CALL it Touring, Estate, Shooting brake or any other utilitarian or fancy name, but I’ll choose a station wagon over an SUV anytime.
It’s sleeker, handles more like a car and has most of the conveniences that an SUV offers.
Station wagons lost some of their prominence with the arrival of the SUV and especially the crossovers, which are a closer approximation to the sedan. But these smaller SUVs are still chunky and have an unexciting feel about them, largely because they are pandering to the needs of the mass market consumer.
Germany still values its station wagons, which make up around 20% of the country’s car sales. It’s one of the few countries that enjoys what the station wagon has to offer. So, not surprising that they’ve upped the offering.
Now, these estates are shifting away from utilitarian to exclusive, loaded up with impressive engines and the latest in technology and cabin finishes to make them much more interesting propositions.
A Tour Of The M3 Touring
BMW introduced the M3 Touring without much fanfare. But the striking form and performance of this model will convince many of its potential, even if its price (*S$630,000) is quite staggering.
First impressions, though, are eye-catching. The styling is svelte but you can sense the promise of power. From the black roof to the rimless black grille and its sculpted bonnet harbouring a 3-litre engine able to turn out 650Nm of torque, this rumbling machine is able to rocket off to 100kmh in 3.6 seconds.
No excuses about saving the planet, this is about sheer driving pleasure.
The power on tap is delightful when pushed, courtesy of the red buttons placed quite prominently on the steering wheel. While the M3 Touring is not short on power, by pushing the red M button, it enters a state of anticipation that you want to get somewhere fast. Two overall vehicle setups can be stored and called up using these M buttons.
The high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology is mated with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, which offers three gearshift programmes. The shifting is smooth and the flow of power effortless.
The range of options for the set-up of the M3 Touring is quite generous. You can configure how the engine, chassis, steering and brakes will respond. All these features can be manipulated on the large touchscreen; not the easiest of actions to manage on the move.
Fortunately, there is still an iDrive and buttons on the centre console that you can make use of to switch on and off delightful (exhaust) and annoying (auto engine start/stop) features.
While many powerful cars are great at full throttle, not too many are able to deliver a more controlled drive for a daily commute. In that regard, the M3 Touring is a charm. It’s smooth and adequately responsive in the city — as you drive along listening to the Harman Kardon surround sound system — only offering bursts of acceleration at request.
The handling of the M3 Touring has enough edginess about it to always keep you engaged.
BMW M3 TOURING RATING
Styling: 8.5/10
Interior: 8/10
Connectivity: 8/10
Ride: 9/10
Handling: 9/10
Power: 9/10
Overall: 8.5/10
Please reconfirm price with dealer.
Read more STORM-ASIA car reviews HERE.
