Skip to main content

We’re not getting the fast M wagon we deserve. Why? Well, because we’re Americans and at this point, we’re lucky to be getting any of the fun enthusiast cars, like the Toyota GR 86. Frankly, we just don’t buy cars like the 2022 BMW M3 Touring. I’ll admit, it’s a mystery to me. In all likelihood, it has a lot to do with that station wagon stigma created in the ’70s.

However, we should just be glad BMW is making a touring (BMW for “wagon”) version of the new M3. Maybe it can make up for the BMW kidney grille.

Is there really a new BMW M3 coming out?

The silhouette of the 2022 BMW M3 touring shot from the rear 3/4 angle
The 2022 BMW M3 Touring is yet more forbidden fruit in America | BMW

The image you see above is a real-deal, official teaser image of a new BMW M3 Touring. It’s something hardcore BMW M fans have been speculating about for years. Each time a new M3 is released, the whispers start up anew. “Touring?” they say, “this year they say?” Admittedly, it’s something that’s very appealing.

The wagon format is highly underrated in America. Often, you get similar, if not better storage capacity in a station wagon as compared to a similarly sized SUV. Because station wagons are lower, they can be a little longer than SUVs, meaning more storage space. Moreover, because of that height, they can be a lot more fun to drive due to their lower center of gravity.

Want more fast wagons? Buy more fast wagons

An Isle of Man green BMW M3 at an auto show, shot from the rear 3/4 angle.
As nice as it is to have an M3 sedan, the Touring is always going to be more practical | VCG via Getty Images

Unfortunately, American buyers just don’t look all that hard at station wagons due to the factors we’ve discussed. If you’re a hardcore wagon lover like I am, the only solution is to buy one. Manufacturers notice when consumers talk with their wallets. Just look at the Audi RS6 Avant.

But enough about that. What about the 2022 BMW M3 Touring? Well, things look good. That is, supposing the BMW kidney grille agrees with you. As carwow reports, headline figures are fantastic. 480 hp, rumors of a manual transmission, rear and all-wheel drive, and BMW driving dynamics. Essentially, we’re looking at a long-roof Audi RS4 Avant fighter. Oh, and there’s the potential for a 510 hp M3 Competition model.

The 2022 BMW M3 Touring almost makes up for the BMW kidney grille

A BMW M3 Touring shows off the new BMW Kidney Grille while wrapped in camo, shot from the front 3/4
The BMW M3 Touring promises to be one special car | BMW

The real question is, will the American wagon lovers among us raise enough of a stink to get BMW to bring them overseas? I certainly hope so. Then depreciation can do its dirty work and soon they’ll be $30,000. Then again, the wagon format may not be enough for some consumers to get past the controversial BMW kidney grille. However, if the new 3 Series is anything to go by, then maybe we’ll get a smaller grille and an M3 Touring before long.

Related

The Chevrolet SS Was the Australian BMW M3 Killer Everyone Forgot About

Best in Sedans & Coupes
MotorBiscuit Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Chase Bierenkoven

Chase Bierenkoven has been obsessed with cars his whole life and now finds joy in sharing what he’s learned from his own daily drivers. Chase earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a focus on legal studies from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and quickly became an automotive journalist. When he isn’t writing, Chase is either driving his passion project, a 2004 BMW M3 in Carbon Schwartz Metallic, or playing around Colorado’s terrain, mainly mountain biking and skiing.