If a standard BMW 3-Series isn’t enough but an M3 is too much, you’re in luck. Ahead of the LA Auto Show, BMW unveiled the M340i and M340i xDrive sedans, sort of halfway between a 3-Series and the upcoming M3. The M340i’s 382 hp and 369 lb-ft make it the most powerful 3-Series available until the M3 lands, said to be close to 500 hp. The M340i should hit 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds, BMW says. The M3 will have a manual transmission available, though the eight-speed automatic is the only trans we’re getting on all other models here in the States. That’s right, no more six-speed!
This is the seventh-generation 3-Series, on sale next summer. The M340i’s 3.0-liter twin-scroll straight-six is new, and the car, codenamed G20, rides on BMW’s Cluster Architecture, aka CLAR. CLAR is designed to accommodate a longitudinally mounted motor and either rear- or all-wheel drive. On this car, CLAR is 3 inches longer than the outgoing platform but weighs less, thanks to more aluminum and high-strength steel. BMW says the new 3 weighs about 120 pounds less than the car it replaces and is 25 percent stiffer. BMW also says it has improved the steering. Adaptive suspension with comfort, sport and sport-plus modes is optional. We expect a better, more dynamic driver.
The kidney grille and headlamps (LEDs standard) are larger, but overall the shape is definitely 3-Series. The new car is 3 inches longer (and there’s an additional half-inch rear-seat room), a half-inch wider and about the same height.
The 2020 BMW 3-Series goes live at the LA Auto Show.
Even a few BMW people admit the outgoing 3-Series’ cabin was a bit dull, and this car aims to fix that. BMW says the design is more modern, build quality is way up and the iDrive is more intuitive than ever. We’ll check it out at the LA show in a few weeks and let you know what’s what.
After next summer’s M340i comes the 330i (258 hp, 295 lb-ft) with the 330e plug-in-hybrid following in 2020. The hybrid’s horsepower is TBD.
– Wes Raynal joined Crain Communications’ circulation department while still in college. When he graduated in 1986, he became a reporter for Autoweek sister publication Automotive News. He has worked as Autoweek’s associate editor, news editor, motorsports editor and executive editor before being named editor in 2009.
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