What are the prices for the BMW M340i xDrive

2023 BMW 320i: $80,200 (+$1300)

2023 BMW330i: $94,700 (+$1300)

2023 BMW330e: $98,700 (+$1300)

2023 BMW330i Touring: $98,900 (+$1500)

2023 BMWM340i xDrive: $106,200 (+$1300)

All prices are before on-road costs.

Competing directly with the Audi S4 Sedan ($106,200) and Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC ($134,900), the BMW comes out as a more economical option, offering a six-cylinder engine against the AMG's four-cylinder configuration.

Other robust luxury sedans such as the Genesis G70 3.3T Sport (starting at $75,067), Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor (starting at $73,400), and Tesla Model 3 Performance (starting at $86,900) are also strong contenders in this segment.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is missing from this group as we anticipate the arrival of the refurbished Giulia Quadrifoglio model in Australia later this year. The Jaguar XE no longer provides a six-cylinder variant or one with comparable performance.

What’s under the bonnet? 

Housing a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six petrol engine, similar to other M40i models, it produces an impressive 285kW (5800-6500rpm) and 500Nm (1800-5000rpm). Power is relayed to the wheels through a rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an M Sport Differential on the rear axle.

Exclusive to the M340i within the 3 Series range, the M Sport Differential is an electronic limited-slip differential that vectorises torque between the rear wheels to enhance traction and power delivery when cornering.

BMW suggests that the M340i can sprint from 0-100km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds, a speed equivalent to the previous-generation M3. During a test run by Paul Maric, the M340i managed a swift 4.26 seconds.

Top speed is capped electronically at 250km/h, although you're unlikely to reach that on Australia's strictly regulated roads.

Fuel consumption averages at 8.0L per 100km with CO2 emissions of 182g/km. The fuel tank capacity stands at 59 litres, requiring a minimum of 98 RON premium unleaded.

How does the BMW M340i xDrive drive? 

Indeed, the M340i core appeal remains untouched, much to everyone's relief. The dynamics team, confident in their benchmark-setting handling, decided not to tinker with the 3 Series’ perfect balance of comfort and excitement.

This car still possesses razor-sharp steering and excellent grip, coupled with a dash of playful character when its electronic constraints are loosened and the driving intensity is increased. Particularly in the M340i, the xDrive system is highly rear-biased, ensuring that the thrill isn't limited to the purely rear-drive variants.

If budget is not a constraint, the M340i's six-cylinder engine stands out as the finest choice. It delivers an exhilarating sound, eager revving up to its 7000rpm limit, and packs the necessary punch expected from an M-badged sports sedan. Although it stops just short of the raw power of the fully-fledged M3, it offers a more balanced, less aggressive daily driving experience while providing similar performance levels to older M3 models – and it's priced similarly, too.

Despite its performance-oriented nature, the ride quality remains impressive. With standard Adaptive M Suspension, you can select Comfort mode for a pliant ride that leans towards firmness, yet does a remarkable job of shielding the cabin from road imperfections, ensuring stability at high speeds and through corners.

The steering experience mirrors this balance, providing sufficient weight and feedback to keep the drive engaging without making low-speed, tight maneuvers cumbersome.

Crank up the intensity, and the combination of a rigid chassis, substantial steering, grippy all-wheel-drive, and an agile front end unveils the true spirit of the 3 Series – the rear-biased thrill of an inline-six.

There's an unmistakable focus on driver engagement in the M340i, with finely tuned and calibrated systems that integrate the car and driver into a single entity. It's a precisely crafted instrument for driving.

BMW's comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems is fully present in the M340i, and should now be available in the 330i and 330e after being previously unavailable due to component shortages.

The Driving Assistant Professional with Steering & Lane Control Assistant is one of my favorite semi-autonomous aids available currently. It maintains the 3 Series securely in its lane, modulates speed to maintain safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and adeptly navigates through traffic jams.

It lets you delegate the monotonous tasks of peak-hour commuting to the car, provided you keep your hands on the steering wheel. Other useful features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround camera system with 3D View – ensuring the 19-inch alloys remain unscathed.

The test vehicle’s Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires didn't produce any noticeable cabin noise compared to other models' run-flat tires, demonstrating that high grip and performance don't have to compromise refinement.

What is the BMW M340i xDrive like on the inside? 

The M340i’s exterior may not exhibit significant changes, but the interior has taken a leap forward. Standard across all models is an expansive curved display, powered by BMW's latest operating system.

