The BMW 3 Series is all set to get a new M Performance model added to its line-up, in the form of the M340i, which will be launched in India on March 10, 2021. This will also be the first M Performance model to be locally assembled in India. While the 387hp M340i will be a sportier version of the 3 Series, offering more performance, it is not to be confused with the full-blown M3 that makes 480hp (510hp in Competition guise).
- The M340i will use a 387hp, 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder engine
- Will be equipped with various M Performance parts
- BMW to increase localisation of its M Performance models
- It will come with X-Drive or all-wheel drive for greater traction
BMW M340i: engine and gearbox
Powering the sporty luxury sedan will be a 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder, twin-turbo petrol engine that will churn out 387hp and 500Nm of torque. The engine will come paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and power will be sent to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Internationally, the M340i is also available with a rear-wheel-drive layout.
BMW M340i: mechanical changes
Apart from the more powerful engine, the international model also features some other mechanical upgrades over the standard car. These include M-specific suspension technology, M Sport differential, M Sport brakes and an M Sport exhaust system. All these M Performance parts are added to improve the car’s dynamics.
BMW M340i: features
In terms of equipment, the M340i will get all the features seen in the higher trims of the 3 Series, such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with BMW’s latest iDrive system, voice commands, gesture control, LED headlights and tail-lights, three-zone automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors, and a parking camera, to name a few.
BMW M340i: expected price
As the BMW M340i will be positioned at the top of the range, we expect the sporty sedan to be priced around the Rs 65 lakh mark. The 3 Series line-up in India currently consists of two petrol variants – the 330i Sport and 330i M Sport trim. There is also a sole diesel trim on offer – the 320d Luxury Edition.
BMW M Performance models in India
There are already a number of BMW M Performance models on sale in India, including the Z4 M40i roadster, the X7 M50d SUV and the M760Li sedan. Though BMW is looking to expand the range of M Performance models, which sit a peg below the full-blown M models in the brand's line-up. The German carmaker is also set to locally assemble some of its M Performance models in India, like this car.
Besides the 3 Series, the X3 SUV is also slated to get a new variant – the X3 M40i xDrive – which will be positioned above the standard X3 30i and 20d variants in our market (Rs 61.80-62.50 lakh), but below the all-out 480hp X3 M SUV (Rs 99.90 lakh) (all prices, ex-showroom, India).
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
