New BMW M340i xDrive sedan breaks cover

The new M340i xDrive, which will make its global debut at the upcoming 2018 LA International Auto Show, is the most powerful non-M 3 Series model form the German marque.    

The BMW 3 Series sedan, now in its 7th Generation, is all set to get an exciting and performance-oriented model in its lineup with the debut of the M340i xDrive at the upcoming LA Motor Show. This M Performance version of the sedan is being touted as the most powerful non-M version of the car in its entire history. After making its world premiere, the car is expected to go on sale in the United States and Europe by July 2019.

For a heart, the M340i will make use of BMW's popular 3.0-litre straight-six power mill with a redeveloped turbo system. The turbo assembly, designed on the TwinScroll principle, has been redeveloped and will now be complemented by VALVETRONIC variable valve control and variable camshaft control for added boost delivery to the engine. Transmission duties will be carried out by an 8-speed Steptronic sports unit which has been given short ratios for lower gears to enhance acceleration and make the Launch Control most effective.

Further tuning upgrades and tweaks have increased the power output of the six-cylinder motor by 47bhp, which now produces a total of 369bhp and an additional 50Nm of torque pegs the new torque figure at 500Nm. All these performance upgrades mean that the M340i xDrive completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds, half a second faster than the top-spec version of the previous 3 Series generation.

Moreover, the suspension technology and aerodynamics have also undergone several changes to perform as per the power unit's new setup. The car also gets multiple M Sport components like the suspension, exhaust, sports steering, differential, brakes and 18-inch M alloy wheels as standard fitment. For enthusiasts, the xDrive four-wheel-drive system offers a rear-wheel bias through variable power distribution between the front and rear axle so that drivers can utilise the SPORT and SPORT+ driving modes to their maximum ability.

The M340i will make its debut in two versions, with and without the xDrive.