BMW to expand Neue Klasse line-up with the new M3 Touring

BMW is now planning to introduce the next-gen M3 Touring, based on the same Neue Klasse platform that underpins the next-gen M3 sedan. Sylvia Neubauer, head of Customer, Brand and Sales for BMW M, told Autocar UK that the decision comes following the strong sales of the outgoing (sixth-generation) G81 M3 Touring. The continued demand for the Touring primarily comes from the US and China, Neubauer stated.

1. This will mark the second generation of the M3 Touring
2. To get both combustion and fully electric versions
3. EV likely to have an 800V architecture with quad motors
4. Combustion version could use a twin-turbo straight-six

Next-gen BMW M3 Touring: United States and China key markets

The M3 Touring that debuted in June 2022 was the first-ever estate version of the M3, and this upcoming model will be its second generation. Neubauer told Autocar UK that BMW does not offer customers in the US the standard 3 Series Touring, citing, “It’s a market for SUVs and very big cars.” However, Neubauer was quick to add that BMW dealers in the States are happy to have the M3 Touring “because they don’t have to push it, since the customer demand is organic”.

Commenting further on demand in the US, Neubauer indicated that there’s enough to warrant a second-generation model and that “they are asking for more and more production, so we’ve been increasing the volume.” As for China, Neubauer told Autocar UK, “It’s not an estate market at all, but we decided to bring the (current-gen) Touring to China only in the M3 version. So you can’t buy a regular 3 Series Touring there, but the M3 Touring is a lifestyle statement. And it’s been a huge success in China and the rest of the world.” The plan for a second-generation M3 Touring isn’t without merit, as it’s “one of the best models that we have in our portfolio,” Neubauer pointed out.

Next-gen BMW M3 Touring: Expected powertrain options

BMW had earlier told Autocar UK that there would be both combustion and fully electric options with the next-gen M3 sedan. Therefore, the carmaker could also offer the next-gen M3 Touring in combustion-engined and fully electric guises. BMW recently confirmed that the Neue Klasse-based M3 sedan will get simulated gearshifts and synthetic sounds, which could make their way to its estate version as well.

The Bavarian automaker stated that the battery capacity of the upcoming electric M3 will “be at least 100kWh”. The electric version of the next-gen M3 Touring could use a similar setup, utilising an 800V architecture and four electric motors. As for the combustion version, the sixth-generation M3 Touring currently produces 530hp and 650Nm from its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine. BMW is likely to rework this to develop more power for the next-gen model.