All-New BMW M3 Touring Review: The One-Car Solution? | Henry Catchpole - The Driver’s Seat
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
- The BMW M3 (G81) Competition xDrive Touring (to bestow its full title,) has been one of the most hotly anticipated cars ever since the first pictures lit up the internet. Those twin facets of practicality and performance are usually skewed one way or the other in a car, but occasionally there is the tantalizing promise of total harmony. This week, Henry seeks to find out if the M3 in wagon/estate/load-lugger form, is that promise realized.
With exactly the same 503bhp, turbocharged, straight-six S58 engine under the bonnet and power going to all four wheels, the M3 Touring still does 0-62mph in a mere 3.6 seconds - just a tenth of a second slower than an M4 Competition xDrive. The top speed remains limited to 155mph (although if you opt for the M Driver’s Pack then this rises to 174mph.)
In this episode of The Driver’s Seat, Henry Catchpole tests the M3 Touring on both on the road, and round the track, to see if the reality lives up to the hype. There are some big skids on the circuit (and then he pops a bit of shopping in the boot afterwards.) Knowing Henry at this point, he also tests the Touring’s ability to carry a bicycle, a size 58cm Specialized Tarmac SL5 S-Works (if such things matter to you,) and then finds some company in the shape of Otto-the giant teddybear.
Can the new M3 Touring really take on “The Establishment,” aka, Audi’s RS4 and RS6 Avants? Will it feel lacking, given that the new Mercedes AMG C63 S estate has closer to 700bhp? In a shocking turn of events, will the appearance of the Ferrari Purosangue in the last few weeks, have made the estate format seem rather ‘old hat?’
Before you start adding things, like the Frozen Portimao Blue metallic paint, Carbon ceramic brakes and carbon bucket seats, the M3 Touring is not cheap. Priced at just over £80,000 in the UK (it’s not coming to the US. sorry folks,) the car comes with a steep price tag. However, it could be seen as multiple cars in one - we can certainly see it being helpful in the fantasy five car garage game.
Anyway, we hope you enjoy the episode. And if you do, please consider sharing it with someone else that you think might appreciate it. Thank you.
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Henry is a legend. So pleased he could come here after Carfection. I’ll watch him review anything!
I really thought Henry leave carfection because Hagerty offer better things. Only then I realised Henry was only looking for a job because Carfection folded
Seriously! He could review a Prius or a sandwich and I’d be entertained
@@saltysurferI literally once told him I’d listen to him review a ham sandwich. He got a kick out of it. 😂
“We have idrive to fall back on.” Words I thought I’d never hear in my life. Yet here we are continuing to replace often used buttons and knobs with screens. 3:29
unbelievably, BMW have done the same thing on their motorbikes.
My 2007 F650GS, 2008 R1200R, 2008 K1200GT: slide switches on the bars for heated grips (all 3 bikes) and seat (K1200GT). Could use them without ever taking my eyes off the road.
My 2022 R1200GSA: press heat button (which is in a difficult-to-reach spot on the handlebars), navigate menu to grips or seat option with spinny wheel control on the left side of the bars (similar to idrive), select heat level, acknowledge with the spinny wheel thing.
it's utterly absurd. Also some years back they ditched the old paddle-style indicator switches where instead of a single switch on the left like most bikes, you have a big thumb-paddle on each side, and you just press the one you want to use (or both at once for hazards)
If you merely touch a mobile phone whilst driving, yourself and all those within a half mile radius will surely die but you can fumble your way through these ridiculous screen menus and that's fine.
Absolute madness and hypocrisy regarding what is and isn't safe.
I'm not condoning irresponsible phone use by the way 😄
That touch screen climate control is a driving hazard lol.
Tesla won't release it, but How many Tesla drivers, have dung punched the car in front, because they are playing with the stupid Screen, is huge..
There are court cases lining up.. the reason you have stalks on the steeringb wheel, indicate, and turn on wipers..
Not a big Stupid iPad in the car.. software update, whoops Prang..
I dont know why they added that. Besides from that, everything is fantastic.
When autos stopped being about the drive, and about everything other than the drive..... there was some shmucks in management at some companies who started it all.
And those ugly instruments do my head in every time I get behind the wheel of a modern BMW. BMW used to lead in interior design, now they are over designed nightmares of tech.