In front of you, a 12.3-inch digital dial display adds a touch of sophistication, though it's a tad disappointing that it offers limited customisation. Despite this minor shortcoming, the display is crisp and easy to read.

The true stunner, however, is the 14.9-inch widescreen positioned in the car's centre. This vibrant screen can display BMW's native maps and media or connect directly to Apple or Android phones. Its impressive size has led BMW to abandon their unconventional gesture control system, replacing it with a voice control system that's remarkably responsive, offering solace to those who prefer not to touch the screen.

From the 330i upwards, you can relish the new M Sport seats, and the M340i offers an exquisite Cognac leather option, a fresh take on the timeless tan hue. I wish BMW could replace the grainy Vernasca hide with their stunning Merino, which could be a possibility with a BMW Individual build.

Fully electrically adjustable, the front seats are wonderfully comfortable and supportive. Long drives didn't leave me feeling achy or sore, nor did I need to constantly shift my seating position.

Despite my appreciation for the new seats, other cockpit alterations left me wanting. The compact e-shifter echoes the design debuted in the 911 but using it felt less satisfying - a missed opportunity by BMW after the retirement of the wand.

Thankfully, the M steering wheel remains a joy to use, retaining control buttons for features like adaptive cruise following distance. This is a relief considering the new 7 Series and iX have transferred this to a somewhat awkward touchscreen menu.

Practicality remains a strong suit, with generous door bins, a wireless phone charger shelf situated ahead of the cupholders, all concealed under a damped lid, and a spacious centre cubby. Sporting attributes don't need to compromise functionality.

The second row comfortably accommodates my 6’1” frame, offering ample head, knee, and legroom. There are also numerous features to enhance comfort.

The rear area is equipped with air vents, a third climate control zone, and dual USB-C charge ports. Interestingly, the M Sport front seats lack map pockets and may obstruct forward visibility for shorter passengers and children. If your passengers are prone to motion sickness, this is worth noting.

Convenience is further emphasized by bottle holders in the door pockets, ISOFIX anchors on the outside seats, and top-tether points across all rear seats. A fold-down center armrest with cupholders completes the second-row setup.

Is the BMW M340i xDrive safe?

In 2019, the BMW 3 Series earned a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, although this does not apply to the M340i xDrive, which has not been evaluated by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

A wide range of safety features come as standard across the 3 Series line-up, including:

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection

Lane-departure warning

Blind-spot monitoring

Driver attention monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Adaptive cruise control

Driving Assistant

Semi-autonomous parking assist

Reversing camera

Front and rear parking sensors

Eight airbags

Models above the 330i receive Parking Assistant Plus which provides a park view, panorama view and Remote 3D view. The M340i xDrive exclusively features the Driving Assistant Professional, which includes Front cross-traffic alert and lane centering assist.

How much does the BMW M340i xDrive cost to run? 

The 2023 BMW 3 Series comes with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, including three years of roadside assistance.

BMW provides a five-year/80,000km Service Inclusive Basic warranty package for $1800.

Yeecar’s Take on the BMW M340i xDrive

Without a doubt, this is the finest 3 Series currently available and quite arguably, it stands as the leading entry-level performance midsize sedan on the Australian market. This makes other models like the Audi S4 and the underwhelming Mercedes-AMG C43 redundant.

BMW has tastefully updated the seventh-generation M340i, honouring the badge's legacy by integrating new technology without compromising the authentic joy and precision of the driving experience.

Despite its six-figure price point, the M340i xDrive emerges as the most value-packed 3 Series available post its mid-cycle refresh. The reasons for this are twofold: the significant price drop and the upgrades offered in comparison to its less-powerful siblings.

Paying an additional $10,000 over the 330i grants you several worthwhile enhancements; an additional two cylinders, an extra 95kW and 100Nm of power, the advantage of a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system with a limited-slip differential, and supplementary features such as adaptive LED headlights, a premium audio system as standard, heated front seats, and a sunroof.

When you add these premium features to the 330i, the $10,000 price difference quickly becomes justifiable, even without factoring in the performance gains.

In addition, you get the prestige of owning an inline six – the only base 3 Series model to offer this – as well as the M Performance badge on the trunk lid. It offers an exhilarating off-the-line performance, yet maintains a subtle profile that doesn't scream for attention like an M3.

If you can stretch your budget for the M340i, you'll own one of the most satisfying all-round vehicles available at any price point. It's a vehicle that not only meets expectations but also surpasses them, solidifying its spot as a strong contender in the luxury sedan market.