2020 BMW M340i xDrive review
- Interior vastly superior to the old model
- Fast, responsive drivetrain
- AWD system doesn’t kill BMW soul
- Does the Jekyll/Hyde balance perfectly
- The old BMW steering wheel was nicer
- M40i xDrive wagon is not available here
- Perhaps the exhaust could sound gruffer
I never really liked the previous-generation BMW 340i. It was hard to recommend over the 330i and didn’t come close to the M3. Given the success of tier-two performance models such as the Mercedes-AMG C43 and Audi S4, this was a problem.
It seems like BMW’s crack team of engineers agreed with me, because this new 2020 BMW M340i xDrive – that name is quite a mouthful – is simply brilliant. And if the delayed new, probably big-nosed M3 is going to top it, then it’ll need to be an absolute belter.
For a quick background lesson, the G20 3 Series sits on the company’s longitudinal CLAR platform sharing parts with the 5 Series and many others. It’s 50 per cent stiffer than before, 55kg lighter, has a wider track, a 52:48 weight distribution, and a lower centre of gravity.
At its heart is a brand-signature aluminium 3.0-litre inline six with twin-scroll sequential turbocharging, a wider-opening electronically controlled wastegate, über-precise injectors, fully variable valve and camshaft controls, and reduced rotating assembly inertia.
Output peaks are 285kW and 500Nm, the latter on tap between 1550 and 5000rpm, bang-on with that C43 I mentioned earlier.
And lordy does it hammer. The zero to 100km/h sprint takes just 4.4 seconds, which is only a tenth of a second slower than the outgoing F80 Series M3 was. It’s also three-tenths of a second more rapid than the Audi or Benz, giving you some bragging rights.
As my colleague Mike Duff said, peak power comes at 5800rpm, but the engine carries on with “no diminution of enthusiasm” to the 6500rpm limiter. Indeed.
Equally good is the fuel consumption, with BMW claiming a figure of 7.7L/100km in Eco Mode that can decouple the drivetrain down hills and recuperate braking energy. Over my long, mixed driving loop the trip computer returned use of 8.2L/100km.
BMW M340i xDrive 2020 Review
What is the BMW M340i xDrive all about?
The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series showed a triumphant return to form for BMW, so much so that it won our 2019 carsales Car of the Year.
The BMW M340i xDrive takes that winning formula one step further, delivering more power, more pomp and an engine note that warms the heart. The M340i xDrive is one of five models in the 3 Series line-up and it’s where the heart is at, if you ask me.
Stepping up from the entry-level 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the M340i xDrive features a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission delivering an energetic 285kW and 500Nm, second only to the BMW M3 (331kW/550Nm) in the 3 Series portfolio.
How much does the BMW M340i xDrive cost?
The BMW M340i xDrive will set you back $99,900 (plus ORCs) and that’s before you succumb (you will) to BMWs range of options – such as is the case in our test vehicle.
It features the Visibility Package ($3900), Technology Package ($900) and aluminium mesh effect interior trim ($300).
BMW Australia offers (and stands by) a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and service intervals are subject to BMW’s condition based service program.
Why should/shouldn’t I buy the BMW M340i xDrive?
If you crave BMWs six-cylinder engine, this is where you may well land – pushing $40k over the entry level 320i, the M340i xDrive is next level. The M340i will make the dash from 0-100k/h in 4.4sec, using its eight-speed auto and on demand all-wheel-drive grip to get it there with pure ease.
Gearshifts are excellent, whatever drive mode you’ve selected. In Sport Plus, the shift is seriously quick. And I’m not going to lie, I spent most of my week in Sport Plus mode.
The pace and sense of urgency, and a nice exhaust note… I could not resist. That’s no crime I hear you say. No, it’s not. But an average fuel consumption of 18.0L/100km. I do wonder how long it would take for that novelty to wear off. The claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.7L/100km.
Ergonomics, interior fit and finish, and the sense of ceremony behind the wheel, are exactly what you’d expect of a prestige sports sedan; and it’s another win for the new 3 Series.
I think it looks divine – and I love the grille design. Many didn’t.
When is the BMW M340i xDrive available in Australia?
The 2020 BMW M340i is on sale now and it sits at the top of the 3 Series offering – M3 aside.
If the $99,900 (plus ORCs) is hard to justify, maybe the recently announced M Pure models are more your thing. Less gear, fewer dollars.
More Research
2020 BMW 3 Series Pricing & Specs
Read what BMW 3 Series owners think
Read more BMW 3 Series news & reviews
Who will the BMW M340i xDrive appeal to?
I’m thinking the BMW M340i xDrive will appeal to anyone who either can’t financially stretch to or (maybe) is in waiting for a BMW M3. It’s a close imitation of BMW’s favourite M car and I think it pulls it off very convincingly.
