New BMW M340i xDrive launched in India at INR 69.20 lacs
The BMW M340i is a specific high-performance BMW with an M engine that is made in India, for the Indian market. And it is perhaps the most practical, performance driven, everyday driver-oriented set of wheels you can lay your hands on, that is bound to thrill each time you get behind the wheel. Since its introduction a few years ago, it has turned out to be a segment best-seller due to its commanding performance, attractive design, rich feature list and unique M driving experience, which has found favour amongst Indian enthusiasts. Engineered by BMW M, it delivers the sporting essence of the 3 while embodying BMW M’s pure passion for motorsport. The resulting combination is an ultimate adrenaline rush for drivers, as it amplifies the thrill of driving to an altogether different level. It is a premium sedan for everyday use and doubles up as a performance machine whenever you are in the mood.
The exterior of the new BMW M340i xDrive remains sporty as ever, with the front end cutting a wide, low-slung, aggressive figure. The black mesh style kidney grille is linked to sleek Adaptive LED headlights with blue accents. The car’s hood, long wheelbase, short overhangs and flowing roofline accentuate its sporting profile when viewed from the side. Horizontal lines and the slim, stylishly darkened light units housing L-shaped LED taillights give the rear a wide, athletic stance. Complementing the M aerodynamics package, the car features a body-coloured M rear spoiler on the boot lid, air intake struts and trapezoidal tailpipe trims. The 19″ M light alloy wheels in 791 M styling, diamond polished and jet black give the impression of a racing machine raring to go.
The interior accentuates luxury, comfort and has a new digital curved display which is unified into the cockpit area. Reduced design, eye-catching graphics, bright colours, futuristic textures and the interplay of reflections create an immersive visual appearance. Sport seats with M-specific upholstery in a Sensatec/Alcantara trim provide lateral support and have a good range of adjustment. Paired with M leather steering wheel with shift paddles they deliver a race car like seating experience. The performance-oriented ambience is boosted thanks to M High Gloss Shadowline, Individual Headliner Anthracite and interior trim strips in Carbon Fibre. The digital instrument cluster and front door sills also bear the model lettering ‘M340i’. Ambient lighting with six dimmable light designs, an automatic 3 zone climate control and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound system with 16 speakers creates the perfect interior mood and ambience. There is a glass sunroof, a 480 litre luggage compartment and a 40:20:40 split backrest and automatic boot lid operation that provides greater flexibility for loading/ unloading.
The M340i is powered by a 3.0L straight-six petrol engine which produces an output of 374 hp and 500 Nm maximum torque. The characteristic M Sport sound adds to the effect and the car makes the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 4.4 secs., making it the quickest BMW to be produced in the country. The eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency. Paddle shifters and cruise control with braking function come as standard. The Driver Experience Control modes SPORT and SPORT+ enhance dynamic driving even further by transferring power to the rear wheels.
xDrive, the intelligent all-wheel drive technology is quick to respond to ensure maximum traction, agility and vehicle stability. ConnectedDrive technology turns the car into an interconnected digital device with features that include Digital Key Plus, Emergency Call, Real-time Traffic Information and Remote Services through MyBMW app. The Live Cockpit Plus includes the freestanding 14.9” Curved Display with Navigation, a 12.3-inch digital information display behind the steering wheel and Head-up Display.
The latest BMW iDrive with Operating System 8, offers all the possibilities for interaction between occupants and the vehicle – using touch, gesture or speech. Wireless smartphone integration opens access to a range of functions and apps. And the smartphone holder integrated in the centre console allows for wireless charging. Parking Assistant with Rear View Camera, Reversing Assistant, Auto Start-Stop, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution and ECO PRO mode are some other features that find their way into the M340i.
In terms of safety, the M340i comes with six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensors, Runflat Tyres with Tyre Pressure Indicator, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel.
The new BMW M340i xDrive is available in metallic paintworks of Mineral White, Dravit Grey, Black Sapphire and Tanzanite Blue. It features the exclusive Alcantara/Sensatec combination upholstery in Black with contrast stitching Blue. A range of M Performance Accessories help customise it further and bring a touch of the driver’s personality to the vehicle. The performance sedan has been launched in India at an ex-showroom price of INR 69.20 lacs. Locally produced at BMW’s Chennai plant, the car is available for bookings and deliveries will commence from January 2023 onwards.
