[VIDEO] BMW M3 Touring Beats Audi RS4 Avant in Epic Drag Race

Performance wagons are experiencing a resurgence in America. BMW confirmed the new M5 Touring for the US lineup next year, following the Audi RS6 Avant’s 2020 debut. However, Europe remains the stronghold of fast estates with vehicles like the BMW M3 Touring and the Audi RS4 Avant. A recent drag race brought these two German powerhouses head-to-head.

Motorsport Magazine from France organized a 1000-meter (approximately 0.6 miles) drag race to compare the performance of these sporty wagons. The Audi RS4 and the BMW M3 Touring are closely matched on paper. The RS4 boasts 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque from its twin-turbo V-6 engine, distributing power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the M3 Touring delivers 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque from a twin-turbo inline-six engine, also utilizing an all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic.

The BMW’s additional 60 horsepower made an immediate impact. The M3 Touring surged ahead from the start, taking an early lead. As the race progressed, the gap widened significantly. By the time the M3 Touring crossed the 1000-meter finish line, it was more than two seconds ahead of the RS4 Avant, a difference that translates to approximately a dozen car lengths.

Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system historically gave it an edge in such races. However, BMW’s modern M cars now use their advanced xDrive system, which effectively counters any advantage the Audi might have had. This evolution in BMW’s drivetrain technology played a crucial role in the M3 Touring’s decisive victory.

This drag race highlights the technological advancements and engineering prowess of BMW’s M division. The M3 Touring’s superior performance underscores its status as a formidable contender in the performance wagon segment. As these vehicles continue to evolve, enthusiasts can look forward to even more thrilling competitions and innovations in the future.