BMW Switzerland's M3 Touring 'Reveal'

Sphygmomanometer · 05-20-2022, 04:27 PM

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I got a last minute invitation to attend BMW Switzerland's M Town Event this afternoon/tonight where they would reveal a new M model. Of course it wasn't the M4 CSL. That had already happened. No, it was the M3 Touring. If you think that's not much of a reveal, you'd be right. We have already seen the back end and we already know what the front end will look like. But we cought a glimpse at the entire car as well as the new interior, or rather the new cinema, pardon, infotainment.

First of all: That back end is glorious, couldn't help it. They showed the car in the same Frozen Pure Grey we know from the YouTube videos and even though I'm not much of a frozen/matte guy I quite liked it. I think it looks even better than the saloon (not to mention the M4). The thing is, I'm still struggling with the other end but I have to admit, I want it.

Inside, I'm not sure I like the Mercedes-setup. There was nothing wrong with the instrument cluster and a separate screen with secondary infos. Let me rephrase that, the current one could be better but I don't feel like the screens themselves are off.

Apparently the Goodwood FOS will be the stage for the official reveal. Let's see if there is going to be a special colour for the Touring.

TL;DR: Saw the M3 Touring, loved the back end, didn't love the new infotainment-setup, still somehow want one.

G30M · 05-20-2022, 10:05 PM

couldn't decide on upgrading from m340i Touring -> M3 touring.

the front end, rear wheel size and the iDrive 8 helped me decide.

also my m340i have developed a rattle and strong wind at 60mph gets in through the windows, such is the quality this car build i'm not sure i want another one.

heard the next M3 is likely to be a hybrid ... watching the XM hybrid I am hopeful for something special ... but will there be a touring!

cncmastr · 05-21-2022, 09:31 AM

I'm with you on this one. If they'd bring it to the US.

wilxuup · 05-21-2022, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cncmastr

I'm with you on this one. If they'd bring it to the US.

Agreed. Would buy in a heartbeat if it came to the US.

mkizzo · 05-21-2022, 09:39 AM

The cinema approach is so bad. Tactile buttons are critical in non-autonomous cars. I'm so surprised that there isn't stronger regulation on this.

MadBimmeRad · 05-21-2022, 09:40 AM

Now, what a marvelous idea would it have been to do this car as a CSL instead of the M4

Sphygmomanometer · 05-21-2022, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G80M4

couldn't decide on upgrading from m340i Touring -> M3 touring.

the front end, rear wheel size and the iDrive 8 helped me decide.

I figured I'd be one of few weirdos who don't like the new setup (yet). But, from the rear that thing is mighty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by G80M4

also my m340i have developed a rattle and strong wind at 60mph gets in through the windows, such is the quality this car build i'm not sure i want another one.

That sucks. Given that the car can't be that old and isn't exactly cheap, that's not what you want to go through.

Quote:

Originally Posted by G80M4

heard the next M3 is likely to be a hybrid ... watching the XM hybrid I am hopeful for something special ... but will there be a touring!

I'm not sure how the G8x series cars are doing but I'm sure the Touring will do comparatively well warranting another Touring.

I feel like I want a G81 but I think I'm going to wait for the exterior changes (along with the M4) as well.

Sphygmomanometer · 05-21-2022, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkizzo

The cinema approach is so bad. Tactile buttons are critical in non-autonomous cars. I'm so surprised that there isn't stronger regulation on this.

This is such an underappreciated topic. In fact, I think these modern setups should be illegal. How is not dangerous prodding a screen that does not respond in time or not at all or it's bumpy and you miss whatever you trying to hit which in turn requires 20 more taps.

It is sold as progress while in fact it's just cheap.

Sphygmomanometer · 05-21-2022, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

Now, what a marvelous idea would it have been to do this car as a CSL instead of the M4

Thinking how BMW is the most risk-averse company of them all, somebody would have had to assassinate the entire board to get it through. 😁

If that came into existence I think it should be a 2-seater. A 2-seater estate car. 😁

Bch53211 · 05-21-2022, 09:56 AM

I’m always a little confused about the hype over a wagon model. Is it strictly the practicality or do some people actually prefer the look?

