BMW M340i xDrive Prototype 2019 Review – International

According to the Bavarian brand’s boffins, it is at the very least a match in a straight line for the V8-powered E90-generation M3 and is probably quicker around the racetrack.

That's not necessarily good news for me as an E90 M3 sedan owner, but for performance aficionados who want to get into the hottest 3 Series ASAP, or conversely don't have the time or the dollars to wait for the next generation of M3 to arrive Down Under, it’s very likely music to their ears.

While not a fully blown M car, BMW M340i xDrive very much draws on the expertise of BMW's high-performance division -- the same team responsible for cars like the M4 and M8.

And as such it will arrive with a completely reworked turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder that produces 275kW and 500Nm — 35kW and 50Nm more than the car it replaces.

And it's that torque, that, well, talks to the performance potential of the BMW M340i xDrive. While my classic V8 M3’s sonorous engine gradually builds torque all the way to a 3900rpm peak (and doesn’t make its 309kW until 8300rpm!), the M340i xDrive’s blown six pummels the pavement with 500Nm from as low as 1750rpm.

Little wonder then it will easily be the fastest 3 Series on sale until the next M3 arrives (expected in 2020), hitting 100km/h from a standstill in just 4.4sec— half a second quicker than the last 340i and 0.3sec faster than my old-stager.

And if fuel consumption is of concern to you, despite the extra power, torque and performance, BMW says the new M340i xDrive will still return 7.5L/100km -- 4.4L/100km better than my V8.

We drove camouflaged, early-build M340i xDrive vehicles at Portimao in conjunction with the international launch of the new G20 3 Series sedan earlier this month. And while six laps of the 4.9km Algarve (Portugal) circuit isn’t enough to form a comprehensive opinion, we can vouch for the non-M-car’s pace and proficiency.

The BMW M340i xDrive’s all-wheel drive system is rear-biased (more so in Sport and Sport+ drive modes) but thanks to relatively benign stability control and electronic rear limited-slip differential settings, it lacks the very playful habits of, say, BMW’s all-paw M5.

There’s good balance and great grip – both mid-corner and on the exit. So much so that even after sneaking the stability control to fully off, the M340i xDrive had grip to burn.

There’s also good turn-in, a la the conventional rear-drive 3 Series, and only a modest amount of understeer even if you’re ham-footed.

It’s also brutally efficient. In our fast laps, BMW’s pro lead driver (BMW’s dynamics development boss Jos van As) had his hands twirling keeping his M2 Competition pointing in the right direction and ahead of the charging M340i xDrives… And remember this is NOT an M car.

When it arrives in Australia the 2019 M340i xDrive will be well-equipped. M Sport suspension and brakes will be standard although expect adaptive suspension to be an option.

Sport seats and a M Sport steering wheel will be fitted and Australian versions will also likely roll on 19-inch staggered high-performance Michelin rubber (an option in Europe).

BMW’s excellent iteration of ZF’s highly regarded eight-speed automatic (with launch control function) is the only gearbox option offered.

But thanks to the extra hardware and equipment that will come standard on the new version, you can count on a reasonable premium being charged over the outgoing, rear-drive and un-M’d F30-generation 340i’s $91,200. BMW Australia’s aim is to keep the charger under $100K.

The gang at BMW’s local HQ in Mulgrave has confirmed the new all-wheel drive six-cylinder turbocharged sedan will come to Australia in the second half of 2019. If it can place it in dealers with a price-tag starting with a nine, the Bavarian brand could be the performance sleeper of the year.

How much is the 2019 BMW M340i xDrive?
Price: $99,990 (estimated, plus ORCs)
Available: Second half of 2019
Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline six
Output: 275kW/500Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic; all-wheel drive
Fuel: 7.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: TBC