Two updates from trusted outlets confirm BMW has greenlit production for a next-generation M3 Touring.
The G88 wagon is expected to reach showrooms in 2029, roughly one year after the G84 sedan.
Both variants appear destined for United States showrooms.

Years ago BMW crafted a secret M3 Touring prototype during the E46 generation but kept the single example for internal use only. It took two decades and the arrival of the G81 before an M3 wagon became available for purchase, though not in every market. Performance wagon enthusiasts in the United States were left disappointed when the luxury brand chose not to offer the versatile model stateside.

That situation could shift soon. BMW is developing another 3 Series Touring generation, and fresh reports point to a high-performance M version. Recent coverage from BMWBLOG and Bimmer Post forums highlights the G88 and its planned debut in late 2028 or early 2029 alongside the next M3 sedan (G84). Indications also suggest Munich leadership has cleared the fast wagon for sale in the United States.

Nothing is confirmed until BMW makes an official statement. Still, the strong reception for the larger and pricier M5 Touring makes a United States launch for the M3 Touring less surprising. Even with most SUVs built at the Spartanburg facility in South Carolina, many affluent buyers continue to seek lower-slung performance options.

Photo by: Alex Goy | Motor1

The Next M3 Touring May Adopt Mild-Hybrid Technology

Unlike the M5 and its intricate plug-in hybrid system, the smaller M3 Touring is unlikely to follow the same path. BMW has already confirmed the next M3 will feature a new six-cylinder engine, with signs pointing to an updated inline-six. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter unit is expected to include mild-hybrid assistance to meet tighter emissions rules while avoiding the added mass of a plug-in setup.

Without a larger battery pack, the model would lack any significant electric-only range. For reference, the M5 Touring achieves 24 miles on a single charge per EPA estimates. In Europe the same wagon covers 42 miles on the WLTP cycle under more favorable conditions.

Efficiency rarely ranks as a primary concern for buyers of high-performance wagons. Most prefer to trade some fuel economy for reduced weight and greater driving enjoyment while sidestepping the added complexity of a plug-in hybrid.

Photo by: Alex Goy | Motor1

All-Wheel Drive And Automatic Transmission Expected

The upcoming sports wagon will likely be offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, which would also mean an automatic transmission only. Power figures remain unconfirmed, yet expectations point to at least 543 hp as seen in the limited M3 CS Touring. Torque should stay near or above the current 480 lb-ft level.

Pricing details are still far off, but estimates suggest the model will cost less than the M5 Touring, which starts just under $130,000 in the United States. By the time the M3 Touring arrives, assuming it does, the larger wagon's price will probably have risen further.

Vehicle prices continue to climb each year, so a six-figure starting price for the wagon version of the next M3 seems plausible. Given the current M3 Competition xDrive Sedan begins just under $90,000, the successor wagon could land in similar territory. Based on the spread between M5 variants, the M3 sedan would likely cost a few thousand dollars less than its wagon counterpart.

2025 BMW M3 Touring Review

Source: Alex Goy | Motor1

What do you think?

Motor1's Take: In a market dominated by SUVs, reports hinting at an M3 Touring with United States availability are welcome news. The vehicle will carry a premium price, yet that reflects the versatility of a true do-it-all performance car. There are no indications BMW plans to bring the standard 3 Series Touring (G51) to the United States, just as the regular 5 Series Touring remains unavailable here.

Whether the upcoming Audi RS5 Avant reaches American shores is still uncertain, but at least one performance wagon in this class stands a good chance of securing United States market access.

The M3 Has A Bright Future:

Sources: BMWBLOG, Bimmer Post