Does BMW M3 Sedan Outpace M3 Touring in Drag Races?

In June 2022, BMW introduced the BMW M3 Touring, marking the first wagon variant of the revered M3. Mechanically akin to its sedan counterpart, the M3 Touring distinguishes itself with a larger cargo area and a rear hatch.

This expansion of the M3 lineup offers enthusiasts a choice between sedan and wagon body styles, catering to different preferences in performance and practicality.

The question of which is quicker in a drag race between the M3 sedan and M3 Touring intrigued YouTube personality Joe Achilles. To settle this, both Competition models were pitted against each other in the UK, documented in the embedded video above.

Under the hood, both the BMW M3 Sedan and M3 Touring boast the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six S58 engine, delivering 503 horsepower (375 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque.

This robust powertrain is mated to a ZF 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission, channeling power to all four wheels through BMW’s xDrive system. Equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, both variants promise agile handling and potent acceleration.

However, the M3 Touring carries a slight weight penalty compared to the sedan, despite its carbon ceramic brake upgrade aimed at reducing unsprung mass by 22 lbs (10 kg). The M3 sedan benefits from a lighter carbon fiber roof, making it 187 lbs (85 kg) lighter.

On paper, the M3 sedan edges out in the sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h), achieving it in 3.5 seconds, while the M3 Touring does so in 3.6 seconds.

Real-world performance may vary based on factors like reaction times and environmental conditions, but the head-to-head race provides valuable insights into their comparative performance, including rolling-start races and brake tests.

As BMW expands its M3 lineup with the Touring variant, enthusiasts can enjoy not only thrilling performance but also the added practicality of a wagon body style, blending speed with versatility in a uniquely BMW fashion.