All-New BMW M3 Touring Review: The One-Car Solution? | Henry Catchpole - The Driver’s Seat

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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[andyaldworth]

Henry is a legend. So pleased he could come here after Carfection. I’ll watch him review anything!

[mcsully]

“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

[louderthanwords]

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.

[rklos]

That touch screen climate control is a driving hazard lol.

[u]

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.

[johnvega]

I really appreciate the ultrawide format, feels like watching cinema at home

[shubhankarkulkarni]

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.

[WarriorsPhoto]

Bummer we won't get this in the USA 🇺🇸.

It's a very practical car. I bet plenty of people would buy it. 🎊 😊🎉

[stubbarn]

The 21:9 aspect ratio is absolutely stunning. More like this, please!

[Bmontepeque]

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? 😂❤️

[pooroldnostradamus]

Oh wow another Carfecti...Hagerty video!

[ThePilotGear]

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...

[PrinceBarin]

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. ❤

[GeorgeMBennett]

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.

[bavariansleeper]

Great review Henry. Best one I’ve seen so far. No a moment of shouting or whooping required, nor necessary.

[longtailgt]

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.

[jannikschmidbauer]

This review is so far the best I've seen ! Thanks for creating such high quality content.

[williamfischer]

I’d watch Henry review a toaster. Him reviewing cars is just a bonus.

[dhproductions]

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.

[andrewmontague]

All the car you’ll ever need. As ever, top quality vid presented by one of the very best car people there is..