BMW mulls M3 wagon for 2020

BMW is set to offer the ultimate antidote to the SUV in the coming 18 months by unleashing a wagon variant of its venerable M3 sports car.

British publication Autocar reports the M3 Touring model has been pencilled for production as a rival to the Audi RS4 Avant and Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate. It will join a revised 3 Series Touring line-up that is set to be unveiled as early as the Geneva motor show in March.

The ‘G21’ 3 Series wagon will reportedly adopt elements of the 5 Series Touring design, along with practical solutions like ‘pop-up tailgate glass’ – a la Toyota 4Runner – which will allow small bags to be dropped into the boot without opening the entire hatch door.
Citing insider information, Autocar says an M3 Touring is finally being considered because developmental costs will be minimal, and the concept would be a solid match for European buyers.

We’re sure a fettled wagon would have merit in SUV-mad Australia, too.

There have been varying reports around the future M3, including speculation that it will be offered in all-wheel drive form for the first time. The new car will also utilise the clever water-injection system already employed on the current M4 GTS.

Codenamed G80 and based on next year’s all-new 3 Series, the sixth-generation BMW M3 sedan expected to debut later in 2019 will be based on the new CLAR platform employed by the latest BMW 5 Series and 7 Series models.

The developments come as the current M3 and M4 have been axed in Europe due to emissions regulations. Both are expected to be offered in Australia until at least early 2019.

According to the German car-maker, the M3’s 317kW/550Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six petrol would need to be re-engineered for a new particulate filter to pass the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).