BMW PH launches Touring versions of 3 Series, M3
BMW PH bringing sexy back with 2023 3 Series Touring
Fans of the 3 Series that have longed for a long roof version of the nameplate rejoice. After announcing its imminent arrival, SMC Asia Cars Distributors Corp. has officially launched the 2023 BMW 3 Series Touring, and it's available in different variants and power outputs.
As the name implies, the 3 Series Touring serves as the wagon version and combines the signature style of BMW in a more practical and spacious package. In addition, it gets some high-tech upgrades inside via the Live Cockpit Plus, along with a generous serving of cabin amenities.
Starting with the exterior, the 3 Series Touring features the same exterior updates as the refreshed 318i launched earlier this year. Enthusiasts will be happy to see that the traditional kidney grilles have been retained for the entry-level 318i and feature a sleeker appearance.
Meanwhile, the M340i has a sportier appearance with its unique grille and differently-styled LED daytime running lights. When it comes to wheel choices, the 318i rolls on 18-inch alloys while the M340i gets 19-inch alloy wheels.
Serving as the sportiest and most aggressive wagon is the M3 Touring. That's right, BMW M's 50th birthday gift to itself is also here and it comes with signature vertical grilles derived from the M3/M4 models.
It also benefits from an M-specific rear axle, a 50:50 weight distribution, carbon ceramic brakes, and special M alloy wheels that measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back.
Open the doors and occupants will be greeted by a pair of digital displays standing proudly on the dashboard. It's the Live Cockplit Plus system and consists of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system is powered by iDrive OS 8.0 which manages the onboard features such as satellite navigation, media, and the three-zone automatic climate control.
Other available features in the 3 Series Touring include; wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, Sensatec perforated upholstery, a host of USB-C charging ports, 12V power sockets, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, a power tailgate, and 40:20:40 split-rear seats. When it comes to luggage space, all variants of the 3 Series Touring can hold between 500 to 1,510 liters worth of cargo.
Under the hood, the 3 Series Touring is available with three engine choices. The range starts with the 318i which is powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder. Like the 318i Sedan, the wagon makes a respectable 156 PS along with 250 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
If you prefer something with more oomph, there's the M340i xDrive which comes with a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six. It generates a meaty 374 PS with 500 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with AWD. From a standstill, this AWD wagon can hit 100 km/h in a quick 4.6 seconds.
Last but certainly not least, the M3 Touring's beating heart is a souped-up 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six that cranks out a whopping 510 PS and a stump-pulling 650 Nm of torque. Power is then shifted to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims the long-roof M3 can sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in a brisk 3.6 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (can be raised to 280 km/h with the M Driver's Package).
Other special M goodies include M Traction Control, M Drift Analyzer, and M Laptimer. Meanwhile, the M Mode button adjusts driver assistance system responses and displays content, with Road, Sport, and Track.
Pricing of the 2023 BMW 3 Series Touring range is as follows:
318i Touring - PHP 3,890,000
M340i Touring xDrive - PHP 5,890,000
M3 Touring Competition xDrive - PHP 10,490,000