I did say close, however. You won’t get the corner-hugging time-of-your-life dynamism that the M3 brings, nor the street cred to go with. But, you’ll have some spare cash to treat yourself in other ways (shoes perhaps).
This four-door, five seater is also best suited to four occupants, with the middle second-row seating position pretty compromised where leg room is concerned. You’ll find two ISOFIX seating positions and three top-tether anchors, seat back storage nets, a centre arm rest with two cupholders and dedicated climate control.
Notwithstanding these additions, the M340i is still not the first car that leaps to mind for the modern family needs. The 480-litre boot with 40:20:40 spit fold seats is a nod to versatility where there’s not a great amount to speak of. It’ll also tow 1800kg (braked).
Where does the BMW M340i xDrive fit?
The BMW M340i sits in the medium sedan (priced over $70k) segment and it’s here that BMWs original bread-and-butter vehicle (now SUVs all day, every day) goes head-to-head with the segment’s top-selling Mercedes-Benz C-Class range as well as Audi’s A4 and A5 – not to mention the Volvo S60, Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jaguar XE.
There’s great variety in the world of medium sedans – cars and price tags.
The refreshed BMW 3 Series range arrived in Australia late last year, so the months ahead will be a fair indication of whether BMWs latest 3 Series can win back some medium sedan loyalty.
So, what do we think of the BMW M340i xDrive?
The BMW M340i xDrive is a meaningful sports sedan that strikes a great balance between everyday dynamism and ballistic Bavarian, the latter being reserved for BMWs M3.
I’m a great fan of what BMW has achieved in its new 3 Series range and the M340i xDrive variant is close to perfect. I was quite taken with this car, which can cause you to forget about the strong competition mentioned above.
If you love BMWs, however, is there really any competition to speak of?
How much does the 2020 BMW M340i xDrive cost?
Price: $99,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 275kW/500Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 160g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star EuroNCAP (2019)
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The powertrain is truly special, the M340i combining low-speed refinement with high-intensity zing better than pretty much anything else.
The motor has deep lungs when asked to make gentle progress, and the transmission shifts intelligently to make use of the prodigious quantity of torque.
But excitement is never more than a stamped throttle away, the gearbox shedding ratios near instantly and the engine pulling with a hunger for the upper reaches of the digital tacho.
Peak power comes at 5800rpm, but the motor carries on with no diminution of enthusiasm to the 6500rpm limiter.
Despite the potency of the powertrain, and the motor’s ability to summon its peak 500Nm from just 1800rpm, the lack of driven wheels on my rear-drive tester was rarely noticeable and never an issue. The Michelin Pilot 4 S tyres find huge grip, but also give up gradually as their lateral limits approach.
Pushed hard in tighter corners, the rear-drive M340i felt unsurprisingly rear-driven (as we discovered the prototype xDrive does on track), and with the stability control switched to its more permissive Sport setting, the back axle can easily be persuaded to nudge into power oversteer. But the clever torque-biasing rear differential means that it never feels snappy – even with the stability fully off, it stays progressive and predictable.
Under less intense progress the differential is still working out, especially in Sport and Sport Plus modes, helping turn the car by juggling effort between the rear wheels.
As we know, the considerably brawnier M3 will share the M5 and M6’s option of a pure rear-drive mode, the 340i’s already high aptitude for going sideways suggests it will be an absolute drift beast.
Raw adhesion is only a part of the dynamic story, and the M340i’s steering is also a welcome return to form when compared to some of the low-feel helms the brand has inflicted in recent years. The weighting of the electrical assistance varies in the car’s different dynamic modes, with the softest Comfort feeling the most natural.
But there is both a decent sense of connection to the front wheels and much more of the chatty feedback that Munich’s engineers previously tried to filter out as unwanted ‘noise’.
You can feel changes in road texture now, and better sense when the front tyres are starting to run short of grip. No, it’s not as good as an E46 330i – or even an E90 335i – but it’s heading in the right direction.
The M340i’s ride-handling compromise has been taken further to the right than is usual for BMW these days, with the suspension always on the firm side of comfortable. My test car was fitted with the optional adaptive dampers, with even the softest Comfort setting putting an edge onto bumps and ridges. Core body control is good, with the stiffness of the G20’s structure obvious in the discipline it shows when asked to tackle a rough road at speed.
But although the vertical motions are kept under tight control, occupants still get to experience pretty much all of them. Cruising speed refinement is good, though, at the expense of noise from ruts and expansion joints.
Then there’s the range-topping 3 Series’s static attributes, which are considerable. A subtle bodykit helps it to assert its superiority over lesser versions, looking particularly muscular from the rear (if you don’t object to the over-large exhaust finishers too much).
