2020 BMW M340i Road Test and Review

Last year, BMW completely redesigned its legendary 3 Series. It’s the seventh generation of the brand’s signature sports sedan, which was first introduced in 1976; since then, more than 15 million have been sold around the world. Although SUVs have become more important than ever to BMW’s bottom line, it’s the 3 Series that remains its most important model — and the latest, greatest, and hottest version is the new 2020 BMW M340i.

The new BMW M340i was developed by BMW’s M division, which is the German automaker's in-house tuner shop and the brains behind its iconic high-performance M3 and M5. Over the last few years, it has been increasing the power and handling abilities of many other BMW models, creating the M Performance line of cars and SUVs that includes the M240i, M550i, and X3 M40i. They aren’t hardcore M machines like the M3 and M5, but they offer significantly more speed than BMW’s mainstream models. The new M340i competes with the Audi S4 and the new Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43.

With more horsepower and handling than the 330i — the starting point for this year's 3 Series — BMW’s engineers dialed up the performance of the 2020 BMW M340i on many of the world’s racetracks. Much of the sedan’s tuning took place on Germany’s legendary Nurburgring, widely considered the world’s most challenging and dangerous circuit. It was worth the effort. The M340i is a very rewarding sports sedan to drive.

Under the M340i’s aluminum hood is truly one of the greatest turbocharged engines in the world, BMW’s silky smooth all-aluminum 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with direct injection and variable valve control. It’s the same engine used in the BMW Z4 M40i and X3 M40i, and it produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. That’s 127 more horsepower than you get in a 330i and 33 more than Audi offers in the S4. M’s engineers also added an aggressively tuned suspension, massive M Sport brakes, and a special electronically controlled M Sport differential, which greatly improves traction and agility.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, and the base price of the 2020 BMW M340i is $54,995, including a $995 destination charge. That’s about $4,000 more than an all-wheel drive Audi S4 and about $13,000 more than a 330i. All-wheel drive is offered on the M340i for an additional $2,000, which makes it a good value. Unfortunately, the M340i doesn’t use the tunable all-wheel drive system from the M5. That system even includes a rear-wheel drive mode, which allows for tire-shredding burnouts and powerslides. There is no rear-wheel drive mode in the all-wheel drive equipped M340i xDrive, but it does get the M Sport differential, which the 330i xDrive does not.

Our rear-wheel drive test vehicle was equipped with a long list of pricey options and packages that drove its sticker price up to $67,070. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, LED headlamps, power front seats, navigation, and keyless entry. Extra-cost options on our test car included a power trunk lid, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system.

If you’re worried about turbo lag, forget it — it’s a thing of the past. The torque of the BMW’s inline six-cylinder peaks at just 1,600 rpm, so there’s a big rush of power right off the line, and the engine carries its immense output all way to its 6,500-rpm redline. This is a fast car, and it’s fun to floor the gas pedal and shift through the BMW’s gears manually with its paddle shifters. Anyone that says the BMW 3 Series has lost its sporting edge hasn’t driven an M340i with a heavy right foot.

M’s engineers also retuned and regeared the sedan’s eight-speed automatic transmission for quicker response and acceleration, and the M340i is the only 3 Series with launch control. BMW says it’ll hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, but third-party testing has shown times below the 4.0-second mark. That makes it quicker than both the Audi S4 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43.

Like the standard 330i, the M340i can be driven every day in complete comfort. Its suspension is tuned to be firm, but it isn’t overly aggressive for a performance sedan. It’s also adjustable, along with the steering and throttle response, with stiffer Sport and Sport Plus settings. You definitely feel the road in the M340i, even in Comfort mode, but the ride isn’t harsh and the BMW delivers an impressive level of refinement. Sport and Sport+ modes also increase the rumble of the engine inside the cabin, which is cool.

Its chassis is extremely stable, and there’s essentially no body roll, even in tight turns. Its structure feels like it was carved from a solid hunk of billet, and the car's dynamics seem to improve the faster you go. Our only complaint is with the BMW’s standard Variable Sport Steering system, which adjusts the steering ratio depending on the vehicle’s speed. It works as advertised, but the system’s response can feel a bit odd around town at first, although you get used to it. It feels better at faster speeds, either on the highway or when you’re pushing the BMW through a series of quick corners.

Recognizable by massive blue calipers with the M logo, BMW’s impressive M Sport braking system is standard on the M340i. It features oversized rotors with diagonal cooling air ducts, and the sedan stops from high speeds with no drama. Its brake pedal is always firm.

The BMW 3 Series is also one of the safest cars in its class. The sedan is rated Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, its highest honor, and many driver aids are standard on the M340i. A frontal collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard, and our test car was also equipped with the optional $500 Driving