________ · 05-21-2022, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bch53211

I’m always a little confused about the hype over a wagon model. Is it strictly the practicality or do some people actually prefer the look?

Both.

If it comes to Canada as a manual (hahaha), I don’t care what it costs, I will be buying one.
Too bad it isn’t. It’s really a dream car.

Picturesque · 05-21-2022, 10:09 AM

Cancelled my M3CX as the delays were endless. I'm glad as this is the car for me, look forward to placing an order once it is unveiled.

Sphygmomanometer · 05-21-2022, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bch53211

I’m always a little confused about the hype over a wagon model. Is it strictly the practicality or do some people actually prefer the look?

For me it's not so much about practicality. I actually do like a nice estate car (I learned driving in an E30 316i Touring) but when it comes to performance models I think it's also a bit about understated sinisterism. On the other hand. Looking at the G80s rear wheel arches ... 😁.

DarkstarZero · 05-21-2022, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkizzo

The cinema approach is so bad. Tactile buttons are critical in non-autonomous cars. I'm so surprised that there isn't stronger regulation on this.

Audi figured this out already, last-gen they had all climate controls on a screen, next-gen they're going all tactile buttons and the climate control screen has been removed.

BMW is about 6 years behind. Poor leadership, imo.

thaalrasha · 05-21-2022, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sphygmomanometer

I got a last minute invitation to attend BMW Switzerland's M Town Event this afternoon/tonight where they would reveal a new M model. Of course it wasn't the M4 CSL. That had already happened. No, it was the M3 Touring. If you think that's not much of a reveal, you'd be right. We have already seen the back end and we already know what the front end will look like. But we cought a glimpse at the entire car as well as the new interior, or rather the new cinema, pardon, infotainment.

First of all: That back end is glorious, couldn't help it. They showed the car in the same Frozen Pure Grey we know from the YouTube videos and even though I'm not much of a frozen/matte guy I quite liked it. I think it looks even better than the saloon (not to mention the M4). The thing is, I'm still struggling with the other end but I have to admit, I want it.

Inside, I'm not sure I like the Mercedes-setup. There was nothing wrong with the instrument cluster and a separate screen with secondary infos. Let me rephrase that, the current one could be better but I don't feel like the screens themselves are off.

Apparently the Goodwood FOS will be the stage for the official reveal. Let's see if there is going to be a special colour for the Touring.

TL;DR: Saw the M3 Touring, loved the back end, didn't love the new infotainment-setup, still somehow want one.

Is there still a gear lever ? XD Cause the 3 series LCI doesn't anymore...

Erebor · 05-21-2022, 10:42 AM

Yeah, I was there too last wednesday. Event was good, the Touring was of course nice. But I did like the new infortainment.
Would not mind having it on my M4. What i missed though were the quickslot buttons. It's a shame that they decided to ditch em.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaalrasha

Is there still a gear lever ? XD Cause the 3 series LCI doesn't anymore...

Yes, the M models will keep the M specific gearlever.

Sphygmomanometer · 05-21-2022, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thaalrasha

Is there still a gear lever ? XD Cause the 3 series LCI doesn't anymore...

That pre-production car had the usual gear lever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erebor

Yeah, I was there too last wednesday. Event was good, the Touring was of course nice. But I did like the new infortainment.
Would not mind having it on my M4. What i missed though were the quickslot buttons. It's a shame that they decided to ditch em.

Do you mean the M1/M2 buttons? You were being more observant I can't recall if they were there or not. 🤔

stefan · 05-21-2022, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sphygmomanometer

Do you mean the M1/M2 buttons? You were being more observant I can't recall if they were there or not. 🤔

Huh. Yet another useful tactile interaction point relegated to a touch screen?

Capt Canuck · 05-21-2022, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bch53211

I’m always a little confused about the hype over a wagon model. Is it strictly the practicality or do some people actually prefer the look?

Both. And NOT being an SUV. If I want to drive 'sportily' and lug stuff, I don't want to be eye level with a bus driver.

