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With the M340 i BMW mixes the noblesse of a fine sedan with the performance of a sports car. The top model of this year's newly released mid-range series comes with full power and four-wheel drive, also attracts with ingredients from the M GmbH, the sports department of BMW.
All clear for all fans. The new BMW M340i should not replace the M3, which has cult status since the mid-eighties. Although there is currently no flawless sports model of the newly released in the spring 3er series, but the Munich are working hard on it and want to bring the new M3 probably next year at the start. Until then, the currently strongest threesome will fill the gap.
Fulminant engine!
The M340i has a three-liter six-cylinder with 275 kW / 374 horsepower, which, powered by two turbos, will be sent to both axles. In addition, he lures with sports delicacies in the price list, which are ennobled by the letter "M": Examples are limited slip differential, special eight-speed automatic, high-performance tires, suspension, steering or braking - everywhere is "Sport" before. In addition, there are various electronic functions such as automated cavalier start or a Sport Plus mode, which reports the power development acoustically to all bystanders. BMW calls this "emotional sound".
The little brother of the M3?
But despite all the fine work of the engineers, the M340i is by no means a place holder for a forthcoming M3, which will certainly turn out to be much stronger, but must also be purist in order to keep the fans of the primeval on the white and blue pole. The current spearhead 340i is far too classy for these customers, because it wears a kind of tuxedo over the track suit and renounces monstrous spoilers and other tuning-thumping, the M3 not allowed to escape all design art.
Quite uncivil in the look
So at first glance, a comfortable sedan that undoubtedly belongs to the 3 series. For who knows, that the M340i is one centimeter lower than its civilian sister models. It is rather noticeable that the front section, thanks to the redesign of the air intakes, is a bit more aggressive, that the kidney is backed by a kind of fins, which open or close depending on the cooling appetite of the units. The narrow rear spoiler on the trunk lid is more reminiscent of filigree trim than an ordinary ironing board.
Inside, the usual image of every threesome with sophisticated equipment. Screens in front of the driver and in the middle above the center console. In addition, the head-up display, which projects information directly into the driver's field of vision. Everything is known, but usually only for an extra charge. In sum, a car for long, relaxed tours, and thanks to manageable external dimensions compact enough not to be disturbed in the city.
The character beckons
But just a car that changes its character on command of the right foot. Pressing the Sport button to the left of the automatic gear selector causes the M340i to gallop, skipping the dead end. The engine announces itself with mentioned sound, becomes a beast. But it is not dangerous to wake up the Bavarian Leu. A package of assistants keeps the track, has the possible even faster in the dead corner under control and incidentally controls the respective speed limit in the camera view, even recognizes whether this applies only "when wet".
The king of threes?
The king of three doesn't just wear the crown on the Autobahn. Fun factor also with the country road boogie around tight curves, the late braking before the hairpin thanks to dream brakes or the torque-precise switching of the automatic, the athlete's heart leaps into a lady or a gentleman. A disguised athlete, this four-wheel drive. Not a miracle car, rather a logical consequence of decades of craftsmanship and engineering. Of course, despite all the sophisticated technology in the minds of the critics, the M340i remains yesterday, a discontinued model in the future realm of charging stations and range apps. In any case, it will not be found en masse on our streets: After all, its price starts at just under 62.000 euros and you can easily increase it on a shopping tour along the list of possible extras.
BMW M340i xDrive - Specifications:
Four-door sport sedan with five seats Length: 4,71 meters, width: 1,83 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 2,07 meters), height: 1,44 meters, wheelbase: 2,85 meters, trunk volume: 480 liters
Three-liter gasoline engine with six cylinders and twin turbo; 275 kW / 374 HP, maximum torque: 500 Nm at 1.850 - 5.000 rpm, four-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, 0-100 km / h: 4,4 s, Vmax: 250 km / h, standard consumption: 7,0-7,4 liter / 100 Kilometers, CO2 emissions: 160-168 g / km, emission standard: Euro 6d-temp, efficiency class: C, price: from 61.950 Euro (Combi-Version "Touring" 63.250 Euro)
BMW M340i xDrive - brief description:
Why? Because he remembers the classic BMW M3
Why not? Because you have long since discovered the power for yourself
What else: Mercedes-AMG C 43 4matic, Audi S4 TDI quattro, Jaguar XE R Dynamic HSE
When will he come: From now