The BMW M3 Touring is 85mm longer externally than the BMW 3-Series Touring at 4,794mm, 76mm wider (1,903mm) and 4mm lower (1,436mm).
This BMW’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line unit stands out with its urgent power delivery and a healthy appetite for revs. The engine puts maximum torque of 650Nm between 2,750 and 5,500rpm and produces peak output of 510hp when the revs hit 6,250rpm. Its red line is 7,200 rpm.
The straight-six engine powering the BMW M3 Touring also forms the basis for the unit in the new BMW M4 GT3 endurance racing car. Its power output, efficiency and track ability are therefore partly down to numerous components developed on the back of BMW M GmbH’s years of racing experience.
These include a rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a cylinder head with a core manufactured using 3D printing.
The BMW M3 Touring takes just 3.6 seconds to power from 0 to 62mph and 12.9 seconds to reach 124mph from rest. The sprint from 50 – 75mph is over in 2.7 seconds (in 4th gear) or 3.5 seconds (in 5th gear). Opting for the M Driver’s Package increases the electronically limited top speed from 155 to 174mph.
BMW M3 Touring Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic
The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic fitted as standard is perfectly attuned to the engine’s performance characteristics. A direct connection to the engine and remarkably quick gear shifts lend themselves to a performance-focused driving style, as do engine speed adjustment on downshifts in automatic mode and the ability to change straight to the lowest possible gear in manual mode.
The M Steptronic transmission allows both fully automated gear changes and manual shifts using the M-specific selector lever or the standard shift paddles on the steering wheel.
Nudging either paddle allows the driver to temporarily switch from automated to manual mode in an instant. It is also possible to execute multiple downshifts to the lowest available gear in manual mode by pulling on the left shift paddle while pressing the accelerator to the floor.
M Steptronic does not force upshifts under acceleration in manual mode – even when the engine’s revs hit the limiter.
The driver can use the Drivelogic button integrated into the selector lever to alter the transmission’s shift characteristics, with three clearly distinguishable settings in both automated and manual mode. As well as a comfort-oriented setup and a setting for sporty driving, drivers can activate a track-optimised configuration for the shift characteristics.
BMW M3 Touring M xDrive all-wheel-drive system
The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure fully variable distribution of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels. Its rear-wheel bias adds to the M feeling while enhancing both traction and agility.
The system features integrated wheel slip control for quick adjustments to power transmission. This intensifies the sense of unruffled poise for which M models are renowned.
Teaming up with the all-wheel drive is the Active M Differential that ensures fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the rear wheels. This helps to plant power firmly on the road without losses, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side.
The M xDrive system and Active M Differential, with its built-in M-specific traction control, link up with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to ensure precise interaction.
M xDrive also allows the driver to tailor its characteristics to their individual preferences. In the default 4WD setting, the all-wheel-drive system offers maximum traction while maintaining a distinctly rear-biased power split.
Activating 4WD Sport mode directs a greater proportion of torque to the rear wheels, enhancing agility. The linear build-up of lateral acceleration forces characteristic of M models now makes it possible to execute controlled drifts. Drivers can also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode.
In this setting, drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels, with traction finely adjusted through ten stages with the standard M Traction Control feature.
Meanwhile, the direct and closets rival comes from Audi.
Audi RS4 Avant competition plus
Audi Sport GmbH is increasing the sportiness of the Audi RS4 Avant with a new competition package is bursting with extras that both sharpen the cars’ appearance and make for a more emotional driving experience.
With its coilover suspension (RS sport suspension pro), the competition plus package boasts a maximum in dynamics and driving fun while not compromising its top suitability for everyday use.
Reduced insulation between the engine compartment and the interior means the RS4 Avant and RS5 will thrill customers with an exciting, next-level sound experience. The potent biturbo V6 has 450 PS of power and a torque of 600 newton meters from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm.
The Audi RS4 Avant with the competition plus package goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the series standard.
The dynamic steering ratio is fixed at a ratio of 1:13.1. With all these enhancements, Audi Sport GmbH has created unerring handling and even greater tracking. The heightened dynamics necessitate an increase in negative acceleration.
In combination with the Pirelli P Zero Corsa, a newly tuned ABS software, and the RS ceramic brake system, the brake path is up to two meters shorter when braking from 100 km/h.
Below we share the important stats for your final evaluation.
BMW M3 Competition M xDriveTouring Specifications
Engine: 6 cylinder 3.0 L
Horsepower: 510 PS
Torque: 650 Nm
Weight: 1940 kg
0-100 km/h: 3.6 sec
Top Speed 280 km/h
Selling Price Estimated: 111,950 euros
Audi RS4 Avant Competition Specifications
Engine: V6 cylinder 2.9 L
Horsepower: 450 PS
Torque: 600 Nm
Weight: 1920 kg
0-100 km/h: 3.9 sec
Top Speed: 290 km/h
Selling Price Estimated: 105,800 euros
