Touring – AutoApp Dev https://www.autoapp.sg/dev Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:02:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 BMW 520i Touring M Sport Review https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=282912 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:02:09 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=282912 Let’s just put this out there: I have always had a soft spot for wagons. There is something about their long, low silhouette, the balance of sportiness and practicality, and the quiet confidence they carry. The new BMW 520i Touring in M Sport trim is exactly the kind of car that reminds you why wagons still matter.


Wagons: Not for Everyone, and That’s the Point

Wagons are not exactly flying off showroom floors these days. Most buyers have turned to SUVs or crossovers, often driven by the promise of space, height, and status. Yet among car enthusiasts, wagons continue to hold a certain cult status.

They are appreciated by those who value the drive, who care about proportions, and who know how special a well-balanced long-roof car can be. These are cars for the discerning. The 520i Touring fits this mould perfectly. It is not designed to shout. It simply gets everything right, quietly.

Familiar Shape, Fresh Personality

I recently had the opportunity to drive the all-electric i5 Touring eDrive40 M Sport. It impressed with its refinement and tech-laden cabin. The driving experience was smooth and silent, with all the torque you could want. Yet it also felt heavy and somewhat removed from the kind of driver engagement BMW built its reputation on.

The 520i Touring brings back that feeling. It is lighter, more agile, and with a petrol engine up front, it delivers feedback and rhythm that the electric version cannot replicate. You still get the same sleek body, complete with the M Aerodynamics Package and Iconic Glow grille. The 20-inch M 939 Bicolour wheels finish the look with just the right mix of subtle aggression.

On the Road

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a mild hybrid system. The result is 188 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, all sent to the rear wheels through BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic transmission.


Performance is brisk enough, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds. The car feels responsive and composed, thanks in part to the M Sport suspension. It also manages to stay comfortable even over less-than-perfect roads. With a top speed of 222 km/h and a fuel consumption rating of 14.3 km per litre, it offers a well-balanced package for real-world driving.

Space, Style, and Sound

Inside, the cabin is a showcase of BMW’s latest design direction. A curved display panel stretches across the dash, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. The layout is clean, modern, and intuitive to use.

There is generous space for passengers both front and rear, thanks to a wheelbase of nearly three metres. Boot capacity stands at 570 litres, which is more than enough for weekend trips, grocery runs, or a foldable bike or two.

The Harman Kardon sound system adds a premium touch, with rich audio that makes every drive feel like a private concert.

The Glass Hatch, Gone

If there is one thing I miss, it is the split-opening rear glass hatch. Previous 5 Series Touring models featured this small but incredibly useful function. It allowed quick access to the boot in tight carparks or when the full tailgate could not be opened.

BMW has removed it in favour of a sleeker rear design. It is a compromise in form over function, and while the new look is undeniably stylish, the practicality of that glass hatch will be missed by those who used it often.

Petrol or Electric?

Both the 520i and i5 Touring have their appeal. The i5 is futuristic, quiet, and powerful in its own way. It excels in technology and offers zero tailpipe emissions. The 520i, on the other hand, delivers a more traditional driving experience. It is familiar, usable, and engaging in a way that petrol cars still are.

For those who are not ready to go fully electric or who simply enjoy the feel of a proper engine, the 520i Touring is an easy recommendation.

Final Thoughts

The BMW 520i Touring M Sport is not a car for everyone, but that is exactly the point. It is for drivers who appreciate design, balance, and purpose. It offers the space of an SUV without the bulk, the comfort of a saloon with added utility, and a driving feel that rewards those who still enjoy being behind the wheel.

This is a car chosen not for what it says about you, but for how it makes you feel. A true enthusiast’s choice.


Technical Specifications

BMW 520i Touring M-Sport

Engine: 2-Litre in-line 4 TwinPower, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 190 bhp
Torque: 310 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A) Steptronic
0-100km/h: 8.3 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 222 km/h 
Fuel Economy: 14.3 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$382,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)


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New BMW Touring Models Arrive In Singapore https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=282068 Thu, 08 May 2025 10:00:35 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=282068 Station wagon or BMW Touring fans, you will want to read this. 


Yes, station wagons have been unfairly maligned by the SUV-obsessed masses over the past two decades. But every now and then, a wagon comes along that reminds us why this bodystyle once ruled the autobahns and family photo albums.

