The BMW M3 Touring Competition xDrive has long been one of those cars Malaysians could only admire from afar. Combining BMW M’s trademark performance with the practicality of a wagon, it has been on sale in overseas markets for some time (about four years). Now finally available as an official unit from BMW Malaysia, the super wagon is priced from RM950,900, on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of BMW’s extended warranty package.
Being of the M3 Competition xDrive specification, the car carries over the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 530 hp and 650 Nm of torque. With power sent to all four wheels (AWD) via an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, this allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.
Maintaining BMW M’s hallmark handling characteristics, the M3 Touring is equipped with Adaptive M Suspension that adjusts to changing road conditions, an M Sport differential that optimises traction, and M Compound brakes that provide ample stopping power. Drivers can also engage Drift Mode, which completely decouples the front axle to deliver a pure rear-wheel-drive experience for epic slides.
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All this performance is complemented by excellent practicality thanks to its Touring body style. Besides its distinctive looks, the tailgate features a split-opening design, allowing the rear windscreen to be opened independently for easier access to the boot. Cargo capacity stands at 500 litres, expanding to 1,510 litres with the rear seats folded.
Inside, the cabin is largely identical to that of the current BMW 3 Series, featuring BMW’s Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central infotainment display. Setting it apart from the standard model are a thick-rimmed BMW M steering wheel, extensive carbon-fibre trim, and, most notably, the full carbon bucket seats, which provide a snug fit for spirited driving or track use.
