amplified by a burbly exhaust note. Equally, the grip around corners is precisely what you’d expect from an AWD performance car.
You wouldn’t say that the car weighs 1 745kg, because it goes where the steering wheel is pointed and does so with precision. With such performance, strong stopping power is required and that is taken care of via a set of M Compound ventilated brakes – six-piston in front and single floating at the rear. For those who want even better braking, carbon-ceramic discs can be had at additional cost, and they are 14kg lighter as well.
The stability of the xDrive system means that there are very few occasions where the rear end wants to move out of line, even under hard acceleration.
Pricing
M3 Competition AWD Touring - R2 195 000
The aftersales package consists of a 2-year or unlimited warranty and a 5-year maintenance plan.
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