Say hello to the all-new BMW 5 Series Touring, now officially available in Singapore in two compelling flavours: the 520i Touring and the M5 Touring.

BMW 520i Touring

Under the bonnet, a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine delivers 208hp.

Step inside and you’re greeted with the same curved display and minimalist cockpit found in the latest 5 Series sedan. It’s all whisper-soft materials and intuitive controls, with a focus on technology.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, naturally, as does enough cargo space to satisfy the needs of a growing family.

BMW M5 Touring

This car is the result of engineers at BMW M deciding the school run could use a little Nürburgring influence. Beneath the subtly flared arches and aggressive stance lies a plug-in hybrid V8, producing north of 700hp.

We don’t have the full performance specs just yet, but if BMW’s recent M hybrids are anything to go by, this M5 Touring will blitz 0-100km/h times in the three-second range while still offering space in the back for a Labrador and a week’s worth of groceries.

Adaptive M Suspension, xDrive all-wheel drive, and a clever blend of electric torque and V8 drama make this a Swiss army knife of motoring; blisteringly quick, surprisingly comfortable, and devastatingly cool.

A Station Wagon for Every Occasion

With the launch of the 520i Touring and the M5 Touring, BMW is giving Singaporean buyers something we haven’t had in a long while, choice.

In a world where everyone is busy climbing into SUVs, BMW has reminded us why the humble wagon might just be the smartest, most versatile car on the road.


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BMW Debuts New M3 Competition and M3 Competition Touring In Singapore https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=277780 Wed, 02 Oct 2024 13:38:25 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=277780 BMW has just debuted the new M3 Competition and M3 Competition Touring in Singapore.


Performance Motors Limited (PML) has just unveiled its newly transformed flagship showroom at Alexandra Road, and if you’re a BMW fan, this is the place to be. The transformation is all about BMW’s Retail.Next philosophy, focusing on customer-centricity, flexibility, and sustainability, while delivering a premium experience.

The launch also coincided with the debut of two updated heavyweights: the BMW M3 Competition Sedan and the BMW M3 Competition Touring.

A New Look for Two Icons

On the outside, both the M3 Sedan and Touring now sport fresh LED headlights, sleekly designed to combine low and high beams into a single module.

Each headlight cluster features two vertically arranged LED units that serve double duty as daytime running lights and turn signals. And to complete the look, both models roll on newly designed M forged light-alloy wheels.

BMW M3 Competition

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a revamped three-spoke M leather steering wheel. It’s got a flat-bottomed rim and neatly tweaked spokes, designed to match the sporty feel of the cockpit, which is generously appointed with carbon fibre accents and all the M-badging your heart desires.

Performance That Bites

BMW M3 Competition

But the real magic happens under the hood. Thanks to some tweaks in the digital engine control unit, the six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engines in both models now crank out an additional 20hp, bringing the total to a jaw-dropping 523bhp. That translates into faster, more aggressive, and relentless power delivery.

With its upgraded engine, the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive rockets from 0-100km/h in a blistering 3.5 seconds. The Touring version is only a hair slower, hitting the same mark in 3.6 seconds.

BMW M3 Competition

You can check out both models in Performance Motors’ revamped showroom, located at 303 Alexandra Road.


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BMW i5 Touring eDrive40 M Sport Review https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=277506 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:40:22 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=277506 The BMW i5 Touring merges luxury, performance, and practicality in a unique, all-electric package. But in today’s challenging car market, can this sleek EV justify its premium price?


The all-electric BMW i5 Touring is a bold statement on wheels. As someone who’s always had a soft spot for wagons (yes, we do exist), I was eager to see how BMW would bring the executive estate into the electric age.

When I first laid eyes on the i5 Touring, I knew it would be something special – and I wasn’t wrong. This car merges luxurious sophistication with practical versatility, making it a real contender in the EV market. Plus, it’s a wagon. What’s not to love?

First Impressions

Walking up to the i5 Touring for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity. There’s a subtle nod to the E61 Touring in its design, with edgy diagonal lines and a sleek silhouette that somehow feels both modern and timeless. In some ways I wouldn’t have blamed BMW if they had gone straight from the E61 to this G61, it just seemed like a natural progression, design-wise.

