BMW takes aim at the Mercedes C43 AMG with this locally assembled warm 3-series.
To the Malaysian 3 series buyer who thinks that the already powerful 330i just needs a bit more oomph, and that the new M3 is just too horrifying to look at and/or too expensive, BMW may now have the car for you. As in addition to the new sporty yet eco-friendly 330e M Sport PHEV launched today, the Bavarian automaker is proud also to announce the launch of the locally-assembled M340i xDrive.
Perhaps in response to the success of the Mercedes-AMG C43 locally, BMW has responded with this warmed-up version of the 3-series. As such, powering this M340i is not some hum-drum four-pot that even the 330i has, but instead this heralds a return to form for BMW as under the hood lives a turbocharged straight six.
Outputting an adequate 387 hp and 500 Nm of torque, the M340i xDrive rockets to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 250 km/h. Like the xDrive name suggests, all this power is transmitted through an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and an M Sport differential to all four wheels, enabling BMW’s ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ under any conditions.
As the M in the M340i suggests, the performance upgrades do not just stop with the drivetrain. Adaptive M suspension that features a 10 mm drop in ride height and larger blue-painted M Sport brakes are standard too on this M-badged Bimmer, as are the 19 inch twin-spoke M Light Alloy Wheels.
To further differentiate this sporty 3-series from the rest of the range, the M340i also features the obligatory M Aerodynamics package, in addition to the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim. The easiest way to distinguish an M340i from a hum-drum 3-series however will probably be to look out for the silver ‘Cerium Grey’ metallic trim pieces along the exterior, such as on the new asterisks-patterned front grille, front air inlets and side mirror caps.
Stepping inside, more sporty M trinkets are dotted along the traditional 3-er interior. These include an M leather steering wheel, sports leather seats, M-specific pedals, M340i branded illuminated sill plates and even M floor mats.
That said, BMW did also throw in some added luxury touches on this current top-tier 3-series. An electric glass roof should brighten up the usual black (or optional cognac) interior. The standard BMW 10.25 inch central infotainment touchscreen and 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster now adds a new head up display in the M340i. An upgraded 16-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System is standard too, as is interior ambient lighting with 11 presets and hands-free tailgate opening.
Moving on to the topic of safety, BMW’s Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant driver assist suite is standard on the M340i xDrive. BMW Laser Light with high beam assistant is also included to improve night time visibility.
Costing a shade above RM 400k at RM 402,354.13 (with sales tax exemption), the new BMW M340i xDrive certainly isn’t cheap Seeing as its locally assembled though, BMW must be confident that there is indeed a strong market locally for these performance sedans. So, to those eager buyers with the cash to splash, reservations with a deposit of RM 1,000 for this hot 3-series could be made at any authorised BMW dealership from the 24th of October.
To the others however whose bank balances do not tally with their aspirations, seeing how hot Bimmers usually depreciate like falling rocks, give it a few years and this might be a great used buy in the near future. If you can afford the inevitable ensuing maintenance costs that is.
PRESS RELEASE: BMW Malaysia today introduced the New BMW M340i xDrive – Malaysia’s first locally assembled M Performance Vehicle.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “M is the Most Powerful Letter in the World for BMW, synonymous with power and performance – one that is unparalleled in its driving dynamics and motorsporting appeal. As the passion for M continues to amplify amongst our loyal BMW owners and fans in Malaysia, we are proud to introduce the All-New BMW M340i xDrive and expand our portfolio of locally-assembled models in the country. The move also underlines, our commitment to continue driving local assembly capabilities and expertise in Malaysia.”
The New BMW M340i xDrive arrives with an athletic design that combines a powerful drivetrain and chassis technology – developed with race track expertise from M GmBh, complete with distinctive design cues and a cockpit created for Sheer Driving Pleasure.
Equipped with the notably powerful six-cylinder in-line engine, all 387 hp of the New BMW M340i xDrive catapults the vehicle from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. The consistently upgraded chassis technology and the all-wheel-drive system – first introduced in the BMW 3 Series in 1985, also continues serving up an unparalleled driving experience.
The BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, M Sport differential, Adaptive M Sport suspension including variable sport steering and M Sport brakes, and bespoke M exterior features with optimised aerodynamic properties form a flawlessly composed overall package for the New BMW M340i xDrive, designed to maximise performance.
