The BMW M3 Touring is for those who want practicality without sacrificing performance—essentially, it’s the answer for anyone who needs an M3 but has a dog, a bike, and kids.

After two generations of straight-six-powered M3s, in 2007 BMW turned to a V8 to enable its new E92 coupe (and saloon-bodied E90 sister car) to join the arms race with Mercedes‑AMG, Audi and Lexus.

Even with the tide turning against diesel, the 320d is expected to represent half of all 3-series models sold in the UK. The 3 Series is as important to BMW as it has ever been, and there is added ...