Will BMW Build an M3 Touring Model for the first time?

BMW could debut a first for the brand if it decides to roll out an M3 Touring when it releases the new 3-Series Touring Model.

BMW has a new 3-Series for the 2019 model year, which is really no big surprise. The company will also come out with a wagon version, known in BMW-speak as the touring model. That’s also not a huge surprise.

The big surprise comes from info attained by Autocar from “insiders at the firm” that the Bavarian automaker might finally produce an M3 Touring version of the car. While this possibility hasn’t been confirmed by BMW, it has many enthusiasts in a tizzy.

Why an M3 Touring Now?

There are a few reasons the M3 Touring makes sense for BMW to do right now. First, BMW is building the car anyway and to soup it up and make it into an M3 can’t possibly take much extra work, especially when the company is already producing an M3 version of the sedan.

Second, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have performance wagons and BMW probably doesn’t want to be left out of the mix any longer. Mercedes has its AMG C63 Estate and Audi has its Audi RS4 Avant.

Motor1 noted that BMW actually made a high-performance 3-Series wagon once, but it was just a one-off. Now with the introduction of the new 2019 3-Series, it could be the perfect time to do the real thing, finally.

Why an M3 Estate is Important

First and foremost it shows that BMW is still willing to do new things that aren’t crossovers or SUVs. Too often, the brand has been focused on its taller-standing vehicles.

It has seemed to me that the company is so busy chasing the almighty dollar that it has forgotten the fact that the brand used to be known for building “the ultimate driving machine.” This rumor, if true, would likely rebuild some trust with the BMW owners who actually care about driving and care less about image and prestige.

It’s also important because it’s a first for the brand. The 3-Series is an automotive icon and a new, special version of the vehicle is worthy of some attention even if it is just a rumor at this point.

With all of the reasons for BMW to actually build the car, it makes sense to put a little stock in this rumor. The company already have the wagon version of the vehicle (below is a video of the car in a camo wrap during testing), and it has an M3 version of the sedan. All the company needs to do is put the two together.

The new 2019 3-Series Touring may debut as early as March of 2019, so if there’s an M3 version produced it will likely come after that.