Face to face with the latest 3 series flagship ahead of the M3 launch
The BMW M340i xDrive initially seems like a bit of an anomaly. An all wheel drive 3 series hasn't, up until now, been offered in South Africa. The 340i moniker is also relatively new. To top it off, its performance figures suggest it is M5 quick (F10 M5). It sits rather untidily as the current flagship model with the 318i, 320i, 320d, 330d and 330i lining up below it. With some journalists questioning the value of the M340i given the performance offered by the more humble 330i so very few will ever look into what the M340i promises. And it promises a lot!
The M340i is good for a brisk sprint of 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. This is made possible by an impressive 285kW and 500Nm emanating from its turbocharged 3 litre petrol turbo engine with power transferred to all four wheels through a slick 8 speed automatic transmission. The AWD system doesn't just help with amassing rapid off-the-line speed, it also helps provide comforting grip through the twisties. Don't let that fool you into thinking this is a mindless track machine though because that isn't necessarily accurate. This car is quick and agile but also a lot more compromising than the more edgy M3. And its not a bad compromise either. Yes it gets BMW's adjustable damping system and has a range of other adjustable settings for the steering feel and throttle response. And yes it sounds raunchier than the model it replaces but this car is more mainstream than its hefty price tag would suggest. Its a perfect companion for someone who loves performance but is still responsible, still likes to enjoy maximum comfort on their daily commute and probably travels with company quite often. The cockpit is driver orientated in similar fashion to BMWs of old yet exudes technology and sufficient luxury to keep even discerning buyers happy.
The M340i then is a modern tool for consumers that like to have balance, who dont mind having a machine that is something of a jack of all trades. I can imagine this consumer being someone who works hard(and smart), goes to gym regularly, has a family and still has time to play hard without being irresponsible. In other words, a well rounded individual. Whether this is the consumer that BMW has in mind is another thing of course because in reality this car would make a wide range of consumers happy despite outcries from purists.
What purists may not be aware of is that BMW's competition already has similar offerings. The Mercedes C43 AMG and the Audi S4 are its closest rivals. While the C43 AMG is only slightly slower ,it does deliver a more exhilarating experience capped off by its addictive exhaust note while the S4 is a more sedate candidate, it is just as quick as the Mercedes but a lot cheaper than both its rivals here.
The Mercedes C43 AMG and Audi S4 are incredible cars in their own right
As always it comes down to personal taste in terms of the choice between the M340i, C43 AMG and S4 as there is very little in terms of figures to separate these rivals. The M340i is the quickest, sharpest in terms of handling and ever so slightly more comfortable with the best built quality of the trio while the Audi is generally the cheapest and most practical with its own built quality considered flawless but it is the Mercedes which many consider the most exciting.
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