BMW has just teased its latest variant in its new G20 3 series lineup, the M340i xDrive First Edition.
Limited to only 340 units each for both the sedan and Touring estate variant, this First Edition limited run variant of BMW’s mildly spiced up compact sedan/wagon is currently the most powerful 3 series in the range.
Under the hood remains the same B58 3.0 litre turbocharged straight six you would find many other BMWs and even the odd Toyota, pumping out a healthy 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
Mated to a eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and driving all four wheels thanks to the xDrive four wheel drive system, this tweaked BMW sedan can manage the century sprint in 4.4 seconds, with the long roof variant taking a tenth of a second longer. Both cars however have a top speed of 250 km/h.
The pictures you see here of the Touring variant of the M340i xDrive are pretty much what you’re going to get if one chooses to go for the First Edition run of this fast 3 series.
Although developed by BMW Individual, BMW’s bespoke customising branch, ironically there is not much personalisation one can have with this car.
The only colour combination one can have with their limited edition 3 series is the Frozen Dark Grey exterior paired with 19 inch, double-spoke 792 M bicolour alloys.
The interior choice too is limited to BMW Individual leather upholstery, finished in striking Silverstone and Fjord Blue, with contrasting Kyalami Orange stitching.
There are however some additional trinkets added to the First Edition to make up for the lack of personalisation. This hot 3 series comes standard with adaptive M Performance suspension lowers the ride height by 10 mm and M Performance brakes as seen from the red callipers.
The exterior is also complemented with high-gloss black details like the kidney grille, window surrounds and mirror caps thanks to the standard Shadow Line package on the First Edition.
Meanwhile, the interior receives M colour stitching on the seat belts, and a special “First Edition 1/340” badge on the passenger-side carbon-fibre trim, to further remind owners that their car is special.
And with any 3 series, the First Edition comes with the usual 3 series features. There is also the usual laundry list of optional extras that can be added to this already expensive car, most notably the optional BMW laser light LED headlights as seen on this model here.
Although limited to a handful of cars for this limited run first edition, buyers looking for a mild performance upgrade on their G20 3 series should still be able to obtain the non-limited run version of the M340i in the coming months when it is officially unveiled by BMW. Most likely too on those models you could actually spec a different colour apart from grey with a blue-black interior with orange accents.
Truth be told though, if you are already looking for a performance 3 series, why not go all out for the full-fat M3 that is in the works? Ah, it’s that grille again right?
