As it lines up at the start of the Hill, it’s difficult to tell what’s all that different about the M3 Touring. The view straight down to the start line has us staring it straight in the face, grilles and all. As it lurches off the line and speers closer, the profile comes into view. If you didn’t know already, you know now. This is the world debut of the BMW M3 Touring at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, with none other than the Duke of Richmond at the wheel!
On board with him is BMW M CEO Frank van Meel, looking equal parts nervous and amused as the Duke gives the M3 a good spanking as he opens the Hill for 2022. Happily, the Touring’s standard-fit xDrive all-wheel-drive is on hand to contain the 510PS (375kW) fury.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, the impact of that grille – which we were already used to anyway – is dampened by there being more car behind it. It’s more in proportion with the mass and silhouette of a wagon. For over 35 years, since the introduction of the M3, we’ve been waiting for a full-fat M-powered small load lugger from BMW. Now it’s finally here and it’s been given a ceremoniously lairy introduction by the Duke of Richmond.
Festival of Speed
2022
FOS 2022
BMW
M3
Touring