Optimised aerodynamics for sportier drive.
The New BMW M340i xDrive arrives with the M Aerodynamics Package, BMW Laser Light with high beam assistant, and the BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim. Cerium Grey metallic finish is featured on exterior elements such as the left and right air inlet in the front bumper, the BMW ornamental kidney grille and its surround, along with the exterior mirror caps.
The vehicle also features 19-inch M Light Alloy Wheels in Double Spoke style 792 M Bicolour, with runflat tyres as standard. The M Sport brake with blue-painted brake callipers featuring the ‘M’ designation is also fitted to the vehicle. In the rear, the New BMW M340i xDrive is fitted with trapezoidal dual-exhaust tailpipe finishers, as well as an M rear spoiler for a sportier appeal.
Outstanding driving dynamics.
The New BMW M340i xDrive is equipped with the most powerful engine in the BMW 3 Series, designed for extraordinary performance with maximum agility. The BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine is capable of 387 hp and 500 Nm of torque, and can make the century sprint in just 4.4 seconds – delivering not just excellent performance to the new sedan, but an equally powerful torque.
The top speed for the New BMW M340i xDrive is 250km/h. The combined fuel consumption records 7.7 litres per 100km of travel, with 177g of carbon emissions per kilometre of travel.
Power is transmitted via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that offers incredibly sporty gear changes – whether in automatic or manual mode. In SPORT mode and with the gear lever in the left-hand S/M position, the gear shifts are configured for the best performance.
The New BMW M340i xDrive is equipped with specially-tuned suspension, featuring the 10mm-lowered Adaptive M suspension that can be electrically adjusted at any time to suit the road and driving conditions. To ensure impressive stopping power, the new sedan is fitted with M Sport brakes – four-piston fixed callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear in blue with the ‘M’ designation. Large brake discs are also fitted to the new sedan to ensure an outstanding braking performance.
Additionally, the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive has a sporting rear-wheel bias, while modified power steering provides noticeably more direct feedback. The New BMW M340i xDrive also arrives with the M Sport differential that optimises traction and driving stability when taking bends at high speeds or accelerating out of a bend, changing lanes or on different road surfaces.
Performance-built, comfort-driven.
The cockpit of the New BMW M340i xDrive impresses with an M-specific design that maintains the sporty driving appeal of the exterior within. Standard equipment includes sports seats for the driver and front passenger upholstered in Leather Vernasca, an M leather steering wheel, front door sill finisher with illumination, and a BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite. M-specific pedals, M-specific floor mats, and interior trim finisher in Aluminium Tetragon with highlight trim finisher in Pearl Chrome also equip the new sedan.
The welcome light carpet and the ambient light with 11 predefined lighting designs further enhance the interior design language of the vehicle, while automatic three-zone air-conditioning provides driving comfort. Additionally, comfort is also offered to owners of the New BMW M340i xDrive via the Comfort Access system with contactless opening of the tailgate. Driving entertainment is provided via the 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
Highlights of the New BMW M340i xDrive include the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display, and the BMW Navigation System Professional with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Also available as standard to the new sedan is the Head Up Display feature and the stunning electric glass roof addition.
Exceptional driving assistance systems.
Complete with the Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant, the New BMW M340i xDrive ensures peace-of-mind when on the road. The Driving Assistant includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning, and Speed Limit Assist. It also includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, as well as the Forward Collision Warning with brake intervention function. The Parking Assistant and rear-view camera are also available as standard to the new sedan.
The New BMW M340i xDrive is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Sunset Orange, and Portimao Blue. The interior will feature Leather Vernasca upholstery in Black or Cognac, with black décor stitching.
The New BMW M340i xDrive will be available at selected authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting 24th October 2020. Customers can also book the New BMW M340i xDrive on https://shop.bmw.com.my/ at RM1,000.
Dynamic financial programme.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the New BMW M340i xDrive can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 4,468.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of the New BMW M340i xDrive will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
- ïBMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
- ïBMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
- ïThe BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
- ïBMW Service Online
The retail pricing (on the road, without insurance) with Sales Tax Exemption for the New BMW M340i xDrive is: RM 402,354.13
