A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
EX-8 Dropside
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
M3 Touring
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2022
Generation
Current South African EX-8 Dropside listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
G81 five-door performance wagon with the M3 Competition powertrain and a separate body identity from the M3 Sedan.
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Current G81-generation South African M3 Competition Touring in all-wheel-drive form.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Dropside truck
Wagon
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Van
Premium Wagon
Tare Mass Kg
2650 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Van
Car
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Length
6620 mm
4801 mm
Width
2100 mm
1903 mm
Height
2355 mm
1446 mm
Wheelbase
3850 mm
2857 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
140 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
125 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
59 l
Kerb Weight
2650 kg
1940 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
7800 kg
2370 kg
Payload Capacity
5150 kg
505 kg
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
1600 kg
Seating Capacity
3 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
5.6 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
996 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
952 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1041 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
894 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
-
500 l
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Not Available
Adaptive M Suspension
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Adaptive M Suspension
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Not Available
Standard
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Comfort Access
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
AC Type
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
ex-8-dropside
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
mid
-
Variant Role
Core range derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Engine
3.9-litre Turbocharged Diesel
BMW turbocharged engine
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
B48
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
3907 cc
2993 cc
Cylinders
4
6
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.5:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
82.0 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
103 kW @ 2800 rpm
390 kW
Maximum Torque
373 Nm
650 Nm @ 2750-5730 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
AWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
280 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
3.6 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
12.2 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
38.9 kW/tonne
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
140.8 Nm/tonne
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Gearbox
Manual
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Rear-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Yes
Number of Gears
5
8
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Yes
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Manual
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5
8
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Claimed Mileage
5.2 km/l
12.5 km/l
City Mileage
4.2 km/l
10.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
6.1 km/l
15.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
59 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
5.2 km/l
12.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
100
59
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
360 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
420 km
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Airbags
Airbags not listed in official Hyundai EX8 brochure
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Yes
AEB
Not Available
Yes
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Yes
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Standard
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Yes
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Yes
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Parking Assist Plus
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Seat Material
Cloth
Leather 'Merino', with extended contents , Kyalami Orange/Black
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Yes
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Yes
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric with driver memory
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric multi-way
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EX-8 Dropside grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
M Sport seats
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Infotainment System
SYNC
Widescreen Display
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
BMW Live Cockpit Professional (includes head-up display)
USB Ports
Not Available
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
14.9
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
14.9
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
14.9
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
LED Headlamps
Halogen
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
BMW Individual roof rails high-gloss Shadow Line
Exterior Colour Options
3
Multiple manufacturer colours
Body Type
Van
-
Led Headlights
Halogen
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamps
Halogen
Standard
Headlight Type
Halogen
Standard
Headlights
Halogen
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
All-wheel drive
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Tyre Size
Not Available
225/50 R18
Front Brake Type
Not Available
M Compound brake, red high-gloss
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
M Compound brake, red high-gloss
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
19"/20" M forged wheels Double-spoke style 826 M Bicolour Black / MT
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Warranty Years
5
Yes
Warranty Kilometers
5
Yes
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
Yes
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
Yes
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
237 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
M3 Touring
Ownership Role
Mid
Enthusiast and executive
Price Zar
656500 ZAR
2210000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current recommended retail price
Starting Price
656500
2210000
Starting Price Zar
656500
2210000
In depth: how these cars differ
This EX-8 Dropside and M3 Touring comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: EX-8 Dropside 58 vs M3 Touring 100.
Efficiency index: EX-8 Dropside 31 vs M3 Touring 47.
Safety-equipment index: EX-8 Dropside 94 vs M3 Touring 92.
Practicality index: EX-8 Dropside 67 vs M3 Touring 62.
Ownership-cover index: EX-8 Dropside 65 vs M3 Touring not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
EX-8 Dropside and M3 Touring image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
M3 Touring leads by 13 points
M3 Touring has a modest catalogue-index lead, while EX-8 Dropside remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
M3 Touring
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
47/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
62/100
EX-8 Dropside
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW M3 Touring
leads the specification evidence index with 77 pts
vs 64 pts for EX-8 Dropside
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, M3 Touring leads. However, EX-8 Dropside may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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