2023 BMW M340i review - Bang for your buck | First Drive | Autocar India

Summary

The BMW M340i bridges the gap between the luxurious 3 Series sedan and the high-performance M3, offering a thrilling driving experience at a more accessible price point. Powered by a 3.0L inline-six turbo engine with 374 hp, it delivers exhilarating performance and impressive handling, thanks to its XDrive AWD system. The M340i LCI features modern upgrades like a 48V mild hybrid system, enhanced tech, and redesigned styling elements. Despite its sporty suspension, the car remains practical, offering a comfortable ride and decent interior space, making it an excellent value under one crore.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The BMW M340i bridges the gap between the practical 3 Series sedan and the performance-oriented M3, offering a balance of luxury and power.
• 💰 It is priced closer to the 3 Series while delivering performance near the M3, making it a great value under 1 crore.
• 🏎️ The heart of the M340i is BMW's 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which revs up to 7000 RPM and delivers explosive performance.
• 🔋 The LCI version includes a 48-volt mild hybrid system, slightly lowering the horsepower from 387 to 374, but torque remains unchanged at 500 Nm.
• ⚙️ The 8-speed ZF automatic transmission is fast and highly responsive, offering precise gear selection across driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus).
• 🏁 The M340i features launch control, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The M sport suspension package lowers the ride height, enhancing handling, though it sacrifices some ride comfort on rough roads.
• 🛞 With the X-drive all-wheel drive system and M rear differential, the M340i provides excellent grip and balanced cornering performance.
• 🎨 The M340i LCI facelift includes updated LED headlamps, 19-inch alloys, and sporty design elements, enhancing its visual appeal and presence.
• 🎛️ The interior upgrades include a twin-screen infotainment setup with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a carbon fiber finish, and redesigned sport seats for enhanced driving comfort.

Q & A

What is the main selling point of the BMW M340i compared to the regular 3 Series and the M3?

The BMW M340i bridges the gap between the practicality and luxury of the 3 Series and the performance of the M3, offering pricing closer to the 3 Series but performance closer to the M3.

What engine does the BMW M340i use, and why is it special?

The BMW M340i uses the P58 engine, a 3-liter inline six-cylinder turbo petrol engine that revs up to 7000 RPM, providing explosive performance and an exciting engine sound.

How has the power output of the BMW M340i changed in the new version?

The power has dropped by 13 horsepower, from 387 to 374 horsepower, but the torque remains the same at 500 Nm. This change is due to the integration of a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

What transmission system is used in the BMW M340i, and how does it perform?

The BMW M340i uses an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, known for its fast and accurate gear shifts. It predicts gear changes exceptionally well, providing the right gear at the right time.

What are the driving modes available in the BMW M340i, and how do they affect the car's performance?

The driving modes include Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. Eco Pro and Comfort feature a coasting mode that helps save fuel, while Sport and Sport Plus keep the engine more responsive for faster acceleration.

How does the suspension system in the BMW M340i affect ride quality?

The M340i comes with the M sport suspension package, which includes shorter springs, firmer dampers, and harder stabilizers for better handling. However, this makes the ride quite firm on regular roads, though not uncomfortable.

What feature of the BMW M340i's design improves its handling on winding roads?

The car’s low ride height and stiff suspension enhance its handling on smooth, winding roads, allowing it to grip the road better and provide tighter cornering.

How does the X-drive system in the BMW M340i contribute to its driving dynamics?

The X-drive all-wheel drive system primarily powers the rear wheels but can transfer power to the front wheels when additional grip is needed, especially in cornering.

What interior upgrades are included in the BMW M340i's facelift version?

The interior of the BMW M340i LCI features a twin-screen setup with a curved layout, carbon fiber garnishes, and a stubby gear lever. It also includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a voice assistant.

How does the exterior design of the BMW M340i LCI differ from the previous version?

The BMW M340i LCI now features redesigned LED headlamps, honeycomb elements in the front grille, an aggressive front bumper, 19-inch alloys with floating BMW hubcaps, M light blue brake calipers, and larger twin exhaust housings.