2023 BMW M3 Touring (G81) | PH Review | PistonHeads

[@jamesj97370]

£100k is too much for any BMW. The fact that there is 77 brand new M3's and 200 (yes 200) M4's sat on Autotrader at the time of writing this tells you these cars are too expensive. BMW as a brand always struggle once they tip of the £80k mark and this is just proving it. The market needs a readjustment!

[@tacodias]

Tell that to the people that still buy it….

[@samcourt6228]

How to Audi get away with it on their RS cars? People say that about M cars but not their equivalent RS or AMG product.

[@fbf01]

Can’t get a decent car now for less than 100k sadly. The M8 is stupidly over priced. The X7s also. Way of the world, sadly

[@deenoc3622]

Its all about whether you can afford the monthly PCP payments. Personally just get a 340i touring and with the spare cash buy a sunday morning sports coupe i.e. GR86 and you'll still have change from 100k. Thats how ridiciously expensive the m3 touring is.

[@soulmaster63]

The fact that 258 M3/M4 are for sale on Autotrader doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re too expensive .Owners sell their cars for many reasons.Boredom,upgrade, downgrade, fuel economy, practicality , and desire are also factors.

[@nab5018]

#TEAMALPINAB3HERE...An Alpina B3 review would be beyond lovely. Glad that you mentioned the elephant in the room😂

[@JoeAchilles1]

Fantastic video Matt and co 👌

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

The way he was jumping around in his seat tells me this is very stiffly sprung. Can't do it. Wish I could - but my back couldn't take that on a long trip. I've gotten old :-( Was yearning for this. But couldnt afford it (of course). Settled for an XC90 T8 2016 used and have fallen in love with its comfort (and safety record). The complete package for my needs.

[@stephenw7298]

Lovely little one, great car and excellent review. Enjoyed it, thanks!

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

Fantastic review, I’d take it over the B3 in a heartbeat but in fairness I’d probably save up for the CS.

[@doggiehowzer]

In the Nissan GTR world, there were 2 specs - M Spec and V Spec. I can imagine they could have the same base M3 and have one tuned for outright performance (V Spec) and one tuned by Alpina for comfort and touring (M Spec), but both with the same M3 underpinnings. It doesn't have to be M Spec or V Spec of course, maybe a CS and a GT variant in keeping with the older monikers just repurposed

[@joemclaughlin995]

Save a huge whack of money and buy the six cylinder diesel Touring. This diesel car is shockingly good with huge torque, 60s mpg and the best resale value of any car. BMW's best kept secret !

[@Eric-qi9us]

when i saw that "PH Review" on the title it reminded me of something i shouldn't think of

[@deputydd4364]

Heart says get the M3 but head says a 340i is actually a better car as I’ll never take it on a track so just for road use

[@intelligentcarreviews8592]

Always worry about resale values as the m3 will retain its value better

[@edwowen]

I've done 12,000 enjoyable miles in my M340i Tourer. Its really all the car you need on the UK's roads. The secondry bonus being its not got the M3's gopping face and mine's averaging 34mpg over 12,000 miles without trying which is a nice bonus. The £50,000 saving over this chav monstrosity went on a Caterham 420! 😄

[@jasonleon1976]

The wallet might say it also😉

[@tepes141]

Loved the fact how Alpina B3 was introduced into the equation ✌

[@SuperTerminator50]

Fab review , Brilliantly presented.....

[@amospizzey1]

I’ve owned an E46 CSL ( great ) and an F80 competition ( ok ) Worn I drove the latest M3 ( G ) it really wasn’t very good

[@fredc9655]

I'll pick G81 M3 Touring for that bulk rear-end and bucket seats, Alpina B3 just not look as special.

[@AlteredBaron]

I was like please please don't put the dog in that trunk. Huh, what a relief.

[@peterhammer4644]

I might have waited for this, if it would have a dual clutch. I just can't stand the torque converter, I feel I am always too late with my gear changes.

[@anotae]

I love M3s ... I'm a BMa guy. But the new C63s 4 cilinders ahhhh

[@roygardiner4002]

Nice museum piece in the swansong of BMW.

[@definedcoding]

Absolutely love these, all it’s missing is some CSL/CS software and it’s a touring CSL. Epic baby carrier too!

[@stuartlloyd-jones9583]

ride looks very very choppy. He's bouncing around all over the pace. Got the new rs5 sportback competition package with oem coilovers. Doesnt react like this. Does it feel twitchy like the m3?

[@Bmontepeque11]

This is such a great car ❤️😩 This is the besy alternative to performance SUVs! 🙌🏻❤️ Really among the best one car garages! As an enthusiast, I wouldn't even consider the Alpina, dynamics > comfort in my case 🌚❤️

[@jamieoconnor1916]

Savage M3 wagon ,but the alpina b3 is just a cooler machine 😎great review sir respect

[@peterhammer4644]

Having driven multiple Alpinas (not this one) they are so soft always. I understand many want those but I would never ever take any Alpina over an M-car.

[@jamieoconnor1916]

@@peterhammer4644 thanks for sharing your opinion peter😀, both cars are fantastic 😎

[@dannylo4807]

I still think theres room for two top level cars one for ultimate engagement one for ultimate luxury

[@soulmaster63]

Wow! It seems that every commenter is an expert on design, performance, suspension dynamics and economics. It’s nearly impossible to find many positive comments on any new car these days. Can’t we have some pure unadulterated enthusiasm for an M3 estate without getting too granular?

[@MrKenn93]

have you seen the buck-toothed front on it? I'll take the B3 every time, sadly.

[@jahudini]

The beauty that is this car.

[@iantownsend500]

All the car you’d ever need

[@alisakhr4260]

Let's see if i got this right; first they disdain the segment benchmark, the Audi RS4 saying it feels old(ok,it is old), and then says the car to beat the new BMW is another BMW, because it's more discreet, more comfortable and the better all-rounder, exactly what the RS4 is... i just love these auto journalists...

[@sandyvalentin3072]

They need to bring this car to the U.S

[@vukasinvlajic152]

Trouble with the Touring is, it's facelift only. And facelift interior with that huge screen and non existing gear lever is a no-go in my book.

[@vicjones3992]

There is still a gear lever

[@Franzino]

Indeed....100% true!!

[@quantaccount4337]

I know this will sound like a broken record - and I apologise for it - but that G80 grill alone is reason enough to go for an Alpina B3 Touring... an F31-based B3 S Touring that is...

[@Sf_Mason]

What would have been wrong making a 6 speed manual?

[@rb.488]

Not enough people buy manuals anymore unfortunately

[@hamishmmc]

The weird thing is, Canada and North America is now home to the six speeds because while manual is way more fringe here, the enthusiasts demand it. Eg. North American Golf R

[@andrewgalloway647]

Excellent review 👍

[@camtait]

Awesome review Matt and Harry! 🙌🏻

[@paulshepherd5649]

You can buy a brand new M5 comp for around £80k right now. Makes £100k+ for this looks a bit expensive. I'll wait for the M5 touring and see if it tempts me to change. I'm really glad they built it though, and that people are buying it. Estates over saloons every day for me

[@Praticus]

I don’t think there will be an M5 touring, I think they made this one instead

[@adogmcdizzle]

Will never get used to that front end.

[@00Seven1000]

How about spending 25-30k on a nicely specced 335d Touring......You're then left with 60k for that Vegas blow out you always wanted 😃

[@user-uy2bw4vc1h]

But then it’s a diesel. Its a quick car but wouldn’t say it would be as fun as this, alot less drama

[@richardraybould6928]

B3 all day long for me - in Alpina Green 😃

[@rupertm2542]

I’m in the market for a fast 4wd estate. The fact this cannot be spec’d with a tow bar is a ball drop imo. Leaves the RS4 as the only choice.

[@biddyboy1570]

M340i

[@Trackhawk_Gle53]

There is the Alpina B3 Touring which is as good and luxurious as the Audi rs4

[@nomadic_mind]

Wish we had this in the US

[@Tracertme]

A dual clutch would have been nice but BMW have been on a cost engineering exercise for a decade now and each one is worse for it. There is nothing we can do but accept another compromise. Fortunately the turbo torque masks it well.a great review I would go for the alpina and the RS4.

[@PipoLipo9000]

The ZF is excellent. You’d hardly notice any difference to the dual clutch

[@peterhammer4644]

@@PipoLipo9000 ZF is horrible. Its better in the G80 than the F90 but still not good. DCT always better imho. Audi RS4 is not comparable, its driving dynamics are light years behind the G80.

[@Tracertme]

@@peterhammer4644 yep but the engineering build quality is light years ahead

[@Tracertme]

@@PipoLipo9000 I don’t think the ZF is horrible it is good but it’s no sports box it’s software mapping overplayed with engine torque does an excellent job of hiding it. ZF did a good job of upping their game when dual clutches came about. In stop start traffic they are typically better

[@peterhammer4644]

@@Tracertme I only care how it works. I had an E92 and F80 both with DCT and they were miles more engaging and nicer. Never had any problems so why should I care about engineering? And if you refer Audi and engineering I can only laugh. They still haven't figured our how they get their cars to turn into corners so that's with the engineering 😂😂. A sports sedan with so much understeer is not an sports sedan.

[@wally07]

Would have bought one of these but I just can’t get over that horrible busy new screen and lack of driver specific display. It’s a deal breaker for me. That being said, if I could only ever have one car this would come very close to being it..

[@sionbonkwok6937]

fast car we love , cool bmw

[@Hali88]

It's not the most exciting car of 2023, it's an M3 with a slightly bigger boot.

[@samcourt6228]

Was this the car at Sunday Service at the Motor Museum?

[@Cooblie]

Dont think so. That was Brooklyn grey, had regular seats and a private plate. This one looks to be Skyscraper and has buckets.

[@samcourt6228]

@@Cooblie I saw one with the posh seats with the carbon Willy rest.

[@deancostello14]

One day, I'll have one.

[@Rhowhat]

£100k, hahaha. You'd have to be mental. But a 340i and something actually interesting for the weekend.

[@trevornies2989]

Great review. Such a beautiful car. Too bad the US doesn't get it😢

[@TheDjcarlos67]

That comment about the extra 5% being irrelevant was pretty daft. Otherwise excellent video 👍

[@timjones8837]

Alpina B3 pls....

[@PietroShitzberg]

I don’t particularly have a problem with it being 100k but it looks cumbersome and the interior looks over designed.

[@marc24rennen]

This just makes the ALPINA B3 touring a much appealing choice. And you can buy one as long as you have the money, any time. This M3 however is for flippers.

[@peterhammer4644]

never an Alpina instead of an M-car for me. They are made as an all-round car, totally different.

[@Neudezign]

Wait, BMW is absorbing Alpina like some sort of ravenous amoeba? I did not know that. That's kind of sad to hear to be honest with ya. I feel the industry needs "aftermarket" companies to sometimes challenge the status quo and make a product better than the original. I hope BMW doesn't absorb Wiesmann too.

[@kulebrero]

Why can’t we have wagons in the US? I’m not asking for a million of them…just a few. Just make three or four less crossover SUVs…no one will even notice

[@N221BP]

This is more like a sales brochure, instead of an honest review. Still know nothing about this M3, besides it's got the same rearseat folder like Mazda has for decades.

[@ibookje]

Yes please !

[@IAMCRAIG1986]

The Sedan is the best looking out of the three designs available + it’s still family friendly.

[@TrueFilter]

Yep don't see the point of this one.

[@agraf85]

Total family friendly 😅👍🏼

[@omnihein9322]

I agree, can't stand the look of a wagon, in my eyes, it looks like a squatted SUV. Yes, I know technically Wagons were a thing before SUVs, but have y'all seen those ugly-ass old Wagons?

[@mspeed2441]

Sublime.

[@edwowen]

Its a dogs dinner. The front continues to be the face even its mother couldnt love, and the optional seats are just cringeable. Have you seen the state of the optional sports exhaust, and worse the CSL? BMW are trolling us now.....

[@albertogonzalez1746]

X3M please

[@rngDeadEye]

Nice to see BMW managed to bulid an AWD system similar to what Nissan did 30 years ago :)

[@mathewrobinson9399]

Yea you’re right. Only Nissan had 4wd before this.

[@rngDeadEye]

@@mathewrobinson9399 I didn't say that Mathew, I said "similar" in that it's RWD biased.

[@mathewrobinson9399]

@@rngDeadEye loads of 4wd cars are RWD based.

[@rngDeadEye]

@@mathewrobinson9399 I know. What's your point?

[@mathewrobinson9399]

@@rngDeadEye my point is trying to work out yours.

[@chawenhalo0089]

This review feels a bit mainstream for PH. Sure it's a great but is one we really want? Too big, too tricky, too expensive, it's just overkill imho.

