BMW M3 Competition Touring heads to South Africa in 2024
The jubilation surrounding BMW's half-century mark of the M brand persists, with the eagerly anticipated debut of the inaugural BMW M3 Competition Touring now revealed.
Enthusiasts of the M series nationwide might be curious to ascertain whether it will arrive in South Africa. BMW Group SA has confirmed that it will enter South Africa in 2024.
However, they've also stated that the car will come only in a small batch, which does put a damper on the M-spirited hearts.
Yes, South Africans aren't reasonably known to love their Wagons, yet it could potentially be something that could entice fellow avid Beemer fans.
It's powered by the same engine as the M3 saloon, a 3.0-litre straight-6 petrol twin-turbocharged motor, which delivers a hearty 375 kW and 650 Nm, with peak outputs propelled to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle boasts an asserted 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.6 seconds.
It will come standard with Adaptive M suspension, featuring electronically controlled shock absorbers. At the same time, there is an option to choose M carbon ceramic brakes as an alternative to the default M compound braking system. Optionally, forged M light-alloy wheels, sized 19 inches in the front and 20 inches in the rear, can be outfitted with track tires.
Regarding design, functionality and fundamental features that separate it from the sedan M3, it features three full-sized seats in the rear and a load capacity ranging from 500 litres. When all the seats are down, you can achieve 1,510l. It includes an automatic tailgate, a separately opening rear window, underfloor storage, and optional anti-slip rails.
Front seats are electrically adjustable M Sport seats, with optional M carbon bucket seats. Inside the cabin, it incorporates a curved display setup consisting of a 12.3-inch information screen and a 14.9-inch control display, with an optional head-up display.
Additional features include 3-zone automatic climate control, BMW's Live Cockpit Plus system, ambient lighting, a hi-fi speaker system, and an optional M Carbon exterior package.
On the exterior design, you can opt for a gloss black roof with optional body colour, roof rails, and a model-specific Gurney flap on the roof spoiler.
Orders commenced in September 2022, and production began in November 2022 in Munich.
Many buyers might find the practicality of the Wagon aspect enticing, along with technology, comfort and aesthetics. The BMW M3 Competition Touring will be a unique sports vehicle that wields a lot of attention in the hearts of the M fans, but we'll have to wait and see what the year 2024 holds for the German brand in South Africa.