Not any more than any other climate control in any car. Besides you can even talk to it to change the temperature if touching a permanent virtual button is too hard for you.
Lovely car (just as the regular M3) and fantastic production as usual 😉
However, while the display is crisp and OS8 is slightly better the old layout with the climate controls as physical buttons was just way better. Thanks for pointing that out.
Oh wow another Carfecti...Hagerty video!
Got to be the best production values of any of the YT crop and with Henry, pretty much the best journo to make the jump from written media to film. Absolutely excellent and the BMW isn't bad either.
I really appreciate the ultrawide format, feels like watching cinema at home
I love to see Henry reviewing such an important car as the first M3 Touring ❤, I love this car soooo much, who needs an SUV? 😂❤️
I tell my wife (I drive a wagon, she has a SUV) that daily.
Guess which car we take on road trips? Hint: It's not 42 feet tall for no good reason.
They're useless as trucks and inefficient passenger vehicles. I'll never "get" the SUV thing.
@@andrewb4584 1)most people totally lack confidence in themselves in their vehicles. Jason camissa spoke about this and how the most confidence inspiring position is high up in the middle (middle land hoggers)
2)the vast majority of our society lacks core strength and flexibility, hence sliding sideways into the seat and putting Tarquin in the baby seat.
3)image. If you like being high up and need the extra space, get a van based mpv. O, right, image.
So, SUV's are a symptom of an ill society.
NO ONE. Needs an SUV. That is all.
@@exothermal.sprocket Exactly 🌚
@@andrewb4584 EXACTLY, I think just the same thing! SUVs are useless unless you have an off-roading capable SUV like a Ford Bronco 🙄
I’d watch Henry review a toaster. Him reviewing cars is just a bonus.
The aspect ratio of this video is just perfect for my tall phone. I always watch hagerty video for a viewing experience. One of the best production qualities.
Bummer we won't get this in the USA 🇺🇸.
It's a very practical car. I bet plenty of people would buy it. 🎊 😊🎉
The 21:9 aspect ratio is absolutely stunning. More like this, please!
Absolutely wonderful video Henry - production values, story line and of course superb content. You sit at the pinnacle of motoring journalism video production (with notable mention of the always excellent Harry Metcalfe). I look forward to the next notification of eclectic automotive pleasure.
This review is so far the best I've seen ! Thanks for creating such high quality content.
See the the Puro Sange,, you will like it as well.
The lighting!! This is gorgeous and stunning video work. Usual superlatives apply to every other aspect of this piece, not least of all HC’s brilliant delivery but someone deserves the day off for the videography here. ❤
The only car amazing enough to make me look past the front end. I would still buy this in a heartbeat if we got this in the states. Such an amazing car. Nothing is perfect and that's why it must look this way I guess lol.
Dang. That’s what I was looking for… if it was coming to the US. I legit would use it to transport the bicycle on long ride weekends :(
Man I wish this came to the States
Well now you have a chance to buy the new M5 touring
Planned obsolescence has never been so practical.
As someone who works for BMW in the states, I'm looking forward to when this car comes over!
Having a new wagon, in and endless sea of beige crossovers and SUVs, would be spectacular.
My problem with "one car solutions" at this price point is I can't imagine why I wouldn't just buy a standard 3 series touring for the everyday and a Miata for the weekends for the same price as this one car. It's better to have both extremes than one compromise.
100% agree, the only problem would be for people with limited space. If you only have room to park 1 car, you need it all wrapped up in a nice package. That being said, I currently own 4 vehicles (I don't have a problem, you have a problem) so I have no room to talk lol.
What about an M3 and a Miata?
A standard 3 series touring every day might be a bit boring..
@@NiallMurraymurraynt That's my whole point of the standard 3 series. Something boring for the everyday makes the weekend car that much more exciting. It's all about the contrast.
Just get a used M3 and a Miata
Garage space
very nice Henry...as usual.
I absolutely LOVE performance touring cars, especially paired to a manual. I have no idea why we can't have these perfect machines in Canada...
Great review Henry. Best one I’ve seen so far. No a moment of shouting or whooping required, nor necessary.
Fantastic car, very capable in basically every way. But I still just can't get over that new front end. I think it'll always look like a pair of beaver teeth to me...
In any case, great work Team Hagerty - fantastic production quality!
