Switching from a 2020 BMW M340i to a 2022 M550i provided some interesting insights into the differences between these performance sedans as daily drivers. Having spent considerable time with both, here are key takeaways for anyone considering either the nimble M340i or the more powerful M550i, particularly if you’re weighing a 2020 M340i against other options.
One of the first things you notice is the ride comfort. Both the 2020 M340i and M550i excel as comfortable daily drivers, but the M550i takes the edge with its softer suspension. This translates to a more plush ride, especially noticeable on less-than-perfect road surfaces. Beyond suspension, the overall build quality of the M550i feels a step up, contributing to a more refined driving experience compared to the 2020 M340i.
The engine is where these two cars truly diverge. The M550i boasts a V8 engine, a rarity in modern sedans, and the sound is simply intoxicating. The B58 engine in the 2020 M340i is also a fantastic powerplant and produces a pleasing sound, especially in the 2020 model year which retained a more aggressive exhaust note compared to the slightly muted 2021+ versions. However, the deep rumble of the V8 in the M550i is in a different league, offering a richer and more characterful auditory experience.
When it comes to handling, the 2020 M340i definitely feels more agile and nimble. Some might describe the M550i as feeling like a larger car in corners, but in daily driving and even spirited on-road driving, the M550i is far from a boat. While there’s a bit more body roll in the M550i compared to the M340i’s sharper turn-in, the real-world handling limits of both cars are surprisingly close for typical non-track use. You’d have to be pushing very hard to truly exploit the M340i’s handling advantage on public roads.
Luxury features also set the M550i apart. Options like ventilated and massaging seats, and the Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) audio system, are available on the M550i but not on the 2020 M340i. For some, like myself, the B&W audio alone was a significant factor in upgrading to the G30 M550i.
Considering a 2018 M550i specifically brings up a few more points. The 2018 model utilizes the N63TU2 engine, an earlier iteration compared to the N63TU3 found in the later LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) M550i versions. The N63TU2 is slightly less powerful and is generally considered less reliable than the newer generation engines, including the B58 in the 2020 M340i. If long-term ownership and tuning are priorities, the B58 in the 2020 M340i might be a more robust and future-proof choice. Furthermore, the 2018 M550i runs on iDrive 6, while the 2020 M340i features the newer iDrive 7. While iDrive 7 is objectively more modern, coming from an older F30 BMW, iDrive 6 in a 2018 M550i might not feel outdated.
Ultimately, choosing between a 2020 M340i and an M550i, especially an older 2018 model, depends on your priorities. If comfort and experiencing a V8 engine are paramount, and you are willing to potentially consider reliability aspects, the M550i is compelling. However, for most drivers, the 2020 M340i offers a better balance of performance, handling, modern technology, and potentially long-term reliability, making it a highly attractive all-around performance sedan.