Also the UK/European motorway/autoroute beast vibe, that devours miles with ease, while hauling you and your mates clubs to Dornoch or the families skis to the Alps.

Sphygmomanometer · 05-21-2022, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sphygmomanometer

That pre-production car had the usual gear lever.

Do you mean the M1/M2 buttons? You were being more observant I can't recall if they were there or not. 🤔

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan

Huh. Yet another useful tactile interaction point relegated to a touch screen?

Ah! I think you mean the 8 programmable buttons (my bad). I really like those. 😞

Quadruple VANOS · 05-21-2022, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

Now, what a marvelous idea would it have been to do this car as a CSL instead of the M4

Wait- you're envisioning a stripped-out wagon with non-reclining carbon buckets; and without rear seats? Talk about dreaming! 😆

MadBimmeRad · 05-21-2022, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

Now, what a marvelous idea would it have been to do this car as a CSL instead of the M4

Wait- you're envisioning a stripped-out wagon with non-reclining carbon buckets; and without rear seats? Talk about dreaming! 😆

Dreaming indeed,

Just picture it

CF hood, roof, tailgate, thin glass all around, only two seatbelts ...

Bad-ass rollcage, no air-conditioning, no sound system, no back seats but two sleeping bags instead of the helmets in the M4CSL

Now, what's wrong with that 😂😂

05-20-2022, 04:27 PM	#1
Sphygmomanometer Private 204 Rep 60 Posts Drives: BMW M2 Competition Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Zurich iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 [0.00] 2016 VW Touran 1.4 TSI [0.00] 2019 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00]	BMW Switzerland's M3 Touring 'Reveal' - early look at G81 Touring Featured on BIMMERPOST.com I got a last minute invitation to attend BMW Switzerland's M Town Event this afternoon/tonight where they would reveal a new M model. Of course it wasn't the M4 CSL. That had already happened. No, it was the M3 Touring. If you think that's not much of a reveal, you'd be right. We have already seen the back end and we already know what the front end will look like. But we cought a glimpse at the entire car as well as the new interior, or rather the new cinema, pardon, infotainment. First of all: That back end is glorious, couldn't help it. They showed the car in the same Frozen Pure Grey we know from the YouTube videos and even though I'm not much of a frozen/matte guy I quite liked it. I think it looks even better than the saloon (not to mention the M4). The thing is, I'm still struggling with the other end but I have to admit, I want it. Inside, I'm not sure I like the Mercedes-setup. There was nothing wrong with the instrument cluster and a separate screen with secondary infos. Let me rephrase that, the current one could be better but I don't feel like the screens themselves are off. Apparently the Goodwood FOS will be the stage for the official reveal. Let's see if there is going to be a special colour for the Touring. TL;DR: Saw the M3 Touring, loved the back end, didn't love the new infotainment-setup, still somehow want one. __________________ Presenter on Driving Distilled: https://youtube.com/DrivingDistilled Now - '21 Golf Variant 1.5 eTSI \| '18 911 GT3 Touring \| '19 M2 Competition Then - '21 Civic Type R \| '16 Touran 1.4 TSI \| '07 M5 Touring \| '06 130i \| '97 528i Last edited by Sphygmomanometer; 05-20-2022 at 04:46 PM..
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05-20-2022, 10:05 PM	#2
G30M Brigadier General 3766 Rep 4,132 Posts Drives: BMW M550i; Kia EV6 GT Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Australasia iTrader: (0)	couldn't decide on upgrading from m340i Touring -> M3 touring. the front end, rear wheel size and the iDrive 8 helped me decide. also my m340i have developed a rattle and strong wind at 60mph gets in through the windows, such is the quality this car build i'm not sure i want another one. heard the next M3 is likely to be a hybrid ... watching the XM hybrid I am hopeful for something special ... but will there be a touring!
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05-21-2022, 09:31 AM	#3
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05-21-2022, 09:39 AM	#5
mkizzo Private First Class 207 Rep 190 Posts Drives: G31 LCI, F87 Comp Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: TBC iTrader: (0)	The cinema approach is so bad. Tactile buttons are critical in non-autonomous cars. I'm so surprised that there isn't stronger regulation on this.
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