The cabin is brilliant, with beautifully rendered high-definition display screens, a huge range of driving position adjustment and high-quality materials everywhere.
The forthcoming M3 will be faster and likely better to drive at the limit, but it’s hard to imagine it will be a nicer place to spend time than its junior sister.
As for how it compares with the Audi S4 and Mercedes-AMG C43 – that’s a scrap to look forward to calling a verdict on.
NOTE: The M340i is now on sale in Australia, however press vehicle availability has been delayed until December. Watch for our full local review to come then.
Engine: 2998cc, straight-six, turbocharged
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power: 275kW @ 5500–6500rpm (284kW as tested)
Torque: 500Nm @ 1850–5000rpm
0–100km/h: 4.4sec (4.2 xDrive)
Top speed: 155mph (limited)
Weight: 1670kg [xDrive]
MPG: TBC
CO2: 160g/km [WLTP]
Price: $99,900
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2020 BMW M340i xDrive – THE SPECS
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo inline-six
Output: 285kW@6500rpm / 500Nm@1800-5000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive, rear M diff
Wheels: F: 19×8.0, 225/40 R: 19×8.5, 255/35
ANCAP: Not tested (regular 3 Series five stars)
Tare weight: 1633kg
Power-to-weight: 5.73:1 (kg:kW)
Official fuel economy: 7.7L/100km
Economy during test: 9.5L/100km
Fuel capacity/Type: 59L/95 RON
Power efficiency: 37.01kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.06 seconds*
0-100km/h: 4.18 seconds*
0-200km/h: 15.04 seconds*
60-110km/h: 2.80 seconds*
1/4 mile: 12.40 seconds at 183.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 1.131g
100-0km/h braking: 2.92 seconds at 37.56 metres*
Max deceleration: -1.194g
Decibel at idle (/sport mode): 40/44*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h (/sport mode): 84/90*
Priced from: $104,900
* Figures as tested by PerformanceDrive on the day. Factory claims may be different
2020 BMW M340i xDrive – THE PACKAGE
BMW has really turned up the pressure on the rivals with the interior and packaging of the G20 3 Series. In M340i form, standing at the top of the tree, it obviously comes with lots of standard features and shows off most of what BMW offers for this market segment. In saying that, inside the M340i does look pretty much exactly the same as many other 3 Series models with the M Sport pack.
You get some lovely M Sport seats in the front with proper side bolsters, and tightly-wrapped leather holding the firm but forgiving cushioning together. Blue stitching helps to add some flair, just like the M Sport pack. Snuggling into the driver’s seat gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling. The environment makes you feel immediately connected and integral to the car. This isn’t a cold and sterile place. Of course, the driving position is spot on as well, which definitely helps. There is plenty of adjustment available from the power seat, and reach-and-rake movement from the steering column.
Running through the middle of the cabin is a solid centre console that houses some driving mode switchgear as well as the iDrive control pad. This is all intertwined with a textured metallic trim that BMW calls Tetragon, paired with sections of what feel like genuine, smoothed aluminium. All of this not only feels precisely made and with quality materials, the layout for the controls also seems easy to understand. The buttons are clearly marked with simple text and there are no perplexing symbols or oddly-placed controls that could otherwise confuse the free-flowing functionality.
We feel it is a little disappointing that BMW has gone to a fully digital instrument cluster for the G20, as we still like older-fashioned yet more intricately-detailed mechanical dials. We think there is more to be appreciated with something that physically moves. However, digital clusters are the fashion these days and they do help to establish an instant wow-factor for those experiencing the car for the first time.
BMW doesn’t offer that many options for the multimedia interface. It’s a 10.25-inch screen across the 3 Series range, equipped with digital radio, sat-nav, internet accessibility, and heaps of in-built apps and interesting vehicle data and settings (we saw the turbo boost gauge peak at around 1.1bar, if you’re wondering). Apple CarPlay is standard on this specific model and is set to roll out on more and more BMW models very soon. Head-up display, a wireless phone charger pad, and an electric sunroof are all standard on the M34oi xDrive in Australia.
There are some options which might be worth ticking, especially if you love gimmicks and gadgets. You can get gesture control for the screen for $600, so you can wiggle your finger around in the air and direct certain commands like a magician. BMW Drive Recorder is also an interesting one. It’s essentially an in-built dashcam that fully integrates with the iDrive operating system. That’s a bargain $390. A surround-view parking camera system is standard, and you can actually take a live photo using these cameras, remotely, at any time, using the BMW app as well.
Rear passengers are treated to climate vents and climate control, with this test car showcasing a 12V socket and two USB-C ports. Legroom and headroom are very near the class benchmarks, and big bottle holders in the doors and a flip-down centre arm rest with twin cup holders adds further convenience. Our only real complaint about the back seat is that it is set quite low. This could become bothersome, particularly if you’re trading in an SUV. Many rivals in this class are pretty similar, though.
