Solido 1:18 2024 BMW M3 Competition M xDrive Touring (Twilight Purple Pearl Metallic) - Review

BMW finally made an estate M3, and Solido’s 1:18 rendition in Twilight Purple Pearl has some serious presence. With black roof accents and M Performance details, it looks like a compact track weapon disguised as a wagon. In this review I check how well the model matches the real car — from its sweeping metallic paint to the small finishing touches — and whether it delivers on quality and playability for its price.

Exterior & Paint – 9/10

This car demands attention. The purple pearl finish is deep and glossy, and in hand it shows off subtle metallic flakes that dance in light. The two-tone scheme (purple body, high-gloss black roof) really pops and feels true to BMW’s M styling. Body lines are sharp and well-defined, thanks in part to Solido’s use of precise molding. Panel gaps look clean and symmetric, and the grille, vents, and even the tiny M-gills in the front fenders are crisply rendered. Simply put, it nails the real Touring’s bold look; it feels as if the actual M3 Touring were shrunk down to shelf size.

Detail & Accuracy – 8/10

Solido’s bit about opening front doors and steerable wheels is spot on. All the exterior trim is present — running rails, mirrors, lights, badges, and even the quad exhaust tips (fattened in plastic) are all there. From a few feet away everything looks very convincing. Up close you notice some simplifications: for example, the brake discs aren’t vented (just a solid surface) and lens details are basic. But those are petty nitpicks. The model includes realistic rubber tires that add heft, and it sits with a proper stance (just the right rake). Overall, Solido captures the aggressive, track-ready vibe of the Competition Touring very well.

Interior & Features – 7/10

Open the doors and the black interior is visible. You get front sport seats (with painted-on M stripes), a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a dash adorned with silver trim. For a model in this price range it’s decently detailed. However, it does look a bit plastic under close inspection. The seat harnesses are molded plastic, not fabric, and the tiny buttons on the center console are only printed, not engraved. One collector even noted the interior feels a bit “plasticky” on these newer Solidos. In normal display (with the doors closed) you mostly see a dark cabin with windshield reflections, so these shortcomings aren’t glaring. Functionally though, the model does have functioning parts (doors open, wheels steer) which is a big plus for play or pose.

Functionality – 8/10

This is where Solido’s models shine in their class. The two front doors open wide on tight hinges, and they hold their position. Turn the wheels and the front wheels turn (they’re directional), which is always fun for setting up a dramatic angle on the shelf. The car rolls easily on its rubber tires. There is no hood to open (again, the M3 Touring has no separate front trunk or engine bay in the real car), and the trunk doesn’t open either. Packaging-wise, it comes attached to a simple black base inside a clear plastic display box. All moving parts feel sturdy enough for handling. In short, it’s got the just-right amount of functionality - nothing extra to break, but enough “action” (doors, steering) to keep things interesting.

Value – 9/10

At roughly $80 USD street price, this Solido is a strong value. It’s priced similarly to Solido’s other 1:18 M3 Tourings (the green and grey variants have the same tag). For comparison, nearly all other brands focus on the sedan; you won’t find another 1:18 M3 Touring at all, so Solido essentially has the field to itself. (It’s the only way to get a 1:18 M3 wagon with opening doors.) At $80, you’re getting a model that looks convincingly upscale and has solid features, which is much better than generic toys in this range. Higher-end brands or limited editions might do a sedan for $150+, so this Touring wagon is actually a bargain by that metric.

Pros

• Striking color & design: The Twilight Purple pearl paint and black roof look fantastic.
• High fidelity exterior: Sharp bodywork and complete M styling details.
• Opening doors & steering: Front doors open and wheels steer, adding play value.
• Rubber tires & weight: The real rubber tires and diecast base give it solid heft.

Cons

• Simplified interior: Cockpit is adequately molded but feels mostly plastic (no fabric belts).
• No engine detail: There’s nothing to open at the hood (since it’s an estate), which some might wish for (but the real car lacks a frunk).
• Minor paint blemishes: In some cases you might spot tiny paint imperfections on edges (rare, but possible).

Overall Score – 8.4/10

Solido’s Twilight Purple M3 Touring nails the unique charm of BMW’s first estate M3. It delivers stellar presence, vivid color, and “real collector model” touches (doors, steering, weight) for a reasonable price. Yes, the interior is modest and it won’t transform or anything - but honestly, this wagon looks so good that those trade-offs barely matter. If you want a standout BMW wagon on your shelf, this is it.