Powerful estate cars have traditionally been Audi’s territory, but BMW is fighting back. The first ever M3 Touring was launched in 2022, followed by the larger M5 Touring last year. Now there is a faster, more focused ‘CS’ evolution of the M3 wagon. If you want to outpace Porsches on a circuit, then lug an old filing cabinet to the tip, you are reading the right review.

The ‘Competition Sport’ versions of the M3 saloon and M4 coupe both achieved critical acclaim and sell-out success, so it seems logical for the estate to receive the CS treatment too.

Or does it? The heaviest, most practical car in the range is hardly an obvious starting point for a track-day tearaway. And at £126,375 – around £33,000 more than a standard M3 Competition Touring – the CS is fearsomely expensive. Can the

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