BMW M340i Launch On March 10: 5 Things You Should Know

Yet another variant of the BMW 3 Series is set to be launched on March 10. But unlike the 3 Series Gran Limousine, this new variant is thoroughly driver-focussed. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the M340i, BMW’s first locally assembled ‘M’ car. Mind you, this ain’t a purebred M car, but it’s a mix of every day usability and driving thrills. Here are five things you need to know ahead of its launch:

Behold The Straight Six!

You read that right. The M340i comes with a 3.0-litre straight-six motor that develops a… gasp… 374PS and 500Nm. It comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with power being directed to all four corners. Acceleration is frantic, with 0-100kmph coming up in just 4.4 seconds! The standard M performance exhaust system also means you’ll be accompanied by an euphoria while climbing up your favourite mountain road.

Four Wheel Drive? What About The Typical BMW Experience? 

Fret not as it remains a rear-wheel drive sedan most of the time, with power being directed to the front wheels only when it detects a slip. So doing those crazy slides would still be possible. It also gets a host of updates underneath the skin for a sportier driving experience. 

It sits on M Sport suspension that is stiffer than the standard car and should impart less body roll. The variable steering wheel should aid better agility around the twisties. Meanwhile, behind those M-branded wheels are the upgraded M Sport brakes for better deceleration. And last but not the least, the M Sport differential means it sends power to the wheel with the most amount of grip. 

Does It Look Special? 

Park the M340i next to the standard 330i M Sport and you’ll be hard pressed to tell the difference except for the badge. But that’s the beauty of the M340i -- it’s a proper sleeper. In simple words, your friends might confuse it for the standard 3 Series until the M340i starts picking up its pace. After all, there are a handful who would like to keep things low-key, right? 

What About The Interior? 

Save for sports seats and M-branded steering wheels, the M340i’s interior is similar to the standard model. No bad thing as the standard 3 Series’ interior is a well appointed place to sit in. 

Expected Price And Rivals

Considering that the BMW M340i is being locally assembled in India, we expect it to be priced aggressively, at around Rs 75 lakh (ex-showroom). Yes it isn’t cheap, but this is proof that performance is becoming more affordable. The M340i will lock horns with the Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe.