Recently launched BMW M340i gets a grand welcome by the Indian Market

MotoGazer_BMW_M340i_3Series

BMW M340i makes a Grand Entry in the Indian Market

• Introduction:
The BMW M3 is an incredible vehicle, it is an absolute track monster and could be a grocery getter and family hauler. Unlike the regular 3 Series, the M3 handles much better, it’s got better suspension, better braking, its body is enhanced for better aerodynamics, lightweight and superior performance. But with these changes comes the hefty price tag, the M3 isn’t cheap.

There is however good news for those who are looking for something as exciting and thrilling as the M3 but at nearly half the price, it’s the M340i and it is superb. It might not be as aggressive or sporty as the M3 but it’s sure as heck is exciting and fun to drive, a true value for money. It is a strong competitor to its rivals. The gunmetal grey accents on the engine grille carried on to the bumpers and wing mirrors along with the trapezoidal exhaust surrounds are a few external touches that differentiate an M340i from the top end 330i variant. The grille, if you look carefully has a slightly different pattern to it and it looks pretty cool. The standard 18″ alloys seem just right at first glance but then they are the exact same wheels seen on the 330i. Incase you’re dissatisfied with the standard alloys, the optional 19″ wheels will truly fill those wheel wells and give the M340i a sharper, more meaner look.

• Cabin:
On the inside, the M340i will get all of the features and gizmos seen in the higher trims of the 3 Series. The cabin is fairly decent with neat textured trim on the dashboard along with black part alcantara upholstery and a few cool touches in the signature M Sport colours. The cabin does have this sporty feel to it. Features such as multi-colour ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster, a 12.3″ touchscreen control display with gesture control and BMW’s latest iDrive system, heads-up display, Android Auto along with Apple Car Play, voice commands, a sunroof and wireless charging make their way into the M340i.

• Engine/Transmission:
Powering the M340i is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine mated to a sportier 8-speed ZF automatic transmission producing 387 hp and 500 Nm of torque. The gear shifts are crisp, enabling you to go through gears fairly quickly on a nice open road. The M340i will go from a standstill to a 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, that is a properly quick sport saloon. Thanks to the sports exhaust, the M340i not only drives and handles incredibly well, it sounds great too. The M340i does get aggressive in Sport+ mode, yet manoeuvrable. Power is delivered to all the wheels via BMW’s Xdrive all-wheel-drive system. The suspension has been lowered compared to the 330i for better handling purposes giving the M340i a firmer ride. Unfortunately, the M340i doesn’t get adaptive dampers which according to BMW will be seen in the upcoming M3 and M4 models. The brakes are upgraded too which are much needed to slow down when you’re pushing the vehicle to achieve higher speeds. For the Indian market, the M340i will be available in an AWD configuration which might disappoint a few but the Xdrive system works differently in the M340i which means you could break traction and lose the rear end and still not lose control.

• Conclusion:
The BMW M340i is a brilliant automobile that will draw a lot of attention in the Indian market, it is sporty and practical. Most importantly, it’s a lot of car for the money.

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