Boot space is unchanged from the rest of the G20 3 Series range, measured at 480L. This is also at the class standards. Some netted pockets in the sides are available to secure loose items. There is no spare wheel under the boot floor as the M340i comes with a puncture repair kit for the standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres.
2020 BMW M340i xDrive – THE DRIVE
Inline-six engines could be regarded as BMW’s quintessential engine configuration. One of the first things the company ever made was actually an inline-six, called the BMW IIIa, which was designed for fighter planes in 1917. In other words, BMW knows a thing or two about making these types of motors. Powering the M340i is the latest and most powerful 3.0-litre single-turbo six BMW (not BMW M) makes, called the B58M30O1.
There’s 500Nm of torque available from just 1800rpm and held up until 5000rpm. That’s not only an impressive amount of torque for this class, but the immediacy at which it can be dispenses really forces you back into your seat. With all-wheel drive it also means none of it is wasted away to wheelspin. Yes, the inner child in you might be wondering how quickly you could fry a set of rear tyres if BMW decided to stick with a traditional rear-wheel drive layout. But even we think AWD is the way to go here – and we prefer to look out the side window at every chance we get.
The decision to go AWD seems to go perfectly with the character and somewhat subtle nature of this model. If you want to shred tyres at the track every other weekend, that’s what the M3 is for. In that sense the M340i feels like a sophisticated and refined option for those wanting to enjoy the 3 Series experience at the pinnacle level. You don’t need to a racing licence or extensive motorsport experience to really appreciate the performance available here.
Peak power is available at 6500rpm. At this cycle rate it sounds so freakin’ good. BMW is insistent on installing pointless active sound enhancement systems into its vehicles, even on the M340i. But, fortunately, the beautiful soundtrack from the engine itself and from the exhaust overshadows most of the fake speaker-enhanced noises. At this power output it just misses out on being the most powerful vehicle in this specific class; the top podium position goes to the Mercedes-AMG C 43 (287kW/520Nm). Even so, the BMW has an official 0-100km/h claim of 4.4 seconds, bettering the AMG’s claim of 4.7. That brings us onto a good point; weight.
You might be wondering if the M340i is heavy due to the addition of front drive shafts and a revised transmission and so on. At 1633kg tare, it is 200kg heavier than the 330i. However, that uses a four-cylinder engine which would be a bit lighter than this six. At this point there is nothing really to compare it to in terms of weight, except perhaps that C 43 Mercedes which is also AWD, and weighs 1739kg (tare). The old 340i, based on the old platform, weighed 1502kg tare in auto form. Taking a look at the power-to-weight ratios, the M340i calculates at 5.73kg:1kW, while the old 240kW 340i auto calculated at 6.26kg:1kW.
In the real world we clocked a best 0-100km/h run in just 4.18 seconds on a private road, with 0-200km/h coming up in an impressive 15.04 seconds. Over the quarter mile the best we saw was 12.40 seconds. These are awesome figures, let alone for a sub-performance variant and not a fully-blown top-shelf model.
We have no complaints about this powertrain. It is just perfect. You can pull away from slow, hairpin corners and merely lean on the go-pedal to achieve serious, gut-twisting thrust. Or you can wring it right out and enjoy that full-bodied six-cylinder sing right up to the 7000rpm redline. It’s versatile enough for everyday driving, too, and reasonably economical with an official average consumption of 7.7L/100km – we averaged 9.5L, but we probably enjoyed the higher rev ranges more than the average buyer will over a longer period.
In terms of cornering capability, the G20 is unmatched in our view. And with the added bonus of AWD in the M340i, it gives you even more confidence behind the wheel. There aren’t many cars on the market at the moment, certainly not in this class, that can bolt from point to point through a windy road and cross country, in all conditions, quite like the M340i. It feels balanced, predictable, forgiving, and very precise but without being busy or fidgety.
The suspension is firm over poor country roads, but you can configure the driving mode so you have the Comfort suspension setting while also having Sport Plus for the engine, if you want to. It’s not like riding on a cloud, but it does help. If you really want to ride on a cloud you will need to venture elsewhere in this segment. But keep in mind the more comfort you add, subtract an equal amount of handling capability and sportiness.
2020 BMW M340i xDrive – THE VIDEO
2020 BMW M340i xDrive – THE VERDICT
The M340i xDrive is the new flagship 3 Series, and, in our view, the new benchmark for this class in terms of useable but mind-blowingly capable performance. You get all of the excellent G20 3 Series practicality and luxury, paired with relentless all-weather capability that’s accessible to a wide range of driver experience levels. It also produces one of the most alluring engine/exhaust sounds you’ll hear in this class.