At a glance, it might seem like just another 5 Series or i5 sedan, but take a step back, and its wagon profile becomes clear. The way the taillights wrap around the rear in a graceful, hockey-stick shape is a nice touch—an homage to BMW’s design heritage. It’s a car that whispers elegance, not shouts, which I personally appreciate.

Offered exclusively in the M Sport trim, the i5 Touring gets 20-inch M Sport wheels and glossy black accents contrasting BMW’s current favourite colour, Cape York Green, adding an aggressive edge to its elegance. For me, these little details really set the car apart.

It’s understated but distinctive and sporty, like the car equivalent of wearing a tuxedo with sneakers; you know you look good, but you’re not trying too hard.

Driving An Electric Wagon

The 20-inch wheels mean the tyres are pretty low in profile, which makes for a slightly bumpy ride. But the suspension sorts the overall dynamics out and creates a perfect blend of comfort and sportiness.

Steering weight is a tad light, but that’s understandable, given the fact that most people who drive these cars will be older folk. But the handling remains precise and manages to feel both sporty and spirited when driven hard.

While the dual motor xDriveM60 version might be available elsewhere, here in Singapore, we get the i5 Touring’s eDrive40 variant only. It delivers 335 horsepower to the rear wheels, and let me tell you, it’s potent enough. As with all EVs, there’s no drama, but there is efficient power delivery on tap. It feels as calm as a Zen master, or a bit like a cheetah that’s learned to meditate.

Speaking of fast things on the horizon, with BMW planning to launch the M5 Touring soon, I can only imagine what kind of insanity that wagon will deliver. It’s definitely something to look forward to, especially since the M3 Touring was also such a stellar drive.

Living With It

One of the things I appreciate most about the i5 Touring is how spacious and practical it is. While it doesn’t have the depth as most estates, it still takes in plenty. At over five meters long, this car offers loads of interior room, and with nearly three meters between the axles, you really feel that extra legroom in the back. The 570-litre boot is also impressive – it easily swallows up luggage for weekend getaways or shopping hauls.

You could probably squeeze four adults (with in-out seating like in the old days without MPVs – gosh I’m old!) back there if needed. Whether it’s camera equipment, football gear, a road trip or a quick grocery run, the i5 Touring fits into my life with ease.

But yes it is pretty long, and while parking and navigating in tight spaces could feel like trying to parallel park a yacht, the parking aids will assist you and it’ll be fine.

Areas To Consider

Now, let’s talk about the two elephants in the room: price and the current state of the car market in Singapore. There’s no sugarcoating it—the i5 Touring comes with a hefty price tag. With the current high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices and a market that’s feeling the pinch, this car is a significant investment. It’s the automotive equivalent of buying designer shoes when maybe just flip-flops will do. So if you can afford and justify it, great. If not, well, you’ll have to admire it from afar.

The range is also something that might give potential buyers pause. While the real-world range of around 400 km is respectable for an electric vehicle, it’s not quite enough for long-distance drivers. If I had a wagon, I’d be the kind to take nice long trips into Malaysia, often! So there seems to be a bit of a mismatch here.

Final Thoughts

After spending time with the BMW i5 Touring, I can confidently say it’s a trailblazer. This is a car that doesn’t have any direct competition right now, and that’s part of what makes it so special. It’s a rare blend of comfort, style, and performance, wrapped in a package that’s versatile enough for everyday use.

That said, in the context of Singapore’s current car market, where prices are sky-high and competition for car ownership is fierce, the i5 Touring represents both a dream and a challenge. It’s a vehicle for those who are ready to embrace the electric future, have the means to spend, and don’t plan on going too far without having to plan a charge during the trip.

For me, the i5 Touring checks almost all the boxes. Sure, at SGD 410k, the price is pretty high (I was expecting maybe 360k to 380k), but if you’re looking for a unique car that combines the luxury and driving experience BMW is known for with the environmental benefits of an EV, this is it.

With the upcoming M5 Touring on the horizon, the future of BMW estates looks incredibly exciting, hats off to BMW for even making this!

Technical Specifications

BMW i5 Touring eDrive40

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Power: 250kW (335bhp)
Torque: 400Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6.1 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 193km/h
Battery Capacity: 81.2 kWh
Drive Range: 550 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.1 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$417,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Performance Motors / Eurokars Auto

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@carboy_365)


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BMW Unveils i5 Touring in Singapore https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=276506 Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:34:11 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=276506 BMW Asia recently announced the arrival of the first-ever BMW i5 Touring in Singapore.


