Introduction BMW M340i
Once upon a time, Indian car enthusiasts looking for affordable performance had the iconic Polo GT TSI or, with a higher budget, the Octavia vRS. However, times have changed — both models are now history. In the premium sedan space, BMW has introduced an exhilarating alternative: the BMW M340i. Positioned above the standard 3 Series, this machine brings true high-performance luxury under INR 90 lakhs, making it a tempting choice for enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
Exterior: Subtle Yet Sporty
At first glance, the M340i looks similar to the regular 3 Series. It shares familiar headlamps but gets a sportier bumper and a revised front grille that opens up for better cooling during aggressive driving. BMW has opted for the standard wheelbase instead of the long wheelbase to deliver sharper handling.
From the rear, three elements differentiate it:
- A subtle integrated spoiler,
- A pronounced rear diffuser,
- Twin exhausts that produce a sporty growl.
Interior: A Driver-Centric Cockpit
Inside, the cabin feels familiar yet sportier. It comes with carbon fibre trim, a flat-bottom steering wheel with chunky leather and the signature M badging. Additional touches like a red centre stripe add to the sporty vibe.
BMW’s fully digital instrument cluster is customisable to a large extent, letting drivers toggle between various views and even display maps or track data. The central infotainment remains driver-tilted for better visibility on the move. Compared to rivals, BMW’s iDrive system remains one of the most fluid and reliable infotainment setups, although some might find the abundance of touch-based controls slightly cumbersome.
Practical touches include:
- A dedicated volume dial,
- Wireless charger,
- USB-A and USB-C ports,
- Neat cup holders,
- BMW’s intuitive rotary controller for those who prefer not to use the touchscreen.
Comfort & Rear Seat Space
The M340i’s front seats are firm yet supportive, with excellent thigh support and power adjustments. However, adjustable side bolsters would have been a welcome addition. Rear seat space is surprisingly good for a performance sedan — ample knee room and decent headroom make it usable for daily family duties. Rear occupants get their own AC vents, climate controls, and charging ports.
Driving Dynamics: Where It Shines
Under the hood lies a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing approximately 370 bhp. This power propels the M340i from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds — true sports car territory. This acceleration figure is nearly identical to the BMW M2!
The biggest update in the latest version is the adaptive suspension. It adjusts damping based on driving style — stiffening up for corner carving or softening on broken city roads. This dual nature makes the M340i a versatile machine: a comfortable daily driver and a thrilling weekend warrior.
Should You Buy One?
For driving purists who crave performance but still want the practicality of a luxury sedan, the BMW M340i is in a league of its own at this price point. It undercuts higher-priced alternatives like the Mercedes E450 while offering genuine driving thrills that most sedans in this segment lack.
Currently, discounts can bring the on-road price down from INR 90 lakhs to around INR 80–85 lakhs, sometimes even lower under special deals.
Conclusion
If you’re a performance enthusiast with a realistic budget and want an engaging, practical, and luxurious sedan, the BMW M340i makes perfect sense. It’s not just about badges — it’s a genuine driver’s car that blends daily usability with raw excitement.
Thinking of buying one?
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