In a world where performance SUVs are gaining popularity, sports sedans have somehow stood the test of time and are even getting better by the day. There are a few of these options, at least in India, which can give you goosebumps and even put a smile on your face when you put your right foot down. BMW’s M340i is one such car that blends performance and comfort in a way you wouldn’t mind daily-ing for the rest of your life. BMW has recently facelifted the 3 Series and the M340i has received its share of updates, including a mild-hybrid powertrain, more aggressive styling, and updated interiors. Here are five reasons why the BMW M340i makes sense if you are in the market to consider a fast and agile sports sedan.
Looks are subjective, and in recent times, BMW is not doing very well in this category, especially with the current generation 7 Series. However, that is not the case with the 3 Series LCI. The M340i received a mild exterior refresh with newer and angrier headlights and a more aggressive bumper design. The rear stays majorly identical to the pre-LCI model. In addition to that, the 19-inch M wheels also add visual flair to the M340i’s side profile. The M340i is available in four exterior paint schemes: Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Tanzanite Blue Metallic and Dravit Grey Metallic. Also, if you want to give your M340i a makeover, BMW offers optional accessories such as the carbonfibre spoiler, carbonfibre mirror caps, red-painted M Performance brakes, a set of 19-inch M Jet black alloy wheels, carbonfibre rear diffuser, and carbonfibre front kidney grille.
Performance is where the M340i shines, and while it is not a full-blown M car, it does offer decent oomph. So there is BMW’s tried-and-tested B58 engine: a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six under the hood which is rated at 369bhp and 500Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox that routes the power to all four wheels. This time the engine is coupled to a 48-volt mild hybrid system which adds an extra boost when needed and also increases fuel efficiency. Compared to the pre-LCI model, the current M340i losses 13bhp. However, BMW claims that the new M340i does 0-100kmph in 4.4 seconds, which is still bonkers for the price.
The M340i is known for handling finesse and the facelifted model is no different. The M340i sports an M Sport suspension with a stiffer spring and damper setup compared to the older version. The suspension setup on the M340i is indeed stiffer than that of the regular 3 Series, but it is not as extreme as the M3, which makes it more approachable. However, the full-fat M3 is not available in India, yet. So, only enthusiasts with the passion to drive fast around corners will choose the M340i, regardless of its slightly stiffer ride.
Of course, the M340i doesn’t offer the amount of luxury a 7 Series would, but the cabin of the M340i is heavily equipped with good quality materials and tech. The dashboard design is no different than the normal 3 Series. So there is a leather-wrapped M Sport steering wheel and a huge curved screen which consists of a 12.3-inch MID and a 14.9-inch infotainment display, three-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and a sunroof. There are also carbonfibre trims on the dashboard. The Alcantara Sensatec seats offer a really plush experience. For audiophiles, BMW also offers a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system with the M340i.
The new M340i, similar to the pre-facelift model, is locally assembled in India. However, compared to the previous model, the new M340i is about Rs. 4 lakh more expensive and is priced at Rs. 69.20 lakh ex-showroom. If compared to its closest rival, the S5 Sportback, the new M340i is about Rs. 6 lakh cheaper. So for the money, the M340i gets a better cabin, offers better performance, and great driving experience which BMW boasts about.