The BMW M340i Is A 374PS Cherry Of The 3 Series Pie

• Most powerful 3 Series in the current lineup.
• Powered by a 3.0-litre, inline six-cylinder engine.
• 0-100kmph in 4.4seconds, half a second faster than the outgoing models.
• Debut this month at the LA Motor Show. International market launch in July 2019.

After the recent reveal of the new all-new G20-generation 3 Series, BMW has now revealed a new flagship, performance-oriented M340i xDrive variant. And even though is not the full-blown M3, the M prefix has made it the most powerful 3 Series in the current lineup. It borrows some hardcore performance bits from the M division and is powered by a new 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine which converts fuel into 374 horses and 500Nm of twisting force!

As a result, the M340i xDrive beats the last most powerful 3 Series by 48PS and 50Nm. These numbers, coupled with an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission and BMW xDrive with a rear-wheel bias (just the way God intended), can propel the M340i to 100kmph in 4.4 seconds, which is half a second faster than the top-of-the-range model of the previous generation.

But it's not just the engine that's sporty in the M340i. To deliver an all-around performance package, you also get M Sport suspension, variable sports steering, an M Sport differential and 18-inch M light alloy wheels. Want more? The BMW M340i xDrive sits 100 lower to the ground than the standard car for lower centre of gravity. You get extra stopping power with M Sport brake system with a 348mm disc with four-piston, fixed calliper setup at the front and 345mm, single-piston, floating calliper brakes at the rear. And to top it all off, there are optional 19-inch M light alloy wheels as well.

But it has to look and sound the part too, doesn't it? Hence, you have reworked front aprons, side sills to optimise both the cooling air supply and aerodynamics, the BMW kidney grille has been given a mesh design and the rear spoiler has been dressed in body colour. The trapezoidal dual-pipe M Exhaust system with a valve-controlled exhaust make the M340i sound the part as well.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Inside the car, you get sports seats with M-specific upholstery in Alcantara trim, M leather steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, front door sills with the M340i badge and all other creature comforts from the standard model.

Now, moving on the India angle. While there is no confirmation of the performance-oriented 3 Series coming to India, the same cannot be denied either. The new 3 Series will be launched in the country next year and considering the popularity of the M Sport models here, we could very well get the M340i, but not before 2020. Expect it to be priced around the Rs 55 lakh mark. The sedan will be showcased at the Los Angeles Motor Show later this month with the international market debut slated for July 2019.