PROS:
– M3 acceleration, insanely quick for what it is
– AWD means greater cross-country performance than current M3
– Interior presentation and quality
– Subtle M Performance design frills
– Sounds splendid
CONS:
– Expensive
– Wait for new M3?
As always, if you’re thinking about buying a new car don’t forget to click here to speak with our car buying specialists.
TEST DRIVE: 2020 BMW M340i xDrive – The Sweet Spot Of Comfort And Performance
July 12, 2020 / 7 minutes read
Home » Test Drives » TEST DRIVE: 2020 BMW M340i xDrive – The Sweet Spot Of Comfort And Performance
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The BMW M Performance saga begins way back in the 1980s, at least when it comes to the naming convention. Just think of the BMW M635CSi as a quick example, a car that was a mouthful. Therefore, the BMW M340i xDrive has a pretty easy to understand name.
The M stands for M Performance, which means the car’s driving dynamics have been enhanced by the M division. The “3” tells you this is part of the 3 Series range, the latest, G20 iteration, while the “40i” denotes the top model of the range.
As per BMW’s own representatives, the numbers on the boot of their cars these days don’t stand for the displacement anymore but for the amount of power they make. 40i means anything between 340 and 384 HP, depending on where you live.
The OPF Implications
Therefore, the BMW M340i xDrive is available with two levels of power. If you happen to live in the U.S., you’re in luck, as the car has 382 HP and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque at its disposal. European-spec models have to follow stricter emission rules. So the European models will include an Otto Particulate Filter, with inevitable implications.
That means, you will lose some power and some of the sound, limiting the output to 374 HP and the same amount of torque. Just 8 horsepower in between them so there’s really no reason to fret.
The more important distinction between the two continents comes in a different area though: transmission. Regardless of where you live, you’ll get an 8-speed automatic gearbox to do the cog swapping for you. But European customers are limited to xDrive models while North American ones can also have their M340i in rear-wheel drive guise. A true treat these days.
The reason behind this decision? Demand. It looks like over 70 percent of BMW cars ordered in Europe these days are all-wheel drive.
Subtle Changes To The Design
Fortunately, regardless where the power goes, the cars look the same from the outside. The BMW M Performance models are separated from their “run of the mill” brethren by a few well picked details. All of these details are colored in Cerium Grey.
You’ll notice that the M Sport package this car comes with is a bit different. I couldn’t exactly put my finger on it at first, but then I realized what was different: the air intakes on the front bumper. They lost the LED fog lights and gained a subtle separate intake to the outside, highlighted by the aforementioned Cerium Grey color.
The same color was applied to the surrounds of the kidney grilles and the mesh details inside. Yes, unlike regular models, the M Performance cars are getting a different kidney grille design. This one features a mesh pattern instead of the usual vertical slats.
Moving to the sides you might also notice the Cerium Grey side mirror covers and wheels. The M340i rides 10 mm lower due to its specifically tuned suspension. More on that later. Round the back the M340i badge is a dead giveaway, along with the hexagonal exhaust pipe trims.
Open the doors and step inside and more details will catch your eye. The door sills feature the M340i badge both up front and in the back. The instrument cluster also props the badge in between the speedometer and tachometer.
The M Sport seats come as standard on the M340i and are some of the best in the BMW range today. What I love most about them is that … they are standard! And for no extra money you get really good-looking seats, featuring a very interesting mix of Sensatec and Alcantara.
That looks just great in my book.
The middle section even has some perforations for extra flair and they are really comfy for an M Performance model. Furthermore, the lateral support is pretty great even though for those with wider backs – such as myself – they may feel a bit narrow at first.
You’ll get used to them in no time though.
An Improved Cabin
The rest of the cabin looks just like you know from any other modern-day BMW. The new 3 Series has seriously stepped its game up from the older generations. Everything inside feels like it should in a 2020 BMW. The build quality is impressive, nothing creaks, nothing squeaks and everything feels sturdy. There is a mix of materials with soft plastics on the dash, good quality trims and an overall premium feeling.
There’s also a lot of technology on board. The iDrive 7 system is growing on me, even though I was a bit reticent at first. I still would prefer it to be a bit more colorful. The overall black theme of the center screen being a bit dull by comparison to what other car makers are offering.
That can be solved by using CarPlay though and the fact that BMW is offering support for the Apple software ecosystem wirelessly is definitely a plus. I wish it wasn’t so faulty at times though. My phone would sometimes connect to the car, while other times it wouldn’t.
Sometimes, only the phone would work, CarPlay refusing to pop up on the screen. Using the cable solved all connectivity issues and truly transformed the experience. A bit more tinkering should solve these issues.