I see that too
Get the 340i and do a remap and you're going to have the best sleeper once debadge it
I feel exactly the same way. It is such a brilliant car, but the front is just plain hideous. Luckily I'm not in a position to afford it anyway, so I don't have to worry about this.
@@andreiarama8745 Such great cars! Hard to go wrong with the 40 series BMW's for sure (meaning 340, 440, etc). The B58 is a solid engine
@@trunksbriefs8434 Agreed, it's just not a look I can get used to. Also yes they are quite pricey!
Just brilliant Henry and team 👏
Great to see Henry back on UA-cam 👍
God you just never get bored of watching Henry! And the M3 is astoundingly good too. The aesthetics and proportions make you wonder why the hell were BMW so late to the fast estate party? They should've been making M3 Tourings since at least the E90.
the e91 exists, although its very rare
@@krystalsolis6613 Pretty sure it does not. BMW never made any official production M3 Touring until now with the G81.
Absolutely class video by Hagerty. They never disappoint.
Man, I love stick wagons, since I have one myself.
You look so good on my new 4k monitor, thank you for how you are filming, lol. Now, as for your reviews, they are the best in the industry and Henry is a magician with words. I wish we could get that car in Canada.
My uncle ordered one in aventurin-red. Now we hope that it arrives soon.
Love those Volvo 240 estates! My aunt&uncle had one in the 1980s that they'd transplanted all the good bits of a 242GT coupe into. It was named Big Bird (because yellow) and they put 800kkm on it before selling it to a friend (and then getting it back later and ticking over 1 million)
Oh so we finally got that M5 E39 touring that we were waiting for like 25 years
All the car you’ll ever need. As ever, top quality vid presented by one of the very best car people there is..
That grille is hideous 🤦🏾♂️
Perfectly Catchpole content, keep it up!
this would be the perfect road tripping car. the interior space is amazing. thats why i love wagons
I bought 4 new BMWs in my 20's (now in my late 30's), and back then they seemed more.... driver-focused than what they do now. There's something gone with BMW, and I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it's just all the little things that add up now - fake engine noise, fugly design elements, UI/UX complications everywhere, the prices have gone through the roof... The M cars are quite impressive this generation, but it seems all that work is washed away by numerous other poor decisions. I've gone American now and I'm quite happy. I don't really miss BMW, and it seems like I'm not missing out on much anyway.
Their focus shifted and the type of customer they serve also changed. BMWs are more like fashion accessories/vanity products now than ever before. Obviously BMWs have always conveyed status in some measure, but the nature of how they go about it and what qualities they want to present are now much more shallow in my opinion. Hence why the cars are garish and ugly, bloated with tech and ridiculously brash and powerful. tl;dr I'd say they lost core aspects of their personality and subsequently no longer manufacture cars with the same finesse.
I guess you didn't watch the video. Strange commenting without watching it. This G81 is a masterpiece in every possible way bar the touchscreen. The front looks fantastic in this color, our dealer has one in their showroom. I have had 14 BMW:s including several M-cars and if I wouldn't have gone the Taycan route end 2020, I would have waited for this.
@@peterhammer4644 I guess you didn't watch the video... priceless
@@chbrules well if you did watch the video, the less I understand your comments. I am not missing out on much anyway....sigh....how do you know that if you haven't driven the car?
Now if only we could get one without all the needless tech and driving nannies for half the price. Wonderful review Henry and team, always good work!
One of the best presenters. Congrats Henry! All other M3 touring reviews can’t compete
Thanks to this review I’ve made my mind & ordered my first m3 and in touring :)
Poetry in words and images as always team!
This channel videos are epic from explanation to production especially watching Jason Cammisa
Great review!
Great work from Henry and Hagerty...
A lot of time always put into your videos. We notice, we appreciate
Work of art Henry, loved it!
Great production quality keep this channel up ♥️
Great production guys! And what a beautiful machine.
The bear attack! Brilliant.
Catchpole could be a modern day Shackleton... I'd follow him anywhere.
A quality production for a proper car !
Great driving, excellent production and a really well thought out and considered review.
Thanks again Henry 😃👍
This video feels like a cup of tea in the morning
Only one blink in the Final Thoughts segment - props Mark! 😂
All New BMW M3 Touring. Shopping with the speed of a light. Mr. Cathpole well done
They should have done this for the f80. Damn shame about that horrendous front end on the new one.
