Back in 2018, BMW introduced the most potent non-M 3 Series with the introduction of their M340i and M340i x-Drive sedans. It’s been updated and exemplifies BMW’s marketing theme of the Ultimate Driving Machine as it is a superb sedan.
We had the privilege of spending a week in the M340i xDrive, the latter name represents BMWs AWD system that sends power to the front and rear axles for maximum traction in snowy, wet weather while providing agility and added vehicle stability. And in Sport and Sport Plus modes, it transfers power to the rear wheels when negotiating sharp turns. This is enhanced with a variable rear-wheel locking function to increase traction.
As for its exterior, the M340i has a sculpted and slippery appearance with corner air vents in front and trapezoidal tailpipes with a subtle trunk lip spoiler in the rear to make this delicious sedan appear to be going 65 mph standing still.
M340i’s interior is equally as sexy with Euro firm, multi-panel, heated/cooled leather seats with substantial lateral support for spirited driving and extended under thigh support for long drives. But the first thing you’ll notice upon slipping into the cockpit is what appears to be an expansive, one-piece, curved 29.4-inch long digital instrument panel that consists of a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen on the right, and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster on the left.
The vivid infotainment screen serves the climate, navigation, rearview camera systems, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto plus BMW’s connected services with voice control featuring weather, real time traffic, on-street parking, Harmon/Kardon audio and more.
Missing on the console is a stick gear shifter for the 8-speed automatic transmission. Instead, a toggle switch performs the chore and it’s supplemented with paddle shifters. The toggle requires a flick of the switch for gear selections and a separate switch activates the Park gear.
Flanking it on the console is the mode switch for Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro driving modes. When selecting a mode, it’s depicted on the infotainment screen in varying colorful scenes.
The adjacent large rotary dial selects screen features and functions. Included too is a wireless phone charger.
HVAC controls are aligned horizontally on the vertical stack and are simple and easy to use. The same functions can also be made on the touchscreen that requires multiple touches to access them.
Rear seats are softer than the front sport seats and offer comfy seating for two adults or three short legged youngsters as the transaxle hump is high. Leg room is adequate provided the fronts aren’t racked well rearward. Headroom though is generous.
Trunk space is rated at 17 cubic feet that measures 40 inches deep. Pull two handles in the trunk and the 60/40 rear seat backs flip down to increase cargo loading depth to 68 inches.
M340i’s powertrain is a mild hybrid consisting of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six cylinder that develops a potent 382-hp and 369 lb/ft of torque. This is enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system with the battery mounted in the trunk. Coupled to the electronically controlled 8-speed auto transmission, BMW rates the combination at 4.2 seconds for a 0-60 sprint. Full, even half-throttle acceleration runs offer a push you back in the seat effect and the trans shifts lightning fast like an Indy car. All that is heard is a tone change through the gear changes. It’s that quick. And turbo lag is virtually nonexistent. The sound coming from the tailpipes is sweet music to a car enthusiasts’ ears.
Most impressive for an AWD, high performance sedan is that the M340i garners EPA mileage ratings of 23 city, 32-higway mpg. Many lesser sedans aren’t that miserly.
The ride on Bridgestone 19-inch tires is on the firm side, even in Comfort mode. Sport mode feels a bit tauter. But tautness has its benefits when it comes to handling which the M340i excels. It can be tossed in the turns and it remains planted.
Now all this performance and driving enjoyment comes at a premium price. The M340i began life at $56,850 but options such as Tanzania Blue metallic paint ($1,500), Mocha Vernasca leather interior ($1,500), Shadowline LED lights ($850), Parking Assist package ($700), Premium Package with heated seats and steering wheel ($1,350), remote engine start ($300), alloy wheels ($600), adaptive M suspension ($550), BMW M 50 Years emblem ($200), wireless phone charging ($200), Harmon Kardon surround sound audio ($875) and delivery ($995), took the bottom line to $67,170. Granted, some of the above options are standard on many vehicles, but some are a necessity like heated seats and wheel.
To its credit, the M340i received very impressive government 5-star safety ratings of five stars for an overall score, five each for driver/passenger frontal crash, five each for front/rear seat side crash and five for rollover.
For a car buyer who owns an SUV or pickup and would also like a safe, family-oriented daily driver with exciting performance, check out the M340i AWD. It’s destined to become a collectable.