Since its debut at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW 5 Series Touring has been synonymous with modern functionality. Now, this model enters a new era with its first all-electric variant.

The all-new BMW i5 Touring, like its sedan counterpart, is built on a flexible drive architecture at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing. Remarkably, only around 620 grams of residual waste are produced per vehicle, with the electricity used for production coming entirely from renewable sources.

The BMW i5 Touring’s 2-box design is highlighted by a long roofline, a gently sloping rear, and dynamically stretched side windows. 

Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length, 1,900 millimetres in width, and 1,515 millimetres in height, with a wheelbase of 2,995 millimetres, the i5 Touring’s front end boasts a modern interpretation of the typical BMW grille, featuring the BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.

The interior of the BMW i5 Touring features a new BMW Curved Display (consisting of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display), steering wheel, and sports seats. The cabin’s progressive premium ambience is reflected in the standard BMW Interaction Bar, a fully vegan interior, and innovative digital services.

The wagon body shape translates to abundant shoulder room in the front and generous leg, shoulder, and elbow room in the rear.

The boot has a capacity of 570 litres, which can be increased to 1,700 litres by fully folding down the rear seat backrest.

The BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring is powered by an electric motor located in the rear axle, generating 250 kW (340 hp) and 400 Nm.

It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, with a range of up to 548 kilometres. The vehicle’s high-voltage battery has a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh.

With the longest wheelbase in its segment, large track widths, and a 50:50 axle load distribution, the vehicle claims to offer optimal conditions for a dynamic driving experience.

BMW Asia offers comprehensive charging solutions for BMW EV customers in Singapore, including a home charging package with a BMW Wallbox and a public charging package with a subscription of 10,000 kWh over three years at Shell Recharge stations. The BMW Wallbox provides fast home charging at a rate of up to 22 kW, while BMW Charging gives drivers access to a large network of public charging stations across Singapore.

The BMW i5 Touring can also stay up to date with the latest software through Remote Software Upgrades. Customers can also test selected functions free of charge for a period of one month and then book them for a specific term.

Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, shared: “The first-ever BMW i5 Touring is an extraordinary addition to our lineup that our fans in Singapore have eagerly awaited. Its popular touring body type makes it a hot new entry in our electric range, expanding choices for our customers.”


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New BMW 5 Series Touring Announced https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=271807 Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:06:18 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=271807 Details of 5 Series Touring announced ahead of 2024 launch.


Readers familiar with this writer would know that I prefer wagons or estates to sedans. And so, writing with great glee, I’m thrilled to share with you that there will be a wagon version of the BMW 5 Series for this generation.

This is the sixth BMW 5 Series Touring, born out of the eighth-generation 5 Series. Code-named G61, as opposed to the G60 sedan version, the official launch in Germany, many other European countries and Japan will begin in May 2024. Other markets are set to follow in June 2024.

Compared to its predecessor, the new G61 is 97mm longer at 5,060mm, 32mm wider at 1,900mm and 17mm taller at 1,515mm. This 5’er Touring has the longest wheelbase in its class, increasing by 20 millimetres to 2,995 millimetres.

For the first time, the 5’er Touring will be available as a battery electric vehicle (EV or BEV), and headlining the EV segment is the i5 M60 xDrive Touring.

Two electric motors powering all four wheels put down a searing 517hp in standard mode and a scorching 601hp in My Mode SPORT.

The century sprint is done and dusted in just 3.9 seconds, and top speed is a claimed 230km/h. WLTP range is said to be 445-506km, and the battery pack can be charged at up to 205kW at a suitable DC fast charger.

If that’s too much excitement for you, the i5 in eDrive40 Touring guise sports just a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, and puts down 313hp in standard mode and 340hp in My Mode SPORT.

0-100km/h is dispatched in a claimed 6.1 seconds and the i5 eDrive40 Touring will run all the way up to 193km/h. WLTP range is said to be between 483-560km. Again, the battery pack can be charged at up to 205kW at a suitable DC fast charger.

If a full EV is not your cuppa just yet, there’s also a plug-in hybrid 530e Touring, which will be available with rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive.

A two-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 190hp and 310Nm of torque is paired with an electric motor that produces 184hp and 250Nm of torque. This then totals 299hp and 450Nm overall, and no, it’s not a straightforward addition of numbers.

