There’s a new BMW M3 coming, and as much as we’d like to be over the moon about it…we’re not quite as excited as we could be. Granted, it certainly sounds like it’s going to be spectacular: a new twin-turbo inline-six cranking out up to 500 horsepower, a base model with a manual gearbox and rear-wheel-drive, and of course, BMW’s latest suite of high-tech tricks pushing its performance to new levels. But at least for now, it’s hard to get past the car’s face. While other 3 Series sedans make do with a more modest front end, the giant grille first reaching production on the new 4 Series will be in full effect on the new M3.
Still, while the new M3 (and M4 coupe) may have a front end that’ll take some getting used to, the car’s rear end might prove to include a pleasant surprise. It seems that BMW may be planning on finally giving the world an M3 Touring — or in other words, a station wagon version.
That’s the word from BMW Blog, which cites an unnamed-but-trusted source in the matter. According to the report, the M3 station wagon has been green-lit by the company, but won’t arrive until 2023 or so – a couple years after the sedan and coupe (and, presumably, convertible) reach showrooms. In all the years the M3 has been around, BMW has never offered its hottest 3 Series in station wagon form (though in-house tuner Alpina does offer a souped-up 3er Touring), so doing so now would be a much-appreciated change for enthusiasts who crave the added space of a two-box but don’t want to go full X3 M.
Assuming this report does prove true, it prompts another big question: would the M3 Touring come to America? Odds don’t seen great; BMW axed the last of its station wagons from its U.S. lineup when the previous-generation 3 Series died off. Then again, if there’s one type of wagon Americans do seem to dig, it’s the high-performance kind; the Mercedes-AMG E63 S, Audi RS 6 Avant and Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo are all proof of that. Fior now, we’ll just keep our fingers crossed.