This week we are looking at the all-new 2020 BMW M340i sedan. Not to be confused with the ultra-fast M3, which is not out yet, the M340i slots between the 330i and the M3, and it is sort of the best of both worlds.
This BMW looks terrific with a new grill that has a solid background to improve aerodynamics. It has aggressive looks, beautiful 19” wheels, sharp lines, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust, and I love the blue brake calipers.
Performance
Under the hood, you find a 3-liter twin-power turbo inline six cylinder engine that is pumping out an impressive 382-horses and 369-pound feet of torque. It has an 8-speed automatic with shift paddles. It will take you from 0-to-60 in just over 4 seconds, and speed is electronically limited to 155-miles per hour. You can get this car in all-wheel drive, but my review vehicle is rear-wheel drive only.
Interior
The M340i has a nice but minimalist interior. There is limited use of carbon fiber inside, but the black bolstered seats with blue stitching are pleasing to the eye. As you sit in the driver’s seat, the gauge cluster is digital and it changes colors with the different drive modes. A map appears in the middle.
Center dash is a 10.25” color screen that can be used either as a touch screen or you can use the dial on the center console. The screen houses the sound system, the navigation system, the car’s settings, and a page for apps. Everything is fast and is easy to operate.
On the center console are the start button, camera settings, park assist, and the start/stop deactivation switch. Below that you can change the drive modes from Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus, and you guessed it, Sport Plus is my favorite.
On the app page, you can get real-time weather, traffic, and even news, and this BMW will even read you the news while you drive. There is a cell phone charger on the center console and it has wireless Apple CarPlay, but no Android.
Standard Features and Options
BMWs come well equipped with standard features like a power moon roof, power sport seats with lumbar support, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and automatic climate control.
This particular BMW has $12,000 in options. It has the Driver Assist package which is lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and driving assist which will steer the car for you.
The Premium package is heated seats and steering wheel. It also has remote start, adaptive suspension, power trunk, ambient lighting, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
One $1700 option is Traffic Jam Assist for hands-free driving, however, the system won’t let you keep your hands off without warning you. The car will center itself even with your hands on the steering wheel. A camera mounted on the gauge cluster monitors driver attention.
Notable Features
The rear seat is roomy even for tall adults, and it has very nice trunk space.
Some neat features I really like are pathway lighting as you walk up to the car at night that illuminates from underneath the mirrors. The key fob can be set for two drivers and everything adjusts to your settings when you open the door. Finally, the front camera will point itself down when you approach a curb to prevent hitting it.
Verdict
Driving characteristics are amazing, especially handling. The steering is sharp, acceleration in Sport Mode is strong, and it has a really nice exhaust sound.
Fuel economy is 22 in town and 30 on the highway, but that is in the boring Eco Pro mode.
Total MSRP is just over $67,000 and given the horsepower and amenities, that seems just fine to me.
2020 BMW M340i Review
- What I liked most: Handling and acceleration.
- What I would change: I’d love this car with a manual transmission.
- MSRP: Base price $54,000 as equipped $67,070 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 22 city/30 highway/25 combined.
- Official Color: Portimao Blue Metallic.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2700 miles.
- Weight: 3849 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Inflator kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 185.7” long/71.9” wide/56.8” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.6 gallons with the filler on the passenger side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2019 M340i in a few words: A super-fast, great handling luxury sports sedan that is a joy to drive.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with roadside assistance and 3-years/36,000 miles of free maintenance.
- Final Assembly Location: Munich, Germany.
- Manufacturers website: www.BMWUSA.com
- Up Next: Jaguar I-Pace electric.
