BMW teases first-ever M3 Touring, sets sights on Audi performance wagons

Updated Mar 30, 2021 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

The project restarts two decades after the initial prototype was stalled.   

BMW has no plans to relinquish its reputation as a manufacturer of exhilarating everyday driving machines anytime soon. Ahead of the global reveal of its anticipated M3 sedan for sale and M4 Coupe on the market, the motoring giant from Munich is giving an exclusive sneak peek at a totally new model, courtesy of its M performance division: the first-ever M3 Touring.

BMW M3 Touring teaser

The shape of what's next for BMW's M Division 

Just to be clear, the car itself is two years away from perfection, with extensive development ahead of it. Sessions at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife will be underway in the next few days to kickstart the new model’s testing and tuning program. But this early, BMW is already clear about the kind of machine it intends the new M3 Touring to be – more than a glorified station wagon, a car that’s as exciting in performance and practical in utility as it is refined in demeanor.

To that end, the carmaker is already putting the crosshairs on one of its German rivals, Audi. More precisely, the M3 Touring will be benchmarked against the on-sale RS 4 and RS 6 Avant on the market. BMW is setting up a clash to see which station wagon best completes the transformation from sedate to sporty on-demand real quick. 

BMW M3 Touring Concept

The BMW M3 Touring Concept was the first to show what was possible

It isn’t the first time that the brand is attempting an exciting estate car from the 3-Series mold. That honor belongs to the E46 M3 Touring Concept, which never got past the prototype stage two decades ago.

It was handsome, it embodied the spirit of BMW M Power, and it could be easily integrated into the standard 3 Series Touring assembly line. 

M3 badge

Hopefully, we'll see a production version BMW station wagon wearing this badge in two years

Whatever the reason for its stillbirth, BMW is now thankfully making amends. Five doors and a highly-configurable luggage compartment are promised, which cover the practical aspect. An inline-6 M TwinPower turbo mill will make its way under the hood, two cylinders short of its intended Audi competitors, so it remains to be seen how the new Bimmer will stack up against what even they will be like at the end of two years. Very few other details have been given (the car has yet to begin development after all), but we’ve no doubt that the BMW M3 Touring will be worth the wait.

Visit Philkotse.com for more stories on future tarmac thrillers.

Know more about BMW 3 Series 2024

BMW 3 Series

The 2024 BMW 318i Sport is the latest version of the 3 Series available for the Philippine market. It then retails locally for Php 3,590,000. 

Powering the 318i Sport is a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that’s capable of making up to 156 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its rear wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. 

Size-wise, the all-new 3-Series is 4,713mm long, 1,827mm wide, and 1,440mm in height.  

Locally, the BMW 318i Sport rivals the Lexus IS, Subaru WRX, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, Audi A4, among others.  

BMW 318i Sport: Your first Bimmer? | Philkotse Reviews

>>> New and used BMW 3 Series 2024 for sale in the Philippines

BMW 3-Series Launch

The current-gen BMW 3-series was initially rolled out back in 2018. It was then launched for the local market in March 2023.  

BMW 3-Series Exterior

The BMW 318i Sport gets a sporty exterior with familiar styling cues from the German marque. Up front, it gets a pair of sharp LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED daytime running lamps. It likewise comes with power-folding side mirrors and a power trunk door. 

Completing the look of the BMW 318i Sport are a number of M-branded exterior bits. This includes a set of 18-inch M alloy wheels, the M Aerodynamic package, and the M high-gloss Shadow Line.  

BMW 3-Series Interior

The 318i Sport can comfortably seat up to five occupants. Everyone inside is kept cool by an automatic 3-zone climate control system. It then gets leather-clad seating. 

Provided for the driver is a power-adjustable front seat, a push-to-start button, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

>>> Read more information about BMW 3-Series:

Technology & Safety Features

Dominating the dash of the 318i Sport are two huge screens sitting side by side. One is a 12.3-inch driver information display, while the other is a 14.3-inch central touchscreen. 

The said touchscreen gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then linked to a HiFi speaker system. 

Handling safety for the BMW 318i Sport has many safety features. Among these are an anti-lock braking system, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, traction control, stability control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a total of 6 airbags.  

Platform & Chassis

The 2024 BMW 318i Sport is classed as a compact executive car. It then uses the BMW Cluster Architecture platform, which it shares with most other BMW products.  

For suspensions, it uses an independent MacPherson strut for the front and an independent multi-link suspension for the rear. Braking is then handled by disc brakes for all wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake.

BMW 3-Series Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood of the 318i Sport is a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that’s capable of making up to 156 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to its rear wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. 

BMW 3-Series 2024 Price List

Let's check out the BMW 318i Sport 2024 price in September in the Philippines.

 Variant Price
BMW 3-Series Sedan 318i Business ₱3,590,000

BMW 3-Series Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Tech heavy 
  • Luxurious interior 
  • Spacious 
  • Eye-catching exterior design 

Cons

  • There are more powerful choices in its class and price range. 

BMW 3-Series FAQs

1. How much is the BMW 3 Series Sedan 2024 in the Philippines?

The BMW 3 Series in the Philippines is priced at P3,590,000 with only one model available.

2. Is the BMW 3 Series worth the money?

If you're looking for a car that offers a premium driving experience with top-notch performance and handling, the BMW 3 Series may be worth the investment.

3. Why is the BMW 3 Series so popular?

The BMW 3 Series is popular because of its dynamic driving experience, sleek design, brand reputation, advanced technology, and comfort and convenience features.

4. Is the BMW 3 Series a fast car?

Yes, the BMW 3 Series is considered a fast car, particularly in its higher-end models.

5. Is the BMW 3 Series good for road trips?

Yes, the BMW 3 Series is a good car for road trips. It offers a comfortable ride, excellent handling, and a range of features that can make long journeys more enjoyable.

 

₱ 3,790,000

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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