In the world of high-performance wagons, the competition between BMW and Audi has reached fever pitch. The BMW M3 Touring and the Audi RS4 Avant - two titans locked in an eternal struggle for supremacy. It’s a face-off that combines luxury, speed, and family-friendly utility in a package that promises to thrill at every turn.
The stage for this epic battle was set by the French journalists at Motorsport Magazine, who orchestrated a classic drag race on the straight stretch of the Lurcy-Lévist circuit. This wasn't just any race; it was a real-world performance test to see which of these titans stands tall in the sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h).
Beneath the hood, both vehicles boast impressive credentials. The Audi RS4 Avant, equipped with the Competition Plus Package, claims a 0 to 62 mph time of 3.9 seconds. The BMW M3 Touring, however, shades it, with the performance division asserting a blistering 3.6 seconds. With 60 extra horsepower and an additional 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) of torque compared to the RS4, the BMW packs a serious punch.
As the green light flickered, the M3 Touring left little room for doubt, obliterating the RS4 Avant with a performance that was as decisive as it was awe-inspiring. Not even Audi's launch control system, which wasn’t fully optimized during the test, could have bridged the gap. The M3 needed just 20.8 seconds to complete the standing kilometer, leaving the RS4 trailing by an additional 1.5 seconds.
Though the RS4 Avant might hint at redemption in the realm of top speed - boasting a max of 180 mph (290 km/h) over the BMW's 174 mph (280 km/h) - it's a minor consolation in a matchup defined by raw acceleration and power.
The rivalry, however, extends beyond just these two models. Looking ahead, the automotive landscape is set to shift dramatically. The RS4 Avant is slated for retirement, making way for an RS5 Avant powered by a plug-in hybrid V6 setup. BMW isn’t resting on its laurels either, with plans to boost the M3 Touring with an additional 20 horsepower this year, ahead of launching a beefier CS version with another 20 hp increase in 2025.
This latest duel between the BMW M3 Touring and Audi RS4 Avant is more than just a race; it's a glimpse into the evolving nature of high-performance wagons. As these storied manufacturers continue to innovate and evolve, we, the enthusiasts, stand as the true winners, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this electrifying saga.
For a closer look at the race and more insights into the ongoing rivalry, check out Motorsport Magazine's video on YouTube.