Performance Estates: M3, RS4, C63 Clash!

The Ultimate Family Haulers: Performance Estates Face Off

For those who crave blistering speed without sacrificing practicality, the performance estate car reigns supreme. These automotive marvels blend the soul-stirring acceleration of a sports car with the everyday usability of a wagon. In a thrilling showdown, we pit some of the most potent examples against each other, from the established titans of BMW M and Audi RS to the electrifying new era ushered in by AMG. The question on everyone’s lips: which of these high-performance hauler kings truly earns the crown?

BMW M3 Touring Competition: The Refined Rocket

The BMW M3 Touring has received a mid-life facelift, bringing a subtle yet significant power bump to its 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine. Now producing a formidable 530 horsepower, it builds upon an already potent package. While BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, our testing revealed an even more astonishing 3.37 seconds for the pre-facelift model, hinting that the updated version is no slouch. The S58 engine remains a masterclass in forced induction, delivering exhilarating performance. However, the M3 Touring’s future, like many performance cars, is likely to embrace hybridization, a path already taken by rivals.

Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate: The Hybrid Powerhouse

Mercedes-AMG has taken a radical departure with the new C63 S, opting for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine augmented by a potent hybrid system. This groundbreaking setup produces a staggering 476 horsepower from the combustion engine alone, making it the most powerful production four-cylinder globally. The rear axle houses a 204 horsepower electric motor, featuring a two-stage gearbox for high-speed efficiency. Combined with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission, this hybrid beast rockets from 0-60 mph in a blistering 3.03 seconds, according to our tests, even surpassing the M3’s impressive figures. However, this technological leap comes at a cost: the distinctive V8 soundtrack of its predecessors is replaced by a less characterful four-cylinder growl, a trade-off that may divide purists. The C63 S Estate also carries a significant price tag, exceeding £100,000, and its boot space is compromised by the hybrid components, offering a modest 320 liters.

Audi RS4 Competition: The Enduring Legend

Audi’s RS4 has long been a benchmark for performance estates, and the Competition model represents a focused evolution. While it trades the old V8 for a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, power remains at 450 horsepower, but torque climbs to an impressive 600 Nm. Audi claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, but our instruments registered a quicker 3.5 seconds. The Competition trim adds enhancements like reduced sound deadening, upgraded differentials, and revised suspension tuning, making it sharper and more engaging. Priced just over £80,000, it offers compelling value, especially considering it’s the final iteration of the RS4 nameplate before it transitions to the RS5 Avant. The interior boasts RS sport seats, an Alcantara-clad steering wheel, and dedicated RS data displays, offering a premium and driver-focused environment. With 495 liters of boot space, it’s highly practical, closely matching the M3 Touring.

Performance on Track and Road

The drag strip is only one measure of a performance car’s mettle. On the track, the C63 S Estate, despite its considerable weight, demonstrates surprising agility thanks to rear-wheel steering and a well-balanced chassis. It’s a playful machine that allows for controlled slides and responsive handling, though the sheer mass is always perceptible. The Audi RS4 Competition, with its lowered, stiffened suspension and standard rear sports differential, offers a more traditional, albeit still engaging, driving experience. While some may dismiss Audi’s as less fun, the RS4 proves its mettle on fast roads, offering ample grip and a playful nature that can put a smile on any driver’s face. The BMW M3 Touring, now with all-wheel drive, feels more planted and potent than ever. Its wider stance, adaptive dampers, and revised differential contribute to exceptional handling, disguising its weight effectively. The steering is precise, and the power delivery is immense, making it a formidable machine on both road and track.

The Verdict: A Tight Race

In the quarter-mile sprint, the Audi RS6 Performance (a used option) emerged victorious with an 11.3-second run, followed closely by the M5 Touring (11.4s), C63S Estate (11.5s), M3 Touring (11.6s), E63S (11.7s), and the RS4 Competition (11.9s). However, outright speed is only part of the equation.

When it comes to overall ranking, the AMG C63 S, despite its incredible speed, is let down by its weight, price, and lack of characterful engine note. The Audi RS4 Competition, while a superb all-rounder, feels slightly outgunned in this elite company. The Mercedes-AMG E63 S, though aging, still impresses with its V8 prowess and handling balance.

The new BMW M5 Touring, a technological tour de force, delivers immense hybrid torque but perhaps lacks the purity of older M cars. The Audi RS6 Performance, particularly in its enhanced guise, offers a compelling blend of speed, looks, and practicality.

Ultimately, the winner is a subjective choice, but the BMW M3 Touring edges out the competition. Its blend of lighter weight, agile handling, and sheer driving excitement, combined with its practicality, makes it the most compelling performance estate. It perfectly merges the thrill of a sports car with the utility of a wagon, embodying the best of both worlds.

Source: BMW M v Audi RS v AMG: Which is best? (YouTube)