I didn’t get to test out Android Auto though, as it wasn’t available on this car. As for the other display, the Live Professional Cockpit, I still think is too busy and that the tachometer and speedometer should’ve changed places.
Thankfully, you have a brilliant and wide head-up display so you don’t have to check out the instrument cluster too often.
A Brilliant Engine
All of that just fades in the distance though, the moment you start the engine. After all, that’s where the magic is supposed to happen, right? Under the hood hides the same 6-cylinder workhorse we’ve been getting used to lately, the last petrol six-cylinder BMW has on offer right now: the B58.
In this configuration, it has only one turbocharger with twin scrolls. But you really shouldn’t be afraid of turbo lag. During my time with the car, I only noticed it whenever I was cruising. In Comfort or Eco Pro mode, the car is laid back. The throttle response does have some lag and the gearbox downshifts rather slowly, as if the gremlins taking care of the drivetrain as simply relaxing.
It’s a whole different feel when you go into Sport or Sport Plus mode.
The suspension stiffens up, the steering gets hefty and, most importantly, the revs instantly go up, as the transmission is getting ready to pounce. That said, the engine is always kept in the optimum rev range, and turbo lag is reduced to a minimum.
The exhaust opens up some valves in the rear mufflers and the sound changes as well. This is when the party starts. The 2020 BMW M340i xDrive drives well. Really well if I might add.
It takes off from standstill in brisk fashion, doing 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds, thanks to the added traction of the xDrive system. It will keep going like a madman up to a top speed limited to 155 mph (250 km/h) and it won’t let off until you reach around 100 mph. Up until then, you back will be pressed against the seat.
Steering, Suspension and Brakes Tuned By The M Division
Turn in and the car won’t disappoint. According to BMW, the M division had a say in the way the steering, suspension and brakes were set up. To be more precise, they brought forward 4-piston calipers up front and they even moved the actuator’s pivot point to shorten the travel, just for this car.
They also designed different elastokinematics for the front and rear axles, and changed a couple of control arms at the back, to make it all the more planted. Speaking of the rear axle, it houses a standard M Sport differential that locks electronically and makes turning a lot more fun. Even in xDrive guise.
What surprised me the most was the steering feedback. You actually get a bit of an idea of what’s happening up front while pushing this car to the limit. The car is willing to change direction and the new dampers work their magic to keep the weight in check.
Don’t expect M3 levels of control, since this isn’t an M car after all. Some of the power is fed to the front axle (the xDrive system is still heavily rear-biased) which helps out with steering feedback. You will also get a good “soundtrack” to listen to, even though I would’ve liked a bit more bark out of it.
The OPF did ruin the sound a bit after all. It’s still a six-pot though and the only petrol one you can get, so just be happy with that.
Great As A Daily Driver
If you do decide to let off the gas for a while, the 2020 BMW M340i can actually be enjoyed as a cruiser. And it will do that brilliantly, I might add. The 19 inch optional wheels did take away some of the comfort, but overall, I could live with the M340i daily with no issue.
The cabin is well insulated from the exterior with plenty of comfort and a decent Harman Kardon sound system. Heck, even the fuel consumption figures were great for a car with such power under the hood. Around town I saw an average of 12 l/100 km (19.6 mpg US) while outside the city limits things hovered around the 8 l/100 km (29.4 mpg US) value. Therefore, you could squeeze about 500 km (300 miles) out of a full tank.
Should I Buy One?
The main takeway is the comfort the 2020 BMW M340i xDrive brings to the table. Looking at the BMW 3 Series range, you can’t help but notice that the M340i is exactly what it is supposed to be: the middle ground between the 330i and the upcoming M3.
That’s the whole point of M Performance cars, to offer more speed than you need while also not breaking the bank. And the M340i definitely does that. Compared to an M Sport 330i, the BMW M340i xDrive is noticeably better in every way. It has a six-cylinder and is faster, sharper, and even sounds and looks better.
Compared to the 2021 BMW M3, the M340i is more refined around town and easier to live with, while also offering plenty of performance for everyday situations. If BMW’s goal was to fill in the massive gap between the 250 HP 330i and the 480 HP M3 in every way, I think they nailed it.
For most people, the 2020 BMW M340i xDrive is hitting a very sweet spot of comfort and performance.
Интерьер
Как и предполагалось, серьезных изменений в салоне BMW M340i xDrive 2019 модельного года по сравнению с обычной модификацией ждать не стоит. Общее исполнение интерьера сохранилось, но изменения присутствуют. На цифровой приборной панели появилась специальная графика с отображением названия модели.
Дополнительные вставки установлены на порогах дверей. Производитель установил спортивные сидения с обшивкой из комбинации двух видов кожи. Руль выполнен в традиционном М-дизайне и оснащен алюминиевыми лепестками переключения передач.
