The BMW 3-Series. For decades, this nameplate has been synonymous with the “sport sedan.” While automotive landscapes and consumer preferences evolve, the 3-Series remains a crucial benchmark for luxury brands. The 2020 Bmw M340i steps into this lineage, carrying the weight of expectation and a legacy of driving excellence. Having spent a week thoroughly examining the M340i, it’s time to delve deeper than initial impressions and explore what makes this car tick, and where it might stumble. My history with the 3-Series is extensive, filled with ownership, test drives, and admiration. This isn’t a blind allegiance, and like any enduring relationship, there are aspects ripe for improvement. However, the fundamental appeal of the 3-Series remains, even for someone who isn’t a fan of Journey.
Performance Prowess: The Heroic B58 Engine
Words struggle to fully capture the sheer performance of the 2020 BMW M340i. This car isn’t just quick; it’s exhilarating. The heart of this machine is the updated turbocharged inline-6 engine, the BMW B58. For the 2020 model year, it’s been massaged to deliver a potent 382 horsepower, a jump from the previous 355 hp. This translates to a blistering 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.1 seconds. In my mind, the BMW B58 engine deserves a place on the automotive Mount Rushmore. It’s a powertrain marvel, consistently delivering exceptional performance across various BMW models. The power delivery is remarkably smooth and responsive. Turbo lag is virtually nonexistent, with power building rapidly and surging powerfully past 4,000 rpm. The engine eagerly revs beyond 6,000 rpm, feeling effortlessly strong throughout the range, never giving the impression of being strained. On public roads, you’ll run out of space long before you exhaust the engine’s capabilities. This engine alone is a compelling reason to consider the M340i.
Agile Dynamics: Nimble Handling and Engaging Drive
Despite a larger footprint than previous generations – longer wheelbase, wider track, and lower ride height – the 2020 3-Series, and especially the M340i, drives with surprising agility. It feels remarkably compact and nimble on the road, defying its increased dimensions. The M340i exhibits impressive cornering prowess, pivoting through tight turns with the poise of a much smaller car. Body roll is minimal, contributing to a confident and planted feel. The chassis strikes an ideal balance – stiff and responsive, yet providing sufficient communication through the steering wheel to keep the driver informed about the car’s behavior after each corner. The standard M340i rear differential plays a crucial role in enhancing the driving dynamics, allowing the rear end to rotate predictably and confidently. When grip is eventually overcome, the sophisticated traction control system intervenes seamlessly, providing a safety net while still allowing for a playful driving experience. It’s a delicate balance, achieved through what feels like automotive wizardry.
Bonus: DSC Traction Control – Instant Fun Factor
BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, when engaged in its intermediate setting, is a standout feature. Positioned between fully “On” and completely “Off,” this mode acts as an “instant fun button.” It allows for a greater degree of driver involvement and playful handling while still providing a safety net, making spirited driving both engaging and secure.
Rear Passenger Space: Footroom Fumbles
While the 2020 3-Series has grown in overall size, benefiting rear legroom, it still presents a minor compromise in rear footroom. Compared to older models, the M340i offers improved legroom, comfortably accommodating average-sized adults even behind taller front occupants. However, larger shoe sizes may encounter a squeeze in the footwell. While not disqualifying the M340i as a four-adult vehicle, it’s a consideration, particularly for taller rear passengers. Calling “shotgun” might be advisable for those with larger feet on longer journeys.
Adaptive Suspension: A Masterclass in Ride and Handling
The optional adaptive dampers, a worthwhile $700 investment on the M340i, are a game-changer. Unlike some manufacturers that bundle desirable options with less essential prerequisites, BMW offers these dampers as a standalone option, a welcome approach. The adaptive suspension truly shines, offering a noticeable difference between its Comfort and Sport settings. Sport mode firms up each corner of the car, enhancing handling precision and responsiveness. While the M340i might not offer the ultimate in steering feel, the adaptive dampers compensate by providing exceptional feedback about what’s happening at each wheel, enhancing driver confidence and control.
Price Point: A Premium Proposition
The elephant in the room is the price. The 2020 BMW M340i commands a significant premium, pushing towards the $70,000 mark as tested. Even with a lease, monthly payments can be substantial. While BMW’s clientele is accustomed to higher price points, the M340i’s cost requires careful consideration. It positions the M340i at the upper end of the sport sedan segment, demanding a justification beyond just the badge. The value proposition needs to be carefully weighed against competitors and even within BMW’s own lineup.
The All-Round Excellence: Beyond the Misses
Beyond the price and minor footroom concern, the 2020 BMW M340i excels in almost every other aspect. The 8-speed automatic transmission is remarkably intuitive and responsive, anticipating gear changes with near telepathic accuracy. The all-wheel-drive system operates seamlessly, providing confident traction in various conditions without sacrificing the rear-biased driving feel. The sport seats are both comfortable and supportive, offering an ideal driving position that surpasses many competitors. The interior refinement is notable, creating a premium and driver-focused environment. Fuel economy is surprisingly respectable for the performance on offer; averaging over 26 mpg during spirited driving is an impressive feat. Visually, the new 3-Series has regained its aesthetic appeal, presenting a handsome and modern design. Even practical aspects are addressed, with a larger trunk offering ample cargo space. The list of positives extends further.
The X3 M40i Conundrum: Sedan or Crossover?
The most significant challenge to the 2020 BMW M340i isn’t from a direct competitor sedan, but rather from within BMW’s own stable: the X3 M40i crossover. The X3 M40i shares the same potent powertrain as the M340i, delivering virtually identical performance. However, it offers enhanced practicality, greater comfort, and more rear legroom, all at a similar price point, and in some configurations, even slightly less. The X3 M40i is also surprisingly engaging to drive, challenging the traditional notion that crossovers are inherently less fun than sedans. The X3 M40i’s appeal raises a pertinent question: Is the traditional sport sedan still the optimal choice, or has the performance crossover surpassed it in overall desirability? The nearly identical pricing of a comparably equipped 2020 BMW X3 M40i versus the M340i tested further emphasizes this dilemma. The minor equipment differences, like remote start availability or wheel sizes, are negligible in the broader comparison.
The bottom line? The 2020 BMW M340i is a phenomenal sport sedan, carrying the 3-Series torch with pride. It’s fast, agile, refined, and well-equipped. However, in today’s automotive landscape, the rise of the performance crossover, exemplified by the X3 M40i, presents a compelling alternative that demands consideration. While sedan enthusiasts may still hold firm, the practical advantages and comparable driving dynamics of the X3 M40i make it a strong contender, even potentially a more sensible choice for many. The M340i remains a fantastic car, but the question of whether it’s the best choice in its price bracket, especially when considering the X3 M40i, is more complex than ever. And yes, I still don’t like Journey.
2020 BMW M340i xDrive Specifications:
Base price: $56,995 (including destination)
Price as tested: $69,570
Drivetrain: 382-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbo inline-6, 8-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
EPA fuel economy: 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
Hits: Exceptional performance, superb adaptive dampers, excellent all-around vehicle.
Misses: High price tag, limited rear footroom, the BMW X3 M40i presents a compelling alternative.