[@MAS-991]

Hate that digital display. In this M3 and in the new M2. The best the BMWdesigners could do is to slap an elongated screen and call it quits?

[@gaycha6589]

Took them A 25 years to get with the Audi program. Estate? check. Turbo 6? Check. AWD? Check.

[@N221BP]

Electric cars are taking over. Depreciation on this will be fenominal in about 3 to 5 years. Even as a future classic I have my doubts. Regulations will kill it.

[@andywilliams3800]

Am I the only one who thinks the big screen thing is horrific? No care to integrate it nicely into the dash.

[@juliantaylor461]

Group test the M340i, M3 and the Alpina B3 wagons to find the best all round car. You may have a surprise and save a bundle of money 🙂

[@drewmartinezart]

Unfortunately this lovely wagon isn't available in the states. We have been brainwashed into buying the ridiculous SUVs.

[@JimDut]

Hope your kid and dog weren’t sick during that…..

[@RegM86]

Too bad we yanks do not get these waggons across the pond. 😢

[@myou6675]

Alpina over the M3 for certain.

[@peterhammer4644]

totally different purpose. As and allrounder Alpina yes, as a sports wagon this every day of the year.

[@maxwellmattison6224]

ALPINA! Cheers, #e46DinanTouringX->

[@hackney4eva]

Men who wear those for their kids also sit down when they pee

[@Naps-95]

Fun that they've finally done an M3 estate! Shame they've done it with the generation that's fugly and sounds dog.

[@fireblade6756]

£100000 no thanks, I'll take the RS4 Competition thanks on order!!!

[@martincassels7995]

That’s a top end figure if you spec it up. The rs4 is nowhere near as good a drivers car as the m3.

[@Petrrii]

@@martincassels7995 yeah bc you had them both

[@freddiejones4598]

@@Petrrii the reviews tell us that. The rs4 was never a great a car

[@andrewgalloway647]

M3 touring any day of the week over rs4. Trading my rs4 for one of these for too many reasons to list

[@robertanthony8092]

It’s £85k not £100k! And a better drivers car than the RS4, no contest for me!

[@mubblemann]

Sorry, but this simply isn't a £100k car.

[@waleed2007su]

Not worth 100k at all. Rs4 am coming again lol

[@ethanthomas68]

A Volkswagen over a M3? No thanks!

[@peterhammer4644]

Audi?? 😂😂. A car that doesn't turn into corners. If something is overpriced its all Audi RS-cars. Especially the bigger ones. They used to be fast but now this is probably faster than an RS6, which is laughable for the price difference.

[@waleed2007su]

@peterhammer4644 thats why Audi hold value for a reason you pay 100k for BMW try to sell it next day you will get 50k lol

[@waleed2007su]

@@ethanthomas68 say the man who drives a Nissan lol

[@peterhammer4644]

@@waleed2007su on the contrary, here in Scandinavia Audis depreciate like crazy, much faster than BMW. So good luck wherever you live.

[@billshoe22191]

Crazy expensive and so ugly up front I would never want or desire to have one.

[@Blackmamba12345]

Lol a dinosaur in ICE territory. Be v surprised how long they will keep building this.

[@boogboog8097]

Lightly used E63s, far better.

[@protestagain]

If you don't use it on a track, but want a panoramic roof, spare tire and a trailer hitch and save £ 8700, then buy a BMW X3M. The same engine, and a little bit slower.

[@Abc2zzz]

This desperately needs MT.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Yeah that dog is going to love being thrown around the boot of that....🙄

[@lampard9512]

I hate the rear fenders, looks like an amateur jobs

[@atstickyday3270]

FirSt

[@rjdavies1982]

Bit of an ugly expensive mess?

[@craigyirush3492]

That hideous curved screen …

[@peterhammer4644]

Not a very good review if I am honest. Almost like he hated the car. Why compare to Alpina, which for a total different purpose? I dont understand. One of the worst Pistonheads reviews I have seen. No wonder they lack so much behind Throttle House f.ex....

[@diablomadvanced]

your review is unorganized... i am stopping now...

[@Ste967]

I think for this car I will betray Audi... Very nice review!!!

[@bumblebee9288]

This car should be no more than 40 to 50 k

[@JoostH.]

Rev it all the way to 7200 rpm! 🥲.