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• M340i xDrive the flagship model in 3 Series range
• Power courtesy of 3.0-litre engine
• Price: R1 079 300, according to BMW SA's website
Recently, the Wheels24 team had a chance to drive the flagship model in BMW's 3 Series range. Well, the flagship until the all-new M3 arrives in the near future.
The M340i xDrive is a spectacular machine. There, I said it. It's achingly good and delivers a relentless attack of prowess and capability. It's good… but it has its shortfalls.
But let's backtrack first. In 2019, BMW launched its new 3 Series in South Africa. Comprising of both petrol and diesel models, the car impressed on a myriad of levels. From its drive to the much-improved interior, the car leads its segment, and probably will do so until either Mercedes-Benz or Audi can move the goalposts with their C-Class and A4, respectively.
Earlier this year, BMW launched the M340i xDrive. This car features an in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre petrol engine, and it produces a mountain of power that is sent to all four wheels.
Would you opt for the M340i xDrive over the M3, and why? Email us.
2020 BMW M340i xDrive. Image: Wheels24 / Charlen Raymond
Performance underpinnings
The M340i xDrive has the best ride quality of any 3 Series ever made. The advancement of technology does have a significant part to play in this, and how the car adapts to various driving conditions is genuinely commendable. Prodding along in Comfort mode, the car is smooth with a subtle sturdiness to steering feel. The body allows for a bit of lean; a slight counter to the performance underpinnings of the car.
READ: New 2019 BMW 3 Series driven
Three Sport modes are on offer: Sport, Sport Plus, and Sport Individual. For the most part, Sport Plus was the preferred driving mode of choice, as it's accompanied by a deep burble from the engine and an exuberant exhaust note. The various sport modes harden the suspension and tighten the steering feel. The car is planted on the road and enhances on-road stability, especially in a straight line.
2020 BMW M340i xDrive. Image: Wheels24 / Charlen Raymond
That xDrive
A highlight on the M340i is the xDrive setup: BMW's all-wheel-drive setup. In earlier generations, BMW's performance saloons were available in rear-wheel-drive configuration. An all-wheel-drive setup was never an option, even if there was 300kW on tap.
The new M340i's engine delivers 285kW and 500Nm, the latter available in a healthy window between 1850 - 5000rpm. Though launch control is not available, the car will run from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds - provided you can modulate the brakes and accelerator for maximum performance, and hook each of the eight gears at the right time. BMW claims a top speed of 250km/h.
READ: Why BMW's bread-and-butter best seller makes for a great driver's car
While the xDrive system is good, it does have an impact on the car's on-road dynamics. Driving on a twisty road, the car struggles to maintain its balance. With the extra driveshaft upfront, BMW compromised that perfect 50/50 weight distribution over the front and rear axles. Push through a series of bends, and the car exhibits understeer. And though it did not happen every time, steering becomes numb in mid-corner. It can influence a driver's confidence in the car's abilities, especially when the rear becomes unsettled, too.
2020 BMW M340i xDrive. Image: Wheels24 / Charlen Raymond
In summary
It is easy to say, then, that the BMW M340i xDrive is not a good car. Well, you'd be wrong. It's a fantastic machine that dishes up plenty of joy from a driver's point of view. It always conjures a smile, and a sense of 'damn, that was fun!' Despite the extra weight that unsettles the ride quality during spirited driving, most owners will never push the car to its limit.
In that regard, the drivetrain and suspension will always appeal to the average driver and have them applauding the car for its straight-line prowess and sturdiness through corners.
But for others who thought this car would be the perfect sports machine until the M3's arrival, it's a case of yes and no. If BMW had made this car perfect – the way we envisioned it to be - it would render the M3 pointless. At R1 079 300, this car is damn good and an ideal indication of what to expect from the forthcoming M3. If this is what you can afford, then it would be an investment worth making.
While good to a point, the BMW M340i xDrive will rarely put a foot wrong.