0-100km/h comes and goes in 6.4 seconds. On electric power alone, one can drive at up to 140km/h with a claimed WLTP range of 84-96km for the rear-wheel drive variant and 79-89km for the xDrive version.

Finally, there’s the 520d Touring in both rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive guises. With 197hp and 400Nm of torque from its two-litre inline four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, 0-100km/h is dispatched in just 7.5 seconds.

Both variants also feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology, and WLTP fuel economy is claimed to be 5.3–5.9-litres/100 km for the rear-wheel drive variant and 5.7-6.2-litres/100 km for the xDrive version.

No details yet on a 520i petrol-powered 5 Series Touring, which would be applicable to Singapore’s market, but we’ll bring you more once the local launch happens. If it happens, we expect it to be the same two-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder putting out 190hp and 310Nm of torque as found in the G60 5 Series sedan.

On the inside, the first item of note is the BMW Curved Display. Its 12.3-inch Information Display and the Control Display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches form a fully digital display network. BMW Operating System 8.5 makes its appearance in the 5’er Touring.

i5 M60 xDrive Touring
i5 eDrive40 Touring

New sports seats are fitted as standard. The steering wheel is now flatter at the bottom. There’s also an optional BMW Interaction Bar.

530e Touring
520d Touring

The 5’er Touring has a completely vegan interior as standard. The seat surfaces in the Veganza version are also optionally available with a decorative quilting. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bi-colour variants.

Other highlights of the optional equipment programme include the panoramic glass roof and the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with up to 18 loudspeakers.

This new 5’er Touring offers more space and noticeably more leg, shoulder and elbow room, especially in the rear, as well as optimised acoustic comfort. Good for those family road trips up north, and I don’t just mean to KL. Think further afield, to the land of tom yum.

A wider luggage compartment opening combined with a low sill makes it easy to stow large items of luggage. This is why I love wagons. They ride lower like sedans, and have lots of practicality similar to SUVs.

With the rear seatbacks up, 570-litres of boot space is available.

Remotely unlock the 40:20:40 split rear seatbacks from the luggage compartment, drop them all and 1,700-litres of Giant- and Ikea-swallowing capaciousness opens up.

Storage compartments under the load compartment floor provide space for the luggage compartment partition net, luggage compartment cover and charging cable for the all-electric and plug-in hybrid models.

Being a BMW, expect technology up the wazoo, such as the optional Driving Assistant Professional including Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control with Stop & Go function.

Park Assistant is standard, while the optional Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking and manoeuvring up to 200 metres that’s controlled from outside the car using a smartphone.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, folks. More to come, stay tuned.

Photo Credits: BMW


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The BMW Concept Touring Coupé Is A Masterpiece on four Wheels https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=264597 Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:21:59 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=264597 BMW, please make this clown shoe a reality. It’s absolutely gorgeous.


BMW has graced us with the world premiere of its BMW Concept Touring Coupé, a stunning creation that pays homage to the timeless allure of automobiles.

This one-of-a-kind model, presented at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023, showcases BMW Design’s innovative take on the elegant sports car, giving it a shooting brake concept that oozes sophistication and charm.

You have to wonder why this design ooze didn’t translate to its other vehicles, but oh well.

The interior of the BMW Concept Touring Coupé features meticulously crafted leather surfaces from renowned Italian manufacturer Poltrona Frau, creating an opulent ambience. And let’s not forget that compartment behind the seats, offering ample space to store your luggage for those spontaneous trips.

Even the luggage itself is custom-made at the esteemed Schedoni leather workshop in Modena, so you can flex even when walking into that hotel lobby.

Enough of the inside, let’s take a gander at that sleek, sexy bodyline. The BMW Concept Touring Coupé pays homage to the legendary BMW 328 Touring Coupé that triumphed in the 1940 Mille Miglia endurance race.

The shooting-brake concept draws inspiration from the BMW 02 Series model variants of the early 1970s, which sported the “Touring” moniker to distinguish them from sedans.

The sculpted rear end is a particular highlight of the BMW Concept Touring Coupé. Flowing seamlessly from the contours of the roof, it accentuates the car’s athletic shoulders, while the flat rear window and precisely defined body surfaces exude strength and confidence. 

