2023 BMW M3 Touring makes improvements to a rare model

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The M3 Touring is the first of its kind, but the tantalizing combo will remain off-limits on the Americans.

The M3 Touring—a first of its kind—shares its overbite grille and adaptive AWD/RWD system with the marginally less expensive M3 Competition xDrive sedan. The two also share the same powertrain, comprising a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Although 53 cubic feet of luggage space with the rear bench folded is a welcome bonus for the next weekend getaway or trip to the DIY superstore, the M3 Touring is best used on six days out of seven in its signature role as the ultimate driving machine.

The M3 Touring is a hardcore and rough-edged high-performance wagon that shines brightest when driven aggressively. Keen drivers will find an unfiltered audio soundtrack, an uncompromising ride, a narrow bargaining zone at the limit, and on uneven tarmac, the iffy directional stability of a tightrope walker. While the taller and longer rear end improves the weight distribution by a tiny margin, it inches the center of gravity upward by a similar measure. Since the recalibrated rear suspension is tuned for a broader variety of axle loads than the sedan, the Touring displays an occasional shoulder-jostling stiffness we don’t recall in its notchback sibling.

The 2023 BMW M3 Touring makes improvements to a rare modelDIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 112.5 in
Length: 189.0 in
Width: 74.9 in
Height: 56.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 55/42 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 53/18 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4200 lb

ENGINE

Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 183 in3, 2993 cm3
Power: 503 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque: 479 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm

More sensible shoppers will gravitate toward the M340i xDrive Touring, but dyed-in-the-wool M3 aficionados will want the real McCoy. But beware: The 503-hp Touring is not a part-time school bus; Saturday morning shopping cart; or the family’s only car, with two baby seats in the back. Instead, this super-special M car deserves to live its life in the fast lane.