Image: BMW
Image: BMW
Image: BMW
NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers
BMW revived their wagon platform with the G81 M3 Touring that debuted last year, and we now have confirmation that it has been earmarked for South Africa, but won’t arrive until next year.
Image: BMW
Recent reports indicated that units of the BMW G81 M3 Touring were on their way to South Africa, but BMW South Africa has confirmed that the sultry six-cylinder powered touring car will only make landfall in 2024. There is no confirmation on how many units will be brought over or how much they will cost.
Speculation leads to us assume that the M3 Touring will be priced closer to the BMW G80 M3 Competition, which is priced at roughly R2 million. The G81 M3 Touring is powered by the same 3,0-litre “M TwinPower Turbo” S58 found in the moniker’s Competition badged models and the BMW’s M4 GT3 endurance racing car. This endows the aggressive station wagon with 375 kW and 650 N.m. The power plant is mated to BMW’s tried and tested eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with the BMW Drivelogic system.
Image: BMW
Additionally, the BMW M3 Touring will be outfitted with the firm’s xDrive all-wheel-drive technology working in tandem with the Active M Differential to allow for some rear bias. BMW claims the bloated M3 can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 3,6 seconds trumping the figures of RS4 Avant, which paces from 0 to 100km/h in 4,1 seconds. The M3 Touring will be outfitted with BMW’s latest infotainment technology and comfort amenities, such as the curved display utilising the BMW Operating System 8.
Image: BMW
While South Africans have an affinity for high-riding performance SUVs, perhaps the M3 Touring has what it takes to lure those prospective buyers away for a far more purpose-built and performance-oriented family hauler.
Stay tuned for more updates on the BMW G81 M3 Touring.
Keyword: BMW SA confirms G81 M3 Touring will arrive next year