More roof, same great BMW M performance.
The BMW M3 is a car that has sparked debate since its market launch, not because of its origins or power,but because of its bold design decisions– most notably its huge front grille. But over time, the M3 has become a familiar sight on European roads, with fans becoming more accustomed to its controversial looks.
Now, with the introduction of the M3 Touring, BMW has taken the sedan's performance and practicality to a whole new level, with a wagon version that perfectly balances speed and usability.
BMW M3 Touring 2025 Quick Specs
- Engine: 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with two turbochargers
- Power: 503 horsepower / 640 Nm of torque
- 0-100 km/h: 3.2 seconds
- Weight: 1838 kg
- Base price: £91,775 (United Kingdom)
The M3 Touring is equipped with the same engine used in the M3 Sedan – BMW's 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine – but with some changes. The Competition model, which is the version offered in the United Kingdom, has 523 horsepower and 640 Nm of torque, delivered to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This means the M3 Touring is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 250 km/h (which can be increased to 280 km/h for an additional fee). This level of performance ensures that even those carrying heavy groceries or luggage will have no trouble keeping up with more aggressive sports cars.
Pros: Improved aesthetics, incredible speed, excellent practicality
The most obvious advantage of the M3 Touring over the sedan is its additional practicality. The Touring model comes with more space, with the trunk offering 17.6 cubic feet with the seats up and an impressive 53.3 cubic feet when they are folded down. Although not as large as the X3 (which offers up to 60 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded), the M3 Touring is much more practical for those who need to carry luggage while maintaining high performance.
In terms of performance, the M3 Touring makes no compromises. It may be a wagon, but it shares the M3 Sedan's muscular looks and raw power, albeit with more room for your luggage. The car I tested came in a fine grey color, which complemented the car's curves and highlighted the muscular lines of the bodywork without being too flashy. On a crowded parking lot or while stuck in traffic, the M3 Touring looks just as stunning.
Inside, the M3 Touring has an eye-catching interior with a large infotainment screen dominating the center console, and a variety of dramatic surfaces to keep you entertained. The driving mode selector allows you to switch between driving modes, enabling you to fine-tune the car's characteristics – whether you're looking for relaxed driving or a powerful beast.
However, with so many options available, some may find it a little too much. But if you're a fan of personalization, you'll appreciate the level of control you have over the car's settings.
Cons: Uncomfortable seats, harsh ride, overly complex settings
Although the M3 Touring offers exceptional performance, it is not without its drawbacks. One of the biggest complaints is the M Carbon bucket seats. Although they keep you firmly in place during spirited driving, getting in and out of them is a hassle. The hard, sharp bolsters make graceful entry and exit difficult, making the whole experience feel less than refined.The M3 Touring is aperformance-focused car, but for everyday use, these seats may not be the most comfortable choice.
In addition, the ride can be jarring, especially when the car is set to its most aggressive suspension settings. While it handles well on smoother roads, on rougher surfaces the car can feel a little too jittery.
This is not a car designed to provide you with the smoothest possible ride, but rather a car focused on high performance. So, if you are looking for a relaxed cruiser, the M3 Touring may not be for you.
The settings of the car's various systems can also be confusing. While it is great that the car offers so many options, it is easy to get lost in all the customisation settings. Some drivers may prefer a simpler experience, but fortunately the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel allow you to save your preferred settings for easy access.
The verdict: The M3 Touring is the best M3
Despite its few shortcomings, the M3 Touring is undoubtedly the best version of the M3. It offers a balance of performance, practicality, and style that overshadows the M3 Sedan. The wagon design may not be for everyone, but for those who want to add a little extra practicality to their M3 experience without sacrificing speed or handling, the M3 Touring is a dream come true.
It may not offer the same track-ready, pure driving experience as theM4 GTS, but for those looking for the best combination of everyday usability and stunning performance, the M3 Touring is a solid choice. Just skip the uncomfortable seats and you will have a road masterpiece capable of carrying both your luggage and your adrenaline.