Great review and film of a magnificent car. I so want one of these
Henry is my favorite journalist.
Thanks to Hagerty for allowing this legend to continue filming. Best car reviewer out there, hands down.
Thank you Henry.
Hagerty should be the new top gear. Awesome UA-cam content. Well played !!
the cinematography is spot on in this one 😍
Sports Wagons are cool and no can make me think otherwise.
And the new bmw grill somehow looks good on a wagon.
Well done BMW.
Not well done me cause I can't afford one.
The Audi RS6 Avant and Mercedes E63 wagons are the only direct competitors for this car, and in my opinion, they are 2 of the best looking cars ever made. i cant say i love the M3 grill but im happy it exists because the world needs more wagons!
they aren't direct competitors.
@@Chris-jt4ux german, wagons, same price ranges, similar power, twin turbos, luxury sports cars......name a single other car that competes with these three cars.
the rs6 and e63 are an entire class above. the m3 touring competes against the rs4 and the former C63 wagon. @@unripetomato4312
And the most expensive 100k ouch.
But epic content as ever nailed it. Doesn't matter how much , you guys could make sand look good in the desert.
Thanks for the effort..
nice Car and all that, but I'm wondering what that saddle to bar drop is @HenryCatchpole
Very impressive Review but the Car is amazing. Best Touring ever made from BMW and the prettiest.
The video we have all been waiting for.
The badass car I ve never seen in a while
I'm partial to estate cars, i'll even call it an estate car since this is a more european channel, i'm partial to BMW's having lived in Germany for years there just isn't a finer everyday automobile than a BMW anything. Every few years they come out with something that just really makes me wish i were wealthy, or at least hard working. What a car this is!, M3 estate! i would give anything to hot lap this baby around town. It's proportions are perfect.
Yes I agree it is a nice car as long as I don't have to see the front end
Stunning car (dare I say wagon?) and phenomenal review/video/cinematography.
One thing I do not get - WHY these digital screens on an M product?
I get the screens for the EV and PHEV bmw products, but on an car worthy of the M badge?!? I understand one dial with configurable screen for track, but please, PLEASE bring back the analog gage at least for the engine revolutions.
This car needs to come to the US
That SL-4 is rocking
Be really interesting to see how many of these sell, as the market is someone who can afford 90-100k for a family car
Always seems better to have a normal estate for family duty which you don’t worry about where you park and doing dirty jobs like tip runs and picking the kids up from a muddy adventure in.
Then have a weekend toy like a lotus which you track
For the average M buyer, 'Panda Fur' seat covering is a feature, not a bug.
Agree. Intensely dislike the digital dash. The price is obscene, but no denying it is a special car.
stunning review! you rock!!
You're bloody good at this car reviewing caper Henry. You might consider doing it for a living.
My Dad used to enjoy getting his Volvo 740 estates out of shape too 😄
Henry Catchpole for TopGear
Seems fast!
Thank you, Henry.
That’s one way to handle that eyesore of a front grille, cover it up with a license plate. I wish BMW would just redesign that one aspect of their current cars.
Careful with the bear.....didn't seem so friendly in the last second of the video 🤣
i so wish this would be available in the US
Amazing video. What a shame this is not sold in US!
Best petrol head in the world, keep up the great work Henry.
Love the car. Love the video. I can even forgive the grill. I just haven’t warmed up to the elongated iPad stapled to the dash. I really hope that trend fades away.
That cinchy Chinese front end is awesome!
Brilliant Henry!
Thank you Henry!
Herny.. as always perfect and beautifully shot video. You spoke about the E63 but the surprising one missing was the RS6.. how does it compare to the RS6 and which one would you choose amongst the two. Good next video idea, maybe?
It is the ONLY modern BWM I would love to own. Wish I could both get one and afford it...... and all its maintenance and repair costs.
Just that bloody grill...
I would enjoy Henry review my washing machine, absolutely fantastic!
I don’t know how long that curved screen will last in the Australian heat, probably a non issue in the northern hemisphere but I would guess big $$$ and painful to replace
I know you talk about the traction control being able to be tuned but i don't know how many people would know how to do it or have the place to do it. But it's a cool car.
Yes, wagons are always the answer.
I wonder if you would get glaring on the LCD screen, love the analog screen way better.