BMW M340i xDrive 2020 Review

The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series showed a triumphant return to form for BMW, so much so that it won our 2019 carsales Car of the Year.

The BMW M340i xDrive takes that winning formula one step further, delivering more power, more pomp and an engine note that warms the heart. The M340i xDrive is one of five models in the 3 Series line-up and it’s where the heart is at, if you ask me.

Stepping up from the entry-level 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the M340i xDrive features a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission delivering an energetic 285kW and 500Nm, second only to the BMW M3 (331kW/550Nm) in the 3 Series portfolio.

The BMW M340i xDrive will set you back $99,900 (plus ORCs) and that’s before you succumb (you will) to BMWs range of options – such as is the case in our test vehicle.

It features the Visibility Package ($3900), Technology Package ($900) and aluminium mesh effect interior trim ($300).

BMW Australia offers (and stands by) a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and service intervals are subject to BMW’s condition based service program.

If you crave BMWs six-cylinder engine, this is where you may well land – pushing $40k over the entry level 320i, the M340i xDrive is next level. The M340i will make the dash from 0-100k/h in 4.4sec, using its eight-speed auto and on demand all-wheel-drive grip to get it there with pure ease.

Gearshifts are excellent, whatever drive mode you’ve selected. In Sport Plus, the shift is seriously quick. And I’m not going to lie, I spent most of my week in Sport Plus mode.

The pace and sense of urgency, and a nice exhaust note… I could not resist. That’s no crime I hear you say. No, it’s not. But an average fuel consumption of 18.0L/100km...? I do wonder how long it would take for that novelty to wear off. The claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.7L/100km.

Ergonomics, interior fit and finish, and the sense of ceremony behind the wheel, are exactly what you’d expect of a prestige sports sedan; and it’s another win for the new 3 Series.

I think it looks divine – and I love the grille design. Many didn’t.

The 2020 BMW M340i is on sale now and it sits at the top of the 3 Series offering – M3 aside.

If the $99,900 (plus ORCs) is hard to justify, maybe the recently announced M Pure models are more your thing. Less gear, fewer dollars.

I’m thinking the BMW M340i xDrive will appeal to anyone who either can’t financially stretch to or (maybe) is in waiting for a BMW M3. It’s a close imitation of BMW’s favourite M car and I think it pulls it off very convincingly.

I did say close, however. You won’t get the corner-hugging time-of-your-life dynamism that the M3 brings, nor the street cred to go with. But, you’ll have some spare cash to treat yourself in other ways (shoes perhaps).

This four-door, five seater is also best suited to four occupants, with the middle second-row seating position pretty compromised where leg room is concerned. You’ll find two ISOFIX seating positions and three top-tether anchors, seat back storage nets, a centre arm rest with two cupholders and dedicated climate control.

Notwithstanding these additions, the M340i is still not the first car that leaps to mind for the modern family needs. The 480-litre boot with 40:20:40 spit fold seats is a nod to versatility where there’s not a great amount to speak of. It’ll also tow 1800kg (braked).

The BMW M340i sits in the medium sedan (priced over $70k) segment and it’s here that BMWs original bread-and-butter vehicle (now SUVs all day, every day) goes head-to-head with the segment’s top-selling Mercedes-Benz C-Class range as well as Audi’s A4 and A5 – not to mention the Volvo S60, Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jaguar XE.

There’s great variety in the world of medium sedans – cars and price tags.

The refreshed BMW 3 Series range arrived in Australia late last year, so the months ahead will be a fair indication of whether BMWs latest 3 Series can win back some medium sedan loyalty.

The BMW M340i xDrive is a meaningful sports sedan that strikes a great balance between everyday dynamism and ballistic Bavarian, the latter being reserved for BMWs M3.

I’m a great fan of what BMW has achieved in its new 3 Series range and the M340i xDrive variant is close to perfect. I was quite taken with this car, which can cause you to forget about the strong competition mentioned above.

If you love BMWs, however, is there really any competition to speak of?