BMW Australia will introduce the first-ever BMW M3 Touring here in early 2023. It brings
together racetrack pedigree, a distinctive character and broad spread of practical qualities.
It is the fourth body variant in the BMW M3 and M4 line-up and will be offered exclusively
in Competition specification with the intelligent and configurable M xDrive all-wheel-drive
system.
It combines the 375kW version of the six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo
technology, the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, and M xDrive.
The BMW M3 Touring launches as celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of BMW M
continue.
Australia continues to be among the world’s leading markets for BMW M, with one in five
BMWs registered here wearing an M badge.
A muscular exterior design package ensuring clear differentiation within the line-up. These
are the vertically arranged, frameless BMW kidney grille, large side air intakes, powerfully
sculpted wheel arches and prominently extended side skirts.
Other distinctive features are the M gills in the front side panels and the exhaust tailpipes
integrated into the rear apron.
BMW Laserlight is characterised by blue details inside the headlight units. The Laserlight
system includes the cornering light and adaptive cornering functions with variable road
illumination calibrated for both urban and freeway driving.
In addition, it integrates BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling High-beam Assistant to
provide optimum illumination for rural or low-lit roads.
BMW Individual lights Shadow Line, with darkened inlays at the upper edges, is also fitted
as standard.
Regardless of the exterior colour, the roof of the M3 Touring is finished as standard in
black high-gloss. The standard roof rails and the model-specific gurney air-directing flap on
the roof spoiler are painted in the same hue. The roof can also be finished in the selected
body colour.
Customers can further elevate the styling of their M3 Touring upon selection of the newly
introduced M Carbon Experience – a package that includes carbon fibre features for the
exterior and interior alongside dynamic and experience features.
Exterior elements made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) fitted as part of the
optional package include side mirror caps, side inlets in the front bumper and rear diffuser
insert.
The specific version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo
technology developed for the Competition models in the M3/M4 line-up produces
maximum output of 375kW and peak torque of 650Nm.
Its cooling and oil supply systems are designed to handle high longitudinal and lateral
dynamic forces on the track. The M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled
flaps that generates an emotionally arresting soundtrack.
The engine drives through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, which integrates
Drivelogic to offer three gearshift programs to suit different preferences and driving styles.
Engine power is channeled to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which
combines with the Active M Differential at the rear axle.
Acceleration from zero to 100km/h takes just 3.6 seconds and the sprint from zero to
200km/h requires only 12.9 seconds.
As well as the basic 4WD setting, the driver can also select 4WD Sport mode via the
Setup menu. This provides rear-biased tuning, while switching off DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control) brings pure rear-wheel-drive into play.
The M3 Touring chassis development program included tuning work at multiple sites
including the BMW Group’s Miramas testing facility in the south of France, the winter
testing centre in Arjeplog, Sweden and the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, as
well as comprehensive running on public alpine roads, freeways and in everyday urban
traffic.
The Adaptive M suspension system with electronically controlled shock absorbers and M
Servotronic steering with a variable ratio further hones the car’s overall dynamic
competence while achieving a high level of comfort for multiple driving scenarios.
A range of forged M light-alloy wheel designs, 19-inch for the front and 20-inch for the rear,
is available as standard equipment.
Its DSC system includes wheel slip limitation integrated into the engine control unit, while
M Dynamic Mode and M Traction Control are standard. In the M xDrive system’s 2WD
mode, the driver can adjust the intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation through 10
stages to carefully approach the physical limits under hard cornering on the track.
Electrically adjustable M Sport seats with memory function and seat heating plus ‘Merino’
leather trim come as standard.
The optional M Carbon bucket seats for the driver and front passenger – available as part
of the M Carbon Experience – offer a symbiosis of motorsport feeling, lightweight design,
sumptuous workmanship and long-distance comfort.
Anti-slip rails that rise automatically from the boot floor to prevent items of luggage from
sliding around in dynamic driving situations are standard.
The M-specific control/operation system includes the Setup button, which provides direct
access to settings and options for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system and M
xDrive.
Two overall vehicle setups can be stored and called up using the M buttons on the
steering wheel. As well as M Traction Control, M Drive Professional also offers the M Drift
Analyser and the M Laptimer.
The M Mode button on the centre console can be used to adjust the responses of the
driver assistance systems and the content shown in the information display and Head-Up
Display. BMW M3 Touring drivers can also choose from the Road, Sport and Track
settings.
