The 2020 BMW M340i xDrive went for a Test Drive

To most people, the 2020 BMW M340i xDrive hits a really sweet spot between comfort and efficiency.

It was in the 1980s when the BMW M Performance saga started. At least when it comes to the naming convention. Take BMW M635CSi as an example, it was a mouthful car. So, the name of the BMW M340i xDrive is very easy to understand.

The M refers for M Efficiency, which means that the driving dynamics of the car have been improved by the M division.

The “3” indicates that this is part of the 3 Series range. The latest G20 iteration, while the “40i” is the top model of the range.

These days the numbers on the boots of their cars no longer stand for the displacement, but for the amount of power they produce. That’s according to BMW’s representative.

Implications of the OPF

The BMW M340i xDrive is therefore available with two power levels. If you happen to be residing in the U.S., you ‘re lucky because the sedan has 382 HP and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque at its disposal. The European models will therefore also include Otto Particulate Filter, with unavoidable implications.

This means that you will miss some power and some sound. You will have to limit the output to 374 HP and the same amount of torque. Just 8 HP in between, so there’s really no reason to worry about it.

However, the more important difference between these two continents is made in a different area: transmission. No matter where you live, you’re going to get an 8-speed automatic gearbox to do cog swapping for you. However, European customers are regulated to xDrive models, while North American clients can also use their M340i rear-wheel drive. It’s a true treat these days.

Demand is the reason for this decision. It appears that more than 70% of BMW ordered in Europe today are all-wheel drive.

Small Changes In The Design

Luckily, wherever the power goes, the cars look the same on the outside. The BMW M Performance models are separated by a few well-chosen details from their “mill run” brothers. Each of these details are tinted in Cerium Gray.

You ‘re going to notice that the M Sport package this vehicle rolls with is a bit different. At first, I couldn’t exactly point it out, but then I realized what was unusual: The air intake is on the front bumper. They lost the LED fog lights and acquired a subtly separate intake from outside, outlined by the above-mentioned Cerium Gray color.

The surrounding area of the kidney grilles and the mesh details inside is also tinted with the same color. Right, the m Performance auto have a distinct kidney grille details, unlike the regular ones. Instead of the usual vertical layers, this has a mesh pattern.

You can also see the Cerium Gray side mirror cover and wheels moving to the sides. Because of its suspension, the M340i is 10 mm lower. The M340i badge, along with the hexagonal exhaust tube trimming, is a dead giveaway around the back.

You will get more details as you open the door and get inside. The M340i badge is on the front and back of the door sills. In between the speedometer and tachometer, the instrument clubs also props the badge..

The standard M Sport seats come on the M340i and are among the best in today’s BMW range. The reason why I love them is that they are standard! And for a cheap price, you’ll get a sporty looking seats with the Sensatec and Alcantara combination.

Well, that just looks stunning in my book.

The middle section also has some extra flair perforations, so they’re very pleased with the M Performance layout.

Enhanced Cabin

The most of the cabin looks much as you know it from any other current BMW. The latest 3 Series has significantly stepped up the game from the previous generations. Everything inside looks like it’s going to be in the 2020 BMW. The standard of the construction is excellent, nothing creaks, nothing squeaks, and everything looks awesome. There’s a mixture of soft plastic materials on the windshield, high quality trims and an overall luxury look.

The iDrive 7 program is growing on me, although I was a little reluctant at first. I would still like it to be a little more vivid. The total black theme of the central display is a little bland compared to what other car manufacturers are selling.

Smart Engine

Everything that just goes away, though, the moment you start the engine. And besides, this is where wonder is expected to happen, isn’t it? Under the hood is the same 6-cylinder workhorse that we’ve been used to lately, the only six-cylinder petrol BMW has on sale right now: the B58.

There is only one turbocharger with twin scrolls in this configuration. Yet you ‘re still not meant to be afraid of the turbo lag. Throughout my time behind the wheel, I’ve just found that every time I was driving. The car is laid back in Comfort or Eco Pro mode. The driving experience does have some lag, and the gearbox slows down as if the gremlins taking control of the drivetrain were actually relaxing.

It’s a really different feeling while you’re in Sport or Sport Plus mode.

The suspension is stiffening, the steering is getting bulky and, most noticeably, the revs are going up immediately, as the engine is getting ready to charge. That being said, the engine is still kept within the optimal rev range and the turbo lag is minimized.

The emissions open some of the valves in the rear mufflers, and the vibration changes as well. It’s when the show starts. The BMW M340i xDrive 2020 works well. It’s very cool if I could add.

This starts from standstill in a brisk manner, doing 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds, kudos to the added traction of the xDrive system. It’ll keep running like a madman to a maximum speed capped to 155 mph (250 km / h) and it won’t let go until you cross around 100 mph. Until then, you ‘re going to be pressed back against the seat.

Tuned By The M Division: Steering, Break and Suspension

Turn in and the car won’t let you down. As per BMW, the M division had a control over the way the steering, suspension and brakes had been set up. To be more accurate, the four-piston calipers were brought forward and even the actuator’s pivot point was shifted so shorten the trip, only for this vehicle.

They also developed various elastokinematics for the front and rear axles and modified a few control arms at the back to make it even more established. Talking about the rear axle, it houses a regular M Sport differential that locks electronically and makes shifting more exciting.

It was the steering input that shocked me the most. You really get a little idea of what’s going on in front of you when driving this car to the max. The auto is able to change course, and the new dampers are working their job to keep the weight in place.

Don’t expect M3 levels of power, because after all, this isn’t a M vehicle. Most of the power is directed to the front axle (the xDrive system is still heavily hinged) which aids with steering feedback. You’ll even get a nice “soundtrack” to listen to, although i’d like a little more bark out of it.

It seems, the OPF ruined the sound a little. It still is a six-pot, but again, the only petrol you can get, so just be happy with that.

Excellent As a Regular Driver

If you want to take the gas off for a bit, you will really enjoy the 2020 BMW M340i as a cruiser. And, I could say, it’ll do that brilliantly. The optional 19 inch wheels took away a few of the comfort, but all in all I could live with the daily M340i without any problems.

Should I get One?

The biggest take-off is the convenience that the 2020 BMW M340i xDrive brings to the table. Checking at the BMW 3 Series lineup, you can’t help but notice that the M340i is just what it’s intended to be: the dividing line between the 330i and the new M3. That’s the purpose of M Performance cars, offering more speed than you would like while not spending so much fortune. And the M340i is definitely doing that.

The BMW M340i xDrive is notably better in any way compared to the M Sport 330i. It’s got a six-cylinder, so it’s quicker, lighter, and much better-looking.

Compared to the 2021 BMW M3, the M340i is more elegant across the city and easier to live with, while providing plenty of efficiency in daily situations. If BMW ‘s goal was to bridge the vast gap between 250 HP 330i and 480 HP M3 in every way, I think they nailed it down.