For the first time, BMW is introducing a wagon version of the venerable M3 in June 2022. Known as the BMW M3 Touring, it is mechanically almost identical to the sedan version with the addition of better cargo space and a hatch at the rear. This puts the M3 among the list of European vehicles where you have to choose between two body types.
This begs the question, at least for YouTube’s Joe Achilles: which of the M3 and M3 Touring sedans is faster in drag racing? To find out, the two Competition models were pitted against each other in England, which you can see in the video above.
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Both the BMW M3 Sedan and M3 Touring are powered by the same S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six. This mill produces 503 horsepower (375 kilowatts) and 479 pound-feet (650 Newton-meters) of torque, providing enough power for quick acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.
The engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission which sends power to all four wheels via xDrive. Both are also equipped with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. However, the M3 Touring has a weakness in weight compared to the M3 sedan.
The particular M3 sedan is 187 pounds (85 kilograms) lighter due to its carbon fiber roof, while the M3 Touring features upgraded carbon ceramic brakes, saving 22 lbs (10 kg) of unsprung mass. This increase will affect acceleration and of course braking. Both cars were capable of a top speed of 155 miles per hour (249 kilometers per hour) without the optional M Driver’s Package.
On paper, the M3 sedan is slightly quicker at zero to 62 mph (100 km/h), which it does in 3.5 seconds. The M3 Touring can do it in 3.6 seconds. Which do you think does it better on asphalt? Of course, that will depend on reaction times and other relative conditions, but the races above this page should give us an idea.
