BMW India has introduced a new M340i xDrive variant to its 3 Series line up, priced at Rs 62.9 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The M340i becomes the first locally assembled BMW M Performance model and slots in above the 320d and 330i variants in the 3 Series’ line up.
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Powered by a 387hp, 3.0-litre, in-line six, turbo-petrol engine
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Features lowered suspension and an M Sport exhaust system
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Gets more equipment like LED Laser headlamps and a Harman Kardon audio system
BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive: engine details
Powering the M340i is a 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder, turbo petrol engine that puts out 387hp and 500Nm of torque while being paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The power is sent to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 4.4sec.
The M340i xDrive also features some other mechanical upgrades over the standard 330i. These include a lowered, M-specific suspension, an M Sport differential, M Sport brakes and an M Sport exhaust system.
BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive: what’s different?
On the outside, the M340i can be differentiated from the rest of the 3 Series range by the gunmetal grey accents on the grille, bumpers and wing mirrors, the slightly different pattern for the slats in the front grille and the trapezoidal exhaust surrounds. Buyers can choose between three exterior colour options – Sunset Orange, Dravit Grey Metallic and Tanzanite Blue. The M340i comes with 18-inch alloys as standard, though larger sizes with different designs are optional.
Inside the cabin, the M340i gets a ‘Aluminium Tetragon’ trim finish on the dashboard and black part-Alcantara upholstery with a few embellishments in the signature M colours. It also gets an M Sport steering wheel and sporty, aluminium pedals.
However, as this is a CKD model, the interior and exterior specification is fixed, as are the choice of paint colours, and you cannot customise it like you can the CBU-imported M models. You can, however, choose between three accessories packages at the dealer level - Enthusiast Pack, Racer’s Pack and Motorsport Pack.
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BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive: features
In terms of equipment, the M340i gets all the features seen on the top-spec 330i M Sport variant, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen with BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system, voice commands, gesture control, multi-colour ambient lighting, three-zone automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, a sunroof, wireless charging and a parking camera.
In addition to these, the M340i gets adaptive LED headlamps with laser high beams, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a head-up display and wireless integration for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive: rivals and more
In terms of rivals, the BMW M340i xDrive competes with other performance-focused offerings like the Mercedes-AMG C 43 coupe and the upcoming Audi S5 Sportback.
Apart from the M340i, BMW India is also planning on launching the M40i variant of the X3 SUV soon. BMW M Performance models that are already on sale in India include the Z4 M40i roadster, the X7 M50d SUV and the M760Li sedan.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
Hormazd Sorabjee
