Here’s Why BMW’s M3 Touring Is Taking So Long

The imminent arrival of the upcoming BMW M3 Touring has fans of the brand in an absolute frenzy. Previously, we’ve gleaned insight into how the incredible creation came to be, but now the team behind the wild wagon takes us through the stringent development process and the arduous endurance test on the unforgiving Nurburgring.

Under the guidance of Robert Pilsl, the M3 Touring became a reality. The man heading up the project details the extensive teamwork that went into the latest M car. “The team consists of specialists for bodywork, to be able to do the widebody construction for the interior, electrics, electronics, which is becoming ever more important.”

He adds, “and, of course, the core for BMW, specialists for the engine, gearbox and, also very important [to] BMW M, the suspension.” Few may question the need for a high-performance station wagon, something cleared up very quickly by BMW M’s Hagen Franke.

“Who are we doing this for? First and foremost for ourselves – and for people who appreciate cars like these, the combination of high performance, versatility, [and] the spaciousness you wouldn’t find in a normal sedan or a coupe.” Franke says that while concerns surrounding trunk space and practicality were important, one thing was crystal clear: if the Touring didn’t feel like an M3, it wouldn’t hit the market.

Pilsl echoes this sentiment, adding: “You can be sure of that. We’ll only launch the car if it drives like an M3.” Franke jokingly asks his colleague when the highly anticipated RS4 Avant rival will arrive. “It starts, it goes, what’s taking so long?” But there’s good reason for the lengthy wait.

Franke admits that while the engines and several other key components are already tried and tested, several challenges stand between the concept and production model. “We need a lot of new tools, side frames, etc. Above all, we need to integrate it into the [Munich] factory.”

The M3 Touring will be assembled at the same plant as the M3 Sedan and the 3 Series Touring; the perfect place to build the newcomer. But there’s still a long road ahead. It will certainly be worth the wait though, a point Franke agrees with. “I’m sure you will get it right, just like you did with the sedan.”

Part of the rigorous development process BMW M throws at its cars has to do with dynamic capabilities. This envy-inducing role fell to Frank Weishar, the gentleman in charge of tire development. It’s not just about having fun around a racetrack, though. Weishar says testing in all sorts of climates is a must.

BMW has a fine history of producing fiery long roofs, but Weishar says the upcoming M3 derivative is faster than any performance Touring before it. “That means we have to go to a track where we can drive much faster than [155 mph] to see if the aerodynamics work and everything stays in place.”

The vehicle seen in the video is strictly off-limits; it’s a show model, meaning it won’t see any performance testing in its lifetime. Weishar admits the team needs to get a move on. “We have to get a car together quickly and see what we can best use as a basic model and whether we can mount our axles there.”

A glimpse into the next installment of the series shows the team making use of an adapted 3 Series Touring to conduct testing. The creation of an M3 Touring is big news for BMW and car fans alike. The advent of the M3 Touring is a breath of fresh air; not everyone wants a high-performance SUV.

BMW toyed with the idea of an M3 Touring when the E46 was still in production. Sadly, the project never came to fruition and was eventually scrapped. As is the case with everything desirable, the M3 Touring is not slated for local introduction, with rumors suggesting the desirable variant won’t make it stateside.