What's the news?
With the new generation BMW 3 Series having made its debut at the Paris Motor Show, this month we'll see the first M-derived model - the M340i xDrive. It is something of a halfway house to the full M3 which is currently undergoing development. Until that arrives, the M340i will be the most potent new BMW 3 Series you can buy.
Exterior
There are several features to help differentiate the M340i xDrive from the rest of the latest 3 Series range. Most apparent is the Cerium Grey finish that is applied to the kidney grilles, tailpipe trims, mirror covers, front surfaces and intake struts. In darker colours such as those shown here, they certainly stand out. The front bumper does look busy in comparison to other versions, but much of it is additional ventilation needed for the engine and brakes. The standard wheels are 18-inch lightweight alloy items, with 225/40 R18s at the front and 255/40 R18s at the rear. Two further 19-inch alloy wheel designs are optionally available.
Interior
The interior of the latest generation 3 Series is an evolution in the design. With the M340i that moves on a step further through the use of the materials inside. Aluminium Tetragon insets add to the performance ambience inside. Heavily bolstered seats are finished in a Sensatec/Alcantara trim and feature blue cross stitching with subtle M Sport colours on the side. The seatbelts also carry the M Sport colours.
Mechanicals
Being a BMW M car (of sorts), there is a straight-six-cylinder engine under the bonnet. The 3.0-litre unit uses an aluminium crankcase and cylinder head to save weight while the TwinScroll turbocharging system is reworked to improve its performance. Total power output is rated at 374hp while torque is a respectable 500hp.
All BMW M340i models will come as standard with the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with the xDrive all-wheel drive system. BMW does give this a rear-wheel bias, but power is distributed between the axles depending on grip levels. It includes an M Sport differential that is electronically controlled with a fully variable real-wheel locking function.
Shorter ratios help rapid acceleration in the lower gears and a launch control function. The inclusion of BMW's xDrive transmission results in a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds. That makes it just faster to 100km/h than the older E90 M3. Adding to the thrill is an M Sport exhaust. This new system uses a valve that opens in Sport and Sport+ modes to produce a more distinctive sound. The dual-pipe exhaust also has two petrol particulate filters to ensure it complies with emissions regulations. BMW claims its combined fuel consumption is 7.5 litres/100km while CO2 emissions are 172g/km, which would see it ranked in motor tax band E (€750 per annum) in Ireland.
The M340i sits 10mm lower than the regular 3 Series thanks to its specific M Sport suspension. All models will get a new lift-related damper control function, and optionally an adaptive M suspension setup will be available.
Anything else?
The BMW M340i xDrive will make its public debut at the 2018 LA Auto Show in California. It is due to go on sale in Europe around July 2019.