There is something about fast estate cars that gets real petrolheads salivating, sometimes more than the latest supercars from Italy. Maybe it is the collision of performance and everyday practicality that captivates – a mega machine that could actually fit into your life without compromise. Maybe the ultimate embodiment of this is the E46 BMW M3 Touring, or at least it would have been had BMW built it.
The E46 BMW M3 is immortalised as one of the greatest M cars ever. Forget the oversized grilles of today and relish how clean and purposeful this coupe looks. Even now, its design still seduces with its swollen wheel arches and generally understated sporting persona. Beyond just looking good, this car impressed with sweet handling and a gorgeous straight-six engine.
BMW were keen to expand the E64’s portfolio beyond the coupe and convertible offerings. A fast wagon was the logical next step as an estate body style already existed for the regular 3 Series. The aim was to apply M car goodies with as little disruption to the existing production line as possible. According to engineers, it was the flared rear wheel arches and the adjoining door that was the biggest head ache. Creating unique components beyond what was necessary would send project cost in the wrong direction.
This car was seriously being considered for production, so much so that the concept E46 was actually sent down the main production line to see how much manufacturing disruption it might cause. Aside from its go-faster trinkets that slotted neatly into the car, only a small level of bespoke work was needed for the interior. By all accounts, this car was ready to go.
Under the bonnet was a naturally-aspirated straight-six, tuned to 249bhp and 365Nm of torque. Power was sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Both Mercedes-Benz and Audi offered a brisk means of getting to the tip or transporting the dog, and so this car seemed a pretty logical move for BMW.
The concept was a totally complete car, not some rolling clay model. It ran and drove exactly how the finished article would have, and some lucky journalists even got the chance to sample it. So, with everything in its favour, BMW clearly went on to give the dog-owning car geeks what they wanted, right?
As you’ve likely already gathered, the E46 M3 Touring never made production. Exactly why remains a total mystery as it wouldn’t have directly competed with any other model in the range, and it had already been proven as an easy thing to start manufacturing. There was never a four-door E46 M3, so this would have proven the most practical choice for families wanting to go fast. BMW’s reluctance to publicly declare why this Bavarian beauty never hit showrooms perhaps highlights how much of a missed opportunity it was. Such a crying shame.
The concept car does still exist in one of BMW’s bunkers. Along with the also never produced E39 M5 Touring, it lives a lonely existence and is mark of wasted potential. It was last seen as part of BMW’s ‘30 years of M cars’ celebrations, sadly only serving to rub salt into an old wound.
At least BMW remained true to its conviction and never produced an M3 Touring. Well, that was until recently! Set to take on the latest Audi RS4 Avant, the 2020 BMW M3 Touring will make use of the new model’s twin-turbocharged straight-six engine. Not much is known about the car’s exacting specifications at this point in time, but it’s likely that a Competition and xDrive variant will be available. We can’t wait!
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Keyword: The greatest BMW M car to never happen: E46 M3 Touring