James Kon
The first-ever BMW M3 Touring combining distinct high performance drive and spacious room has arrived in the Sultanate.
QAF Auto announced the launch of the new BMW M3 Touring on Thursday bringing new body variant to its line-up of high-performance models in the premium midsize class with a powertrain technology.
It brings together the 510 horsepower (hp) version of the six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The latest addition to the range is available exclusively in BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive form. The variable-use interior of the first-ever BMW M3 Touring gives it a distinctive character profile while the new BMW iDrive including BMW Curved Display brings cutting-edge control/operation and connectivity tech to the cabin.
The car also comes with BMW Laserlight that can be identified by the blue inlays inside the headlight units. It includes cornering light and adaptive cornering functions with variable road illumination and the BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling High-beam Assistant.
At speeds above 60 kilometres per hour (km/h), BMW Laserlight increases high-beam range to a maximum 550 metres and follows the course of the road dynamically.
The M-specific design cues firmly invested in the functional requirements of cooling air routing and aerodynamic balance. Other distinctive features are the M gills in the front side panels and the exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron to the left and right of centre.
The version of the six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developed for the competition models in the BMW M3 line-up produces maximum output of 510 hp and peak torque of 650 newton-metre. Distinguished by the appetite for revs for which M engines are renowned, plus linear power delivery sustained into high load ranges, the 3.0-litre straight-six forms the basis for the unit in the new BMW M4 GT3 endurance racing car.
It’s cooling and oil supply systems are designed to handle extremely high longitudinal and lateral dynamic forces on the track. And the M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps generates an emotionally arresting soundtrack.
The engine joins forces with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, offering three gearshift programmes and can be operated using shift paddles on the steering wheel. The engine’s power is channelled through to the road via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which teams up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle.
The need-based distribution of power across all four wheels optimises the traction of the first-ever BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive, as well as its agility and directional stability.
Meanwhile opting for the M Driver’s Package increases the electronically limited top speed from 250 km/h to 280 km/h. As well as the basic 4WD setting, the driver can also select 4WD Sport mode via the Setup menu. This provides an even more intense experience of the M xDrive system’s rear-biased tuning. Switching off DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) brings 2WD mode – also known as pure rear wheel drive – into play.
The DSC system includes wheel slip limitation integrated into the engine control unit. As well as M Dynamic Mode, the first-ever BMW M3 Touring also has the M Traction Control function as standard.
The BMW Curved Display is fitted as standard in the first-ever BMW M3 Touring. The fully digital screen grouping is made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches.
Public can view the new first-ever BMW M3 Touring at QAF Auto’s showroom.
