2020 BMW M340i xDrive: First impression

Last year, BMW launched the G20 BMW 3 Series in the Malaysian market in a single 330i M Sport variant, which was followed by the 320i Sport in January 2020. Fast forward to today, the German automaker added the BMW M340i xDrive in the Malaysian 3 Series line-up, alongside the 330e M Sport plug-in hybrid. 

Positioned at the top of the four-model range, the 2020 BMW M340i xDrive is the first locally-assembled M Performance variant in the country, It is priced at RM 402,355 (including current sales tax exemption and excluding road tax and insurance), to fight head to head with the Mercedes C43 AMG. Let’s check out the first impression of this sporty sedan.

BMW M340i xDrive Exterior

In terms of style, the all-new M340i gets more aggressive front and rear fascia. Upfront, it features a twin-kidney grille with sleek lines flanked by BMW Laserlight headlamps. The sedan is trimmed in an M Aerodynamics package, M rear spoiler, and BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line elements.

On the sides, the car highlights 19-inch double-spoke 792 M two-tone light-alloy wheels and at the back, trapezoidal dual-exhaust tailpipe finishers complement its look. The exterior colours options include Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire, Sunset Orange, and Alpine White. 

BMW M340i xDrive Interior

The interior highlights of the sporty M340i are:

• BMW Individual headliner in anthracite trim
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display
• Head-up display
• 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument display
• Harman Kardon audio system with 11 speakers
• Three-zone auto air-conditioning
• Front sports seats
• Vernasca leather upholstery
• M leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles
• M-specific alloy pedals
• ‘M340i’ lettering on front aluminium door sills
• 11-shade ambient lighting
• Powered sunroof

BMW M340i xDrive Mechanical specifications

The M340i xDrive underlies a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine that churns a maximum output of 387 PS at 5,800 to 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 500 Nm from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. It is an all-wheel-drive variant, thus power is transmitted to the driven wheels through an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. In terms of performance, the M340i can manage a top speed of 250 kmph, while the run from standstill to 100 kmph is accomplished in about 4.4 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.7 litres per 100 km.

For better ride and handling, the 3-Series M Performance variant comes with an M Sport differential, M Sport exhaust system, and an M Sport brake system. Moreover, it gets a variable sport steering that gives ‘noticeably more direct feedback’.

BMW M340i xDrive Safety 

For driver assistance, the sporty sedan comes with cruise control, a rearview camera, a parking assistant, and also a driving assistant package that comprises:

• Front collision warning with brake intervention
• Lane departure warning
• Lane change warning
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Rear collision warning
• Speed limit assist

The 2020 BMW M340i xDrive is now open for booking, interested customers can reserve a unit through authorised BMW dealers or on BMW official website for RM 1,000.

Also read: BMW i4 M electron-powered sedan spied