TEST: BMW M3 Touring Competition M xDrive (G80): e…

Back to 1986: BMW introduced first of all M3a strong model and a 2,3-liter four cylinder engine – derived from a Formula 1 power source – which produced 195 hp and 240 Nm at launch. The rest is history: the M3 became real something between ‘family-friendly’ sports cars and accessible to each new generation property, efficiency and driving pleasure. And the race didn’t end there V8. Although the eight-cylinder engine had only one generation (E9, the fourth), the engineers were able to increase the power of the M3. to do by returning to six-cylinder in line (best for CO₂production and weight) and heavy more charge to use. This is the case to this day for this sixth generation (G80), which is the first to have a breaking difference he gets (Touring). So we should no longer talk about the M3, but about the M3, including the M4 and the M4 Convertible, which is built on the same basis. This combination of body versions and variants (classic M, M3 Competition, M3 CS and so on) seems to be a great success for M GmbH, as the division will be closed in 2023. more than 202,000 of cars issued, 14.3% more than the previous year. The M3 it remains good sales example in the M series.

More powerful

We will not delve into the ‘problem’ part of the car, namely the large kidney grilles at the front which have already caused enough discussion. The Visiting the M3 of course it retains the technical basis of the M3 sedan and M4 Coupé. So let’s look back. The M3 Touring is Height 4,79 meters (with a width of 1.9 m and a height of 1.44 m), ie 7mm more than the sedan and coupe, the extension of which is only due to the long rear overhang. The wheel remains the same, just like weight distribution (50/50), although the Touring version weighs 1,940 kg, or 85 kg more then a sedan. That is quite heavy, and more than that RS 4, which officially weighs 1,820 kg (120 kg less). The trunk lid – of course electric – gives you access to the loading volume of 500 liters, or 20 liters more than a sedan. It’s not a huge difference, but the rear door makes access to the trunk easier, just like that rear window, which opens independently to quickly load small items. You can also use folding rear seats (40/20/40) fold to increase loading volume 1.510 liters. If you’re a car enthusiast and a family, that’s a bonus. A separation net and a storage tray is available, as are non-slip rails.

The interior is clearly in line with the theme of sports real estate: incorporating carbon fiber, bucket seats and to be enlightened The logo of M in the backrests and special steering wheel and the famous red M1 and M2 switches which with one touch (actually two, because you have to confirm it) give access to two configurations of the engine, chassis and transmission, defined by the owner. The interface looks neat and similar to that of the recently updated 3 Series. The dashboard has two high-resolution screens (12.3 and 14.9 inches). Drawings are modified for M. The products Soft user interface connects Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. The options are plentiful and the menus are complete, but there are some missing some physical buttons for certain functions that are used frequently, for example air conditioning. This is a general trend and it remains to be seen to what extent new security assessments will change this. You bet no one would complain about more physical bonds.

The M3 Touring is the same efficiency for a sports car with 510 hp, and it feels like a 3 Series, which is a huge compliment. Both of them front seats like back seat it is comfortable, but the latter does not provide enough support during sports driving. It is Race Track Pack (€16,760 including carbon-ceramic brakes) is optionally available and offers additional carbon fiber bucket seats. These are very little accepted, because it takes a lot of effort to get out. Unless you spend your life on the tracks and absolutely need carbon-ceramic brakes, the base model is probably your best bet.

Cutting edge technology

Of M3 – whether as a Touring or not – it remains one technical illustration. He is built on it KLAR platform and uses one traditional recipes: six cylinders in line, in this case with a supercharger and placed at length rear wheel drive. This applies to the sedan, which produces 480 hp through a six-speed manual transmission. The Tour version varies, because with us only available in Competition Editionwhich increases the power of the six-cylinder engine by 510 pk and torque up to 650 Nmone time one by one eight-speed gearbox and above all M xDrive all-wheel drivewhich praise large difference of xDrive on other models. This feature has been completely redesigned by the M department for better grip, but also a complete cut for a clean rear-wheel drive.

It’s all finished with the Active M differential, which distributes the engine’s torque according to the needs of each rear wheel. However, we could not determine that the transmission ratio of M xDrive to the front axle is more than 1, which leads to speed –condition (or excess) can cause. This method means that rotational speed between the shafts (via transmission bridge). modified creating a permanent slip in the clutch so that it responds more quickly and can transmit positive torque to the front wheels even when the rear axle receives negative torque. This promotes agility when approaching bends. In any case, there are three methods available: 4WD, 4WD Sports (for more play on the rear axle and for slipping) and 2WDwhich needs no further explanation.

The M3 is sitting on the side of the road full choke institution. There is so much that it is easy to get lost in them. You can use traction control set to ten different positionschoose between three different types roughness to gear and switch between three response modes for the engine, steering, brakes and suspension. Fortunately, the magic buttons of the M1 and M2 are readily available… A few words about the performance of this M3, which is simply impressive: 3.6 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km / h and a top speed of 250 km/h, or even 280 km/h with optional opening. So the biggest job.

A civilized animal

What has always made the M3 special is that this sports car has always been easy to drive. Even in extreme and difficult situations remain predictable and manageable. In other words, along with his driving pleasure and equality, M3 was very popular. But does this also apply to this new generation? Yes, up to a certain point and as long as you handle it responsibly.

The balance is there and the car responds cautiously operational movements. The level of entrapment is very high today, which also makes it difficult to control in the explosionThat level more brutal it expires more than ever. Maintenance is good, but not there procedures in transitional phases, with xDrive that transfers torque to the front quickly in 4WD mode. Maybe even too soon, because it gives the impression of turning off / turning off. that applies to mode and rear wheel, where the rear axle can slip surprisingly even if you don’t press the accelerator like crazy. But this behavior is an obvious choice, perhaps with an eye to the Nürburgring, where high grip and high efficiency are required to achieve fast lap times. This is also evident from the modification of the suspension components and the choice of tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 4). And the M3 succeeded in its mission: with a time of 7’35”060 on The Nordschleife of the Nürburgringhe improved by almost 10 seconds the record time in the real estate category, until now it is held by the Mercedes E 63 AMG, which develops almost 100 hp more!

Of protest he sits interestingbecause thanks to the four-wheel drive you can full potential of the six-cylinder engine, give the impression that produces more than 510 hp in a technical paper. This power source is fully supported by an eight-speed automatic transmission, which responds quickly when driving fast and… smooth when driving calmly. The repair work is clearly top notch. It is wire brake system it is lighter and more efficient (because the system can spread the brake pads), but it is still under discussion. Not only does it provide different types of responses (comfortable or sporty), it is also difficult to detect fading (loss of efficiency) as it is compensated. It is not better to use the full potential of this powerhouse.

Price matching

The popular and professional M3 is no longer a cheap sports car, because its price tag exceeds the 100,000 euro mark. To be precise: 103.450 euros for this; for this Touring Competitions. Then choose the estate immediately, because it is more expensive than the sedan in the Competition version (a difference of 850 euros). There are a few options and they are in the most expensive packages: it Race Track Pack for 16,760 euros for track enthusiasts (carbon fiber bucket seats, ceramic brake pads, special instruments, etc.) and the Technology Package for 4,430 euros (laser lights, Direct Cockpit, parking assistance, etc.) . Everything together is possible the bill adds up quickly. Also forget about the possibility tax cuts for this car, which has a lot of CO₂ emissions (233 g/km). Unless of course you chose to convert to one light load. But is that what customers of this M3 Touring are looking for? I’m not sure…

Conclusion

It took nearly forty years before BMW decided to build the M3 Touring. Now he is here. The M3 Touring is very versatile and therefore useful in everyday life. For settings in comfort mode there is almost no difference from the traditional 3 Series. But as soon as the switch is flipped (or the M1 or M2 button is pressed), this property transforms into an incredible fun machine, with a fiery sense of its power and exceptional efficiency. By raising the bar, the M3 also demands more to know. But what car is this? It’s probably the last M3 with a combustion engine. A collector’s item? Perhaps, but perhaps to a lesser extent than the M3 CS, limited to 1,800 copies, 20 kg lighter than the Competition M xDrive Touring and increased to 550 hp. It doesn’t matter. Creating such a car in these days is something that we did not think much about …

BMW M3 Touring Competition M xDrive (G80): specifications

Engine: petrol, six-cylinder biturbo, 2,993 cc, 510 hp at 6,250 rpm, 650 Nm at 2,750 rpm
Transmission: four-wheel drive (switchable M xDrive)
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
L/w/h (mm): 4.800/ 1.900/ 1.440
Empty weight (kg): 1,940
Case volume (l): 500 -1,510
0 to 100 km/h (s): 3.6
Top speed (km/h): 250 km/h (280 unlimited)
Combined consumption WLTP (l/100 km): 10.3
Co₂: 233 g/km
Price: 103,450 euros
BIV: Flanders: 5157.03 euros; Wallonia and Brussels: 4,957 euros
Road tax: Flanders: 1,032.12 euros; Wallonia and Brussels: 931.66 euros (M35i)
Ecomalus Wallonia: 1,200 euros

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