When the G80-generation BMW M3 was launched in 2020, it received plenty of criticism due to the controversial inclusion of two gargantuan, coffin-shaped kidney grilles. The outcry was so loud that we wondered if the grille alone would have a detrimental impact on sales and overshadow every other aspect of the car.

After a little while, however, concern about the grille seems to have faded into insignificance, even if it still looks sinfully ugly. Now, people are being blown away by the performance offered by the M3 and the criticism has turned to praise. A key reason for this is the launch of the M3 Touring.

Watch: Chris Harris Finds The BMW M3 Touring Way Better Than The Audi RS4

It may have taken the better part of 25 years for BMW to launch a wagon version of the M3 but it’s finally here and it continues to impress. The latest journalist to jump behind the wheel of it was Hagerty’s Henry Catchpole and much like Chris Harris before him, he is seriously impressed with what it has to offer.

Beyond simply looking cool, the M3 Touring has a big advantage over the sedan in that it offers more luggage space and rear seats that can be folded down to make a flat floor, meaning even large items like bicycles could be fitted into the rear.

Then there’s the driving dynamics. Catchpole notes that the M3 Touring has the same lovely feel as the sedan and also feels just as fast. While the rear springs have been stiffened by 10%, it still remains very comfortable. However, the veteran reviewer notes that you can feel the extra weight at the rear of the car, particularly when you apply the throttle when accelerating away from a corner.

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