If you’ve absolutely got to get the entire family, plus the dog and a load of luggage, somewhere in a hurry, the new BMW M3 Competition Touring might just be the lease car for you!
The M3, a high-performance version of the regular BMW 3 Series, has been accelerating into corners since first being launched in the mid-1980s.
Up until now, customers have never been able to enjoy an M3 as a roomy estate.
But that has all changed with the launch of this four-wheel-drive M3 Competition Touring variant, a 510hp weapon that offers a ‘race-car feeling with a distinctive character and immense versatility’, according to BMW.
Like the regular M3 saloon, the M3 Competition Touring is powered by either a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine or a less powerful 340 hp diesel unit.
It’s the petrol powertrain that catches the eye, offering 650 Nm of torque and a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds.
That twin-turbo, straight-six engine also forms the basis for the unit in the new BMW M4 GT3 endurance racing car - so it’s got some real pedigree, and the construction includes a rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a cylinder head with a core manufactured using 3D printing.
And if you opt for the M Driver’s Package, the electronically-limited top speed jumps from 155 to 174mph.
BMW’s M xDrive 4x4 system, and an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, both come as standard for those rapid shifts when travelling at speed, or you can opt for a comfort-oriented setup on more relaxing jaunts. Electronically-controlled adaptive suspension is also the order of the day on all models.
A BMW spokesperson adds of the M3 Competition Touring:
“Its rear-wheel bias adds to the M feeling while enhancing both traction and agility. The system features integrated wheel slip control for quick adjustments to power transmission. This intensifies the sense of unruffled poise for which M models are renowned.
“Teaming up with the all-wheel drive is the Active M Differential that ensures fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the rear wheels. This helps to plant power firmly on the road without losses, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side.”
Design wise, the M3 Competition Touring looks just as aggressive as its saloon sibling, complete with large air intakes, flared wheel arches and side skirts, and an M-specific front end.
Arguably the most important element of the Touring is the extra room it offers - it’s the reason you’d choose this over the cheaper saloon.
There’s a 500 litre boot, which extends to 1,510 litres with the rear seats down, while the back can split in a 40:20:40 fashion, depending on how much awkward cargo you need to stow.
Inside the cabin, you can expect leather sports seats, a leather steering wheel and an eye-catching curved glass display with 12.3 inch infotainment touchscreen.
Acoustic glazing for the windscreen, three-zone automatic climate control, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and automatically dimming exterior mirrors that also fold in electrically all come as standard, as do a rain sensor with automatic headlight activation and a swanky Harman Kardon surround sound system.
The BMW M3 Competition Touring is priced from £80,550 to buy brand new, while you can lease a BMW M3 with Select from around £980 per month.*
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 30/06/22.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- New Hyundai Ioniq 6 ‘streamliner’ revealed
- Electric VW ID. Aero to get 385 mile range
-
Top 10 most ‘unexciting cars’ revealed
- Radical new Peugeot 408 fastback launches
- Electric Merc travels 746 miles on single charge
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
