The 2020 BMW M340i is the most powerful non-M 3 Series to date.
BMW revamped its iconic 3 Series for the new G20 generation, making a wide range of changes to their best-selling sedan. What’s more, the M340i xDrive model is the most powerful non-M 3 Series yet. With a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine, the new M340i packs 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That makes the new car good for a 0-60 sprint in 4.4 seconds, according to BMW. There’s also a standard M Sport differential and larger high-performance brakes on the M340i and M340i xDrive.
What’s more, BMW has made the 2020 BMW M340i 25 percent stiffer than the old F30 3 Series. M Sport suspension also comes standard on the M340i, with 20 percent increased spring rates over the outgoing 3 Series, according to BMW. The car’s shock absorbers and steering dynamics have also been tweaked along with the chassis to fine-tune the handling without compromising comfort.
More Comfort, More Tech
Speaking of comfort, BMW has introduced “lift-related damper control” to reduce body movement on bumpy road surfaces. The M340i uses hydraulic damping in the front in tandem with a compression limiting system at the rear to adjust the firmness depending on the amount of spring travel. The optional Adaptive M suspension goes one further, using electronically-controlled dampers at each corner. That sharpens up the ride or makes it more comfortable depending on what the driver wants.
The 2020 BMW M340i and its xDrive variant also come with a new wave of BMW’s latest technology. That includes Laserlight adaptive LED headlights, as well as an optional Driving Assistant Professional assistance suite. Driving Assistant uses a trifocal camera and front-facing radar for the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and even Extended Traffic Jam Assist. That last system is a hands-off, eyes-on system where the car will stop, go and steer up to 37 mph in traffic as long as it can tell you’re still looking at the road.
BMW has also updated its iDrive system in the 2020 BMW M340i, as well as fitted a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment display. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional package – standard on the M340i – adds navigation, Wi-Fi connectivity and Apple CarPlay. Other tech features like the Head-Up Display and Parking Assistant are optional as well.
The 2020 BMW M340i xDrive sedan is on display at the 2018 LA Auto Show now. After that, it will launch in the summer of 2019. The entry-level 330i model will go on sale in March as a 2019 model. Pricing and fuel economy figures will be available closer to launch. Stay tuned for more updates on the BMW and more from the 2018 LA Auto Show!