From the side, the unmistakable shooting brake proportions, a signature BMW interpretation, is a well-missed silhouette. The long bonnet, streamlined roof contours, and powerful rear section blend harmoniously, creating a distinctive two-box design. 

Even the paint is unique on the car. Sparkling Lario paintwork embedded with blue glass flakes gives the car depth, with the silver-bronze accents and specially designed BMW kidney grille with longitudinal bars complementing the ensemble.

Completing the look are the exclusive 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels in a 20-spoke radial design, featuring intricate details and discreet gold-coloured surfaces that exude elegance and athleticism.

Domagoj Dukec, the head of BMW Design, said “The BMW Concept Touring Coupé celebrates the original Sheer Driving Pleasure. A highly emotional vehicle like this shows that the passion for everything that goes into driving pleasure has been essential through the ages and will be for the future.”

Please BMW, just bring this into production already. 


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BMW M3 Touring 3.0 Competition – Brute Force Wagon https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=264582 Thu, 01 Jun 2023 17:31:04 +0000 https://autoapp.sg/?p=264582 For the most part, Audi has dominated the performance estate space in the last decade.


(Updated 23 October 2023)

Save for the AMG C63 or E63 Estate, you would really need help finding a wagon with lots of space and pace.

Well, enter the BMW M3 Touring. The car that everyone has been waiting for. A compact yet spacious, practical wagon with so much grip and grunt (more than 500 bhp), your family will be tossed like a salad by the time you arrive home.

Equipped with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine that produces a mad 503 bhp and 650 Nm of torque. The car will go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. That’s supercar-fast.

If all you wanted was speed, then an M3 or M4 would have sufficed. But, no, you’re someone who thinks of their family too. Or you’re simply different. So you want something that says you’re a discerning driver and unique.

Which is why you’re looking at the M3 Touring. Aside from looking totally different from the sedan and coupe, this car has the added practicality that the other M3 variants lack. So you can take it on a road trip with your family and friends and not worry about having enough room for your luggage (and shopping).

Okay, with 500 litres of space, it’s not much larger than the sedan, but the opening is taller, making loading large items much more accessible. You can also fold the rear seats down and liberate even more space. Did you know that BMW Touring variants also have a rear window opening that allows you to load small items without needing to open the whole hatch? This is especially useful when you park too close to a wall or tree.

In order to find out how the M3 Touring would fare in daily-driven scenarios, we stuffed our resident fuel economy tester in the driver’s seat and sent him on his way. He returned with an average fuel economy of 11.9km/litre across 509.4km, which bettered BMW’s claimed 9.6km/litre average.

pure street route
general commute #1
mixed-drive Tour de Singapour
mostly highway drive
general commute #2

Naturally, how you drive will determine the actual economy you’ll achieve, but with your inner Zen-mode engaged, the M3 Touring can be lived with and daily-driven.

Inside, the wagon is sporty and has bits of carbon fibre with lots of leather and racy red highlights to remind you that you’re in an M.

Like most modern BMWs, the M3 Touring has a pretty innovative infotainment system designed to keep drivers connected and informed on the road. The system features a high-resolution touchscreen display that, once you’re familiar, is easy to use and navigate. It also includes advanced voice recognition technology, allowing you to control the system without taking your hands off the wheel.

For all the performance that the M3 Touring wields, it also comes packed with some safety driving assistance tech that includes features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.

With BMW’s xDrive (AWD), the M3 Touring has loads of grip and feels planted through a series of bends I put it through. In addition, the tuning work done to the car to allow it to cope with the added weight and dimensions work well to make it feel as nimble as the sedan.

The BMW M3 Touring is like a Swiss Army knife on wheels. It’s fast, luxurious, and practical. It’s also expensive. Depending on the COE, the car retails for around SGD 600,000. This puts it beyond the reach of mere mortal humans.

It may have taken a while to be created (and land on our shores), but it’s an exceptional car meant for that special few.

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)

Technical Specifications

BMW M3 Touring Competition xDrive
Engine: 2,993cc inline six-cylinder, turbocharged
Gearbox: Eight speed automatic
Drive: 4WD & 2WD switchable
Power: 510hp @ 5,510-7,200 rpm
Torque: 650Nm @ 2,750-5,500 rpm
0-100km/h: 3.6 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250km/h (280km/h de-restricted) (claimed)
Fuel Economy: 10.4-litres/100km or 9.6km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$622,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: BMW Singapore


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