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Performance wagons stand out as the ultimate versatile vehicles, blending top-notch performance with practical utility. In the luxury segment, these three models offer elegant interiors and serene drives, perfect for a single-car garage. As the newest entrant, the BMW M3 Touring faces off against its experienced rivals.
Carwow’s team matched the G81 with the Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate and Audi RS4 Avant’s Competition variant. The RS4, an older model, sports a strong V8, contrasting with the new plug-in hybrid 2.0-liter engine. All wagons have automatic transmissions. The M3 Touring uniquely offers both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Meanwhile, the AMG is solely rear-wheel, and the RS4 exclusively features Quattro.
The Audi, tipping the scales at 1,745 kg (3,847 lbs), holds a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine. With 450 horsepower and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque, it’s the least powerful in this trio. Meanwhile, the M3’s estate version, weighing 1,865 kg (4,111 lbs), boasts a 3.0-litre inline-six engine, delivering 510 horsepower and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. As for the C63 Estate, its hefty 4.0-litre V8 churns out 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, with the wagon weighing 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs).
In a surprising turn, the less powerful RS4 Avant clinched victory in the initial drag race against the M3 Touring while the BMW was in RWD mode. However, the high-performance Bavarian estate, with xDrive activated, dominated the subsequent quarter-mile drags, efficiently harnessing engine power. Despite its prowess, the AMG C63 Estate lagged in these drag races. Yet, it shone in the rolling races to the half-mile, where its V8 engine truly excelled. In the ultimate showdown, the Audi demonstrated superior braking, halting from a speed of 100 mph (161 km/h) in the brake test.
Any of these three vehicles is a solid choice, regardless of the race results. They tick almost all the right boxes and offer ample cargo space.
