Power is sent through a sharp-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission – not a dual-clutch like previous generations of M3 – to all four wheels via BMW M’s own variable xDrive system. Power is mostly sent to the rear wheels, with the torque split with the front dependent on conditions and your selected drive mode. It also comes with the option of decoupling the front axle altogether.
If the standard M3 Touring doesn’t provide enough of a thrill for you, there’s also the BMW M3 CS Touring to consider. With 15kg worth of weight reduction, further suspension tweaks, and an additional 19bhp on tap, this mad estate feels even more hardcore when pushed. That being said, the bespoke chassis tweaks also make it slightly more refined for day-to-day use compared to the standard M3 Touring, which we found rather surprising.
| Model | Power | 0-62mph | Top speed |
| M3 Touring | 523bhp | 3.6 seconds | 155mph |
| M3 CS Touring | 542bhp | 3.5 seconds | 186mph |
Performance, 0-60mph acceleration and top speed
Thanks to a potent mix of low-end torque, all-wheel drive and a fast-shifting automatic transmission, the BMW M3 Touring will reach 62mph in 3.6 seconds. This time is an exact match for the latest Audi RS 5, even though that rival produces a little bit more power from its plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The BMW’s top speed is limited to 155mph as standard, but this can be raised to 184mph by equipping the M Driver’s Pack. This pack includes a BMW M Driver training course, and is automatically bundled with the carbon ceramic brake option if selected. Alternatively, you can opt for the CS variant which also carries this higher top speed, as well as shaving 0.1 seconds off the 0 to 62mph time.
Town driving, visibility and parking
Although the M3 Touring provides the same amount of visibility as a standard 3 Series Touring, the sports-oriented suspension will transform potholes and speed bumps from inconveniences into the bane of your life. There’s no hiding the impact of imperfections in the road, but aside from this, you shouldn’t have too many worries apart from other people knocking into your beloved (and expensive) estate.
Country road driving and handling
BMW has fitted its electronically-controlled M Sport locking rear differential that facilitates power torque-vectoring between the individual rear wheels. It all sounds incredibly complicated, and it is, but on the road the overwhelming feeling is of control and clarity, creating an amazing transparency to the car’s drivetrain.