В салоне мы видим достаточно богатое оснащение, включающее в себя:
- Мультимедийную систему с 10-дюймовым сенсорным экраном;
- Электрорегулировка передних сидений;
- Мультифункциональный руль;
- Запуск двигателя с кнопки;
- Раздельный климат-контроль и другое.
На звание семейного автомобиля новая «тройка» точно не претендует, на втором ряду кресел по-прежнему мало места для взрослых людей. Объем багажника также не порадует любителей возить крупногабаритные грузы.
BMW M340i 2019: самый мощный седан БМВ 3-серии
Новая модель БМВ 3-серии 2018-2019 седана BMW M340i, оснащаемого шестицилиндровым 376-сильным бензиновым мотором BMW M TwinPower Turbo, стала самой мощной версией в семействе БМВ 3-серии G20. разумеется, до выхода на рынок ультимативного BMW M3 в новом кузове. Модель готова отметиться мировой премьерой на подиуме Los Angeles Auto Show 2018 года. Цена нового седана BMW M340i, к сожалению, пока не озвучена производителем и станет известна ближе к началу продаж новинки в Европе, России и Америке в начале июля 2019 года.
Характеристики
Новый спортивный седан BMW M340i xDrive отличается от своих простых братьев по семейству БМВ 3-серии не только наличием мощного двигателем, но и с присутствием в качестве стандартного оборудования интеллектуального полного привода xDrive, 8 АКПП Steptronic, дифференциала M Sport с электронным управлением, подвески M Sport, более мощных тормозов с увеличенным размером тормозных дисков и, понятным делом, более харизматичной внешностью и шикарным салоном. А начнем наш рассказ о новинки с 6-цилиндрового турбированного бензинового мотора.
Под капотом BMW M340i xDrive установлена 3,0-литровая «шестерка» BMW M TwinPower Turbo (374 лс 500 Нм), передающая тягу всем колесам через 8 АКПП. Мощный двигатель, быстрая автоматическая коробка передач и интеллектуальная система полного привода обеспечивают новый седан ураганной динамикой разгона от 0 до 100 кмч всего за 4,4 сек, максимальная скорость традиционно для моделей БМВ ограничена на уровне 250 кмч. По данным производителя мотор в комбинированном режиме движения довольствуется всего 7,5 литрами топлива.
Турбированный двигатель по нормам выхлопа отработанных газов укладывается в новый строгие нормы стандарта Euro 6d-TEMP. При этом выхлопная система оснащается фильтрами твердых частиц и специальным клапаном, обеспечивающим неповторимый и характерный звук.
В техническом арсенале нового седана BMW M340i xDrive также присутствуют спортивная 8-ступенчатая автоматическая коробка передач Steptronic с высокой динамикой смены передач (в случае необходимости водитель может самостоятельно менять передачи с помощью подрулевых лепестков), интеллектуальный полный привод xDrive, обеспечивающий правильное распределение ломовой тяги двигателя на все колеса, задний дифференциал M Sport с электронным управлением, стандартная подвеска M Sport или опционная подвеска Adaptive M с электронно управляемыми амортизаторами, передние тормозные механизмы с 4 суппортами и 348 мм дисками, задние тормозные механизмы с однопоршневыми суппортами и 345 мм дисками, рулевое управление с изменяемым передаточным числом.
Дизайн внешности
Уникальные детали экстерьера кузова спортивного седана BMW M340i xDrive придают автомобилю грозный и харизматичный вид. Кузов новинки щеголяет оригинальной отделкой фальшрадиаторной решетки (стильная сетка), мощным бампером с характерной пластикой и аэродинамическим фартуком, оригинальными накладками на порогах и корпусах зеркал заднего вида, суппортами тормозов ярко синего цвета, шикарными 18-дюймовыми легкосплавными колесными дисками, спойлером на крышке багажника, мощным задним бампером с трапециями насадок выхлопных труб и даже шилдиками на корме, окрашенными эмалью «металлик» Cerium Grey.
Спортивный седан стандартно комплектуется 18-дюймовыми дисками с разноразмерной резиной – спереди установлены шины 225/45 R18, а сзади 255/40 R18. В качестве опции предлагаются более крупные 19-дюймовые колесные диски BMW Individual.
Салон
Салон мощного, динамичного и быстрого седана BMW M340i в целом является практически точной копией салонов обычных «трешек» БМВ, но отличия, понятным делом, присутствуют. «Автографы» с именем модели украшают центр виртуальной панели приборов и пороги передних дверей. Присутствуют спортивные кресла с M-специфической обивкой (комбинация искусственной кожи Sensatec и Alcantara) и М-рулевое колесо с подрулевыми лепестками для смены передач из алюминия.
