BMW shifts focus off the beaver grille, reveals the first-ever G81 2022 BMW M3 Touring

Yes, this is indeed the first-ever BMW M3 Touring as there has never been a production M3 wagon. Based on the G80-generation BMW M3, the 2022 (G81) BMW M3 Touring adds practicality and a massive dose of appeal to enthusiasts, possibly enough to offset its front fascia.

Unlike the M3 Sedan, the M3 Touring comes in only the Competition form with M xDrive all-wheel drive system. Which means the S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six makes 510 PS/650 Nm and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Also read: All-new G80 BMW M3 Competition introduced in Malaysia; 510 PS/650 Nm, from RM 664k

The G81 BMW M3 Touring does 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, just 0.1 second off the sedan counterpart. Top speed is capped at 280 km/h with the M Driver’s Package option ticked.

Also read: BMW M teases G81 BMW M3 Touring! Power wagon that never happened is finally coming to life

Currently, the G81 BMW M3 Touring holds the record for the fastest wagon around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, completing the lap in 7 minutes and 35 seconds.

To cope with additional weight of the wagon body, measures such as underfloor and boot bracing have been deployed to ensure torsional rigidity, while dampers have been uprated. The rest of the M-specific components are shared with the sedan and coupe.

Inside, the G81 BMW M3 Touring gets the latest BMW Curved Display that blends two widescreens into a large curved piece, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14.9-inch infotainment display, running on the current BMW OS 8. This is essentially facelifted from the get-go.

Also read: 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series facelift (LCI) unveiled with a less controversial redesigned grille

And of course, the boot. There’s 500 litres worth of boot space and with the rear seats folded down, the cargo area expands to 1,510 litres.

The G81 BMW M3 Touring will be displayed at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. Orders for the new M3 Touring in international markets will begin from September 2022, while production is set to begin in November 2022.

Also read: To celebrate 50 years of BMW M, classic badge and iconic colours will return in 2022