AC Schnitzer BMW M3 Touring unveiled with 602bhp
German tuner AC Schnitzer has turned its hand to the G81 BMW M3 Touring, tweaking design and performance
The first customer examples of the G81 BMW M3 Touring are only just beginning to hit the road, but AC Schnitzer has already launched its upgrade package for the performance estate. Also available for the G80 saloon, the new suite of upgrades offers design tweaks inside and out alongside a serious performance bump.
Aside from a new engine cover, the hardware of BMW’s 3-litre twin-turbocharged S58 straight-six remains untouched, but the ECU is available with two different piggyback tunes. The entry level option increases output by 79bhp and 74lb ft of torque for a total of 582bhp and 553lb ft. This rises to an increase of 99bhp and the same 74lb ft for the range-topping tune. It gives the AC Schnitzer M3 Touring 602bhp in its most potent form, not far from the 616bhp of the F90 M5.
New performance figures haven’t been disclosed, but pair this new power output with the xDrive all-wheel drive system and we’d expect some improvement in its standard 3.6sec 0-62mph time – unmodified, top speed comes at 174mph with the optional M Driver's Package.
Beyond the engine, AC Schnitzer is offering a less restrictive stainless steel sports exhaust system, complete with valve control for those early morning starts and fresh quad-exit carbonfibre tailpipes. Also on offer is adjustable AC Schnitzer RS suspension, allowing the driver to adjust ride height, bump and rebound on the fly – a lowering spring kit is available too, dropping ride height by up to 20mm on the front axle.
A new set of lightweight 20-inch AC3 or AC1 forged wheels are on the menu, available as standard in two diamond cut finishes or gloss black at a cost. Alongside a marginal reduction in unsprung mass, these wheels are wider than standard, allowing for the fitment of 285 section front and 295 section rear tyres, a 10mm increase in width front and rear.
Performance aside, there are plenty of visual modifications on offer too, with canards and an enlarged front splitter available for the front end. Elsewhere, buyers can opt for new trim pieces for the dual bonnet vents, a new roof spoiler, carbonfibre rear diffuser, AC Schnitzer emblems, decals and more – the firm will even apply paint protection film to the side and rear skirts.
Inside, the usual retrimmed leather and Alcantara steering wheel and unique aluminium trim on the paddles, pedals and centre console is also available.
As with all AC Schnitzer offerings, buyers can pick and choose which elements to fit to their car, opting only for the upgrades that suit their needs. Depending on which you choose, they also come with a warranty of up to four years.
