What we know!

The word began spreading at Monterey Auto Week, specifically that BMW could very likely be considering a second wagon for the U.S. – the family friendly version of the favorite M3. The folks at Carbuzz picked up this hint, discovering that Andreas Meyer, BMW’s VP of Product Management for the News World, stated that if the M5 Touring does well in the U.S., a next-gen M3 Touring could follow suit!

While exciting, it is important to note that bringing such a model to the U.S. is not an easy feat. That is because America has strict crash and emissions standards, and if a car is not designed for the U.S. market from the beginning, Federalizing it is often expensive and prohibitively so! While the M3 sedan is sold in the U.S., a wagon would have a different rear structure which would require its very own certification. A new body style also results in the need to recertify emissions and fuel economy.

Manufacturing capacity also needs to be considered. Any automaker can only build so many copies of a given model. Therefore, if other markets can snag all the M3 Tourings BMW can make, then it does not make business sense to sell it in the United States.

BMW remains somewhat close-lipped on the overall plan, but super wagon enthusiasts have cause for hope.

About this mighty ride!

The M3 Touring may look like a wagon, but don’t be fooled! It surely drives like a race car! Debuted in 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH, the M3 Competition Touring is the fourth body variant in the M3/M4 family. This model is also the first long-roof M3 ever officially created by BMW’s in-house hot shop!

Presented standard with all-wheel-drive, the Touring is constructed mostly of the hardware similar to that found under hood of the all-wheel-drive M3 Competition xDrive sedan, a vehicle that earned 2022 Performance Vehicle of the Year kudos.

In the area of power, the M3 Competition Touring makes, thanks to the twin-turbocharged straight-six, 503 hp at 6,250 rpm and pumps out 479 lb-ft of torque from 2,750 to 5,500 rpm. It also jumps from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, according to BMW, which happens to be the same as the acceleration time of the sedan.

Boasting impressive front-end grip, the M3 Competition Touring gets you where you need to go with ease, balanced by the 4WD Sport setting’s propensity to send as much drive as possible to the rear wheels.

It sits on 19-inch wheels up front wrapped in 275/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, with the 20-inch rears wearing meaty 285/30 rubber. It also comes with optional M Carbon brakes.

Due to its dimensions – 3.2 inches longer overall than a regular 3 Series wagon and 3.0 inches wider – it boasts a “tough” appearance, particularly at the rear. Add to that a triple black color scheme on some models, and it is oh-so rugged!

A look inside!

The Touring’s interior is marked notably by BMW’s giant curved display screen, on which live a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. All is powered by BMW’s Operating System 8. Within are also M-specific design features, such as sleek red accents on the M buttons on the steering wheel and the start/stop button on the center console. An embedded M logo is also prominent on the shifter in the console, which also features stitching in M colors. Leather trim is standard, but a full leather package is also available for that added touch of luxury. There are also M carbon sport seats.

Its wagon look and feel are of great appeal, with this being a supremely practical car that happens to go fast. It is also roomy, with the fold-down rear-seat backrest split 40/20/40. With all three elements lowered, the load capacity within is increased from 17.6 cubic feet to 53.3.

There is also an optional M Race Track package, which raises the price. Overall this is a family friendly sports car that is both fast and useful.

Going to impressive lengths to deliver all that is linked to the traditional M promise of dynamic flair, the Touring and its powerful engine is truly a super wagon boasting pure racing DNA. Boldly extravagant and not your wagon of long ago, this Touring has a character all its own. Will this super wagon come to America? We sure hope so! If so, reserve yours the first chance you get!