The long wait is nearing an end for performance enthusiasts seeking practicality: BMW will officially debut the M3 Touring this June, according to reports from Motor1.com. The arrival of the high-performance wagon marks a significant expansion of the M3 lineup, catering to drivers who demand both track-ready capability and everyday versatility.
For decades, BMW M3 fans have anticipated a Touring version, a vehicle that blends the performance characteristics of the M3 with the added space and utility of a wagon. The M3 Touring Competition boasts a 3.0-liter, biturbocharged inline-six engine producing 530 horsepower and 650 Newton-meters of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
BMW is also offering a more extreme CS variant, pushing the boundaries even further with 551 horsepower, a 3.5-second zero to 100 km/h sprint, and a raised top speed of 300 km/h. While positioned as a track-focused machine disguised as a wagon, the Competition model currently starts around 39 million Hungarian Forint (approximately €100,000) according to BMW’s official Hungarian website, with the potential for significant customization costs.
For those seeking a similar experience with a potentially lower price tag, the used market offers alternatives. The Audi RS4 Avant, particularly the B7 generation, presents a compelling option. The B7, equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine, delivered 420 horsepower and 430 Newton-meters of torque. The subsequent B8 generation increased output to 450 horsepower. Well-maintained examples of the B7 can now be found for around €21,000, though factoring in transportation, registration, inspection, and necessary maintenance can bring the total cost to approximately 10 million Forint (€25,500).
Škoda offers a more budget-friendly approach with the Octavia Combi RS. Available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, or previously with a diesel option, the Octavia RS provides a surprising level of performance, and practicality. The latest model produces 265 horsepower, an increase from the pre-facelift version’s 245 horsepower. Used Octavia RS models are readily available at various price points, with older generations offering significant value. A new Octavia RS starts under 20 million Forint.
Looking back, the Volvo T5-R, introduced in 1995, challenged Volvo’s traditional image of safety and practicality. Developed with Porsche’s assistance, the T5-R featured a 2.3-liter, five-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 240 horsepower. While less powerful than modern performance wagons, the T5-R was a groundbreaking vehicle for Volvo. Today, it’s a sought-after collector’s item, with prices ranging from approximately €12,000 to €35,000 depending on condition.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Wagon, yet, remains largely unattainable outside of Japan. This rare variant, based on the Evo IX sedan, combined the legendary 2.0-liter 4G63 engine with the practicality of a wagon body style, delivering 286 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Currently, no examples are listed for sale in Europe.
The Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Sportwagon offers a distinctly European alternative. Limited to just 1,678 units, this model paired a 3.2-liter Busso V6 engine with a wagon body, producing 250 horsepower. Prices range from around €12,000 for project cars to €30,000-€40,000 for well-maintained examples.
The Audi RS 6 Avant C6, produced between 2007 and 2011, stands out with its 5.0-liter V10 engine generating 580 horsepower. While offering a high level of comfort and performance, the C6 RS 6 can be found for around €20,000, with pristine examples reaching €40,000.
BMW entered the V10 arena with the E61 M5 Touring, produced from 2007 to 2010. Limited to 1,025 units, this model combined a 507-horsepower V10 engine with a wagon body. Prices currently start around €50,000, with exceptional examples exceeding €120,000, nearing the price of a new M5 Touring which begins at €54,400.
For those prioritizing displacement over cylinder count, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S212, with its 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 525 horsepower, presents a compelling option. Prices start around €30,000, with well-preserved examples reaching €52,000.
Finally, the Alpina D3 Touring offers a diesel-powered alternative, utilizing a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing up to 355 horsepower in the latest generation. Prices start around €20,000, with newer models approaching €100,000 when fully equipped.