Остается лишь добавить, что новый баварский седан BMW M340i xDrive будет конкурировать с Audi S4 и Mercedes-AMG C 43 4Matic, набирающими первую сотню за 4,7 сек.
2020 BMW M340i xDrive Sedan Test Drive And Review: Leader Of The Pack
If you listen to some BMW fans, the last great 3 Series was the E36 (1991 – 1999). Or maybe it was the E46 (1998 – 2006). All I know is, the 2020 BMW M340i xDrive Sedan that I had during a recent week-long test drive is a great car that owes apologies to no one.
Meet the BMW M340i xDrive.
The history of the BMW 3 Series is well-known. First introduced as a 1975 model to replace the model 2002 coupe, 3 Series is a front-engine/rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive car that has been built in various configurations over seven generations of production. There have been two-doors and four-doors, notchbacks and liftbacks, hardtops and convertibles. The 3 Series has been loved and reviled, praised and damned, both by its supporters and detractors. BMW drivers can sometimes be the punchline in jokes about rude drivers, but the brand’s longtime advertising tag, “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” has stuck for a reason – and the 3 Series has worn it well.
M340i’s expressive face.
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BMW M340i’s expressive face.
2019 marked the beginning of 3 Series’ seventh generation. For 2020, there are four models, all four-door sedans: 330i rear-wheel drive (starting at $40,750); 330i xDrive (starting at $42,750); M340i rear-wheel drive (starting at $54,000); and M340i xDrive (starting at $56,000). My test car was an example of the all-wheel drive M340i xDrive with a host of extras, including Tanzanite Blue Metallic paint ($1,950); Oyster Vernasca Leather ($1,450); Drivers Assistance Package ($500); Drivers Assistance Pro Package ($1,700); Premium Package ($1,400); Executive Package ($2,100); Remote Engine Start ($300); 19-inch M wheels ($400); Adaptive M Suspension ($700); Power Tailgate ($250); Ambient Lighting ($250); Wireless Charging ($500); Harman Kardon surround sound ($875); and a $995 Destination Charge for an as-tested price of $69,570. Take a knee. Breath deeply. Let’s discuss.
The BMW signature grille.
The M340i is gorgeous, for one thing. The proportions of this sedan just work, with a great profile and long dash-to-front-axle distance. The BMW signature twin-kidney grille is flanked by expressive squinting-eye LED headlights, and the car’s face is determined and confident. The sleek roofline looks windswept. The M340i does what a sports sedan must do – it looks fast standing still.
The interior is almost as successful as the exterior. Leather, polished metal trim, great textures and smart repeated hexagonal shapes bring an elegant simplicity that 3 Series has been missing in the latest generations, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen is perfectly placed at the top of the center stack. iDrive 7.0 and BMW Live Cockpit deliver all the latest tech with an intuitive interface – I never thought I’d be able to say that about an iDrive system. The 14-way power leather seats are insanely comfortable, especially for the long-legged among us, thanks to long travel and extendable thigh support, which makes a big difference on long drives.
M340i front cabin.
If you’re going to keep calling yourself “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” you’d better have the goods under the hood, and M340i does. A 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder direct-injected gasoline engine sends 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with an M Sport limited-slip differential. The M340i xDrive is the quickest of the 3 Series models, capable of going from 0 – 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 130 mph. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.
I’m sad that there’s no manual transmission available for the M340i, but it’s a sign of the times. Even among the buyers of a sporty brand like BMW, three-pedal fanatics are few and far between. The automatic is a very good one, with quick shifts and a manumatic mode accessible via paddle shifters.
Driving the M340i is very compelling. It sounds great, feels great, and handles great. Every cloverleaf is an opportunity to feel some g-forces. Every stoplight can be an arm-stretching launch. If you need to spend a lot of time behind the wheel, M340i will reward you with constant enjoyment, and a collaboration with technology that will make your drive easier and safer.
M340i rear 3/4 view.
The mid-size sport sedan market caught up with the 3 Series, with some very good competitors like the Audi A4/S4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, Volvo S60, Jaguar XE, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Genesis G70, Kia Stinger and others.
The 2020 BMW M340i xDrive shoots back into the lead. It’ll be fun to see the others try to catch up.
Backed by a 2-year / Unlimited km warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km maintenance plan, the BMW M340i, without options, will set you back R1 090 616. As we know, the options list can be extensive, so work on an additional R100 000 to spec an M340i to the level that you would want it.
In lieu of a bespoke M-offering, the M340i offers just the right blend of performance and convenience at a price that seems fair for this day and age. It’s priced competitively within its segment and offers a more grown-up approach to the M2 Competition offering of a similar price, with the additional practicality. It won’t thrill you in the same way as the M2, but when the need arises, you’ll have a tough time telling the difference in the performance stakes.
