BMW M3 Touring Arrives As A 503 HP Super Wagon With AWD

BMW M is on a roll, as this year marks the performance division's 50th anniversary. To celebrate this exciting milestone, a new addition to the M3 lineup has arrived, but this time it comes in the form of a wagon. The long-awaited M3 Touring has finally been unveiled after what feels like years of teasers and sneaky previews, and it looks like this new Audi RS4 Avant competitor will live up to the hype.

The same 3.0 liter six-cylinder that powers the M3 sedan is found in the M3 Touring's engine bay, producing 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This wagon's potent straight-six is paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with no manual to be seen. Power is sent to all four wheels, thanks to a standard xDrive AWD drivetrain, enabling more traction and stability. With all of this power, the M3 Touring goes from 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds, but the top speed has been limited to 174 miles per hour.

Beyond the powertrain, there is also a strong braking system with two settings that enhance pedal feel, and ceramic carbon discs are available as an option. 19" wheels are standard, but can be upgraded to 20" sizes. Either way, they are wrapped in performance-oriented tires that were developed with track days in mind. There is also an Active M differential mounted on the rear axle, as well as a sport-tuned suspension system.

All of this hard work that BMW put into the M3 Touring paid off at a visit to the Nürburgring, with an official lap time of 7:35:060. This breaks the lap time record for wagons, and even beats some supercars.

There isn't anything novel to report from the outside, with the exception of the Touring's lengthened wagon body style that allows for 53.3 cubic feet of trunk space. The gargantuan grille still dominates the front fascia, but BMW assures us that it has a purpose. Along with the side air intakes and bulging wheel arches, the tooth-like kidney grilles help to cool the vehicle and direct air flow. Meanwhile, the sculpted bumpers and side skirts improve aerodynamics, and are painted black to create what BMW describes as a "band around the whole of the car." At the back, the main attraction is a large rear diffuser that houses the four-pipe exhaust system. Hidden below the roof spoiler is a flap that assists in guiding air flow. This flap, along with the roof and standard roof rails, is painted in gloss black on all M3 Touring models. But if you absolutely despise black roofs, a paint-colored roof is offered as an option.

Unfortunately, the M3 Touring will not be making its way stateside, but European customers will be able to put down deposits for BMW's new super wagon this October. Production will start in November alongside the M3 sedan, with the first deliveries happening shortly after. If you're attending the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the M3 Touring will be on display there.

Do you wish the M3 Touring was coming to the US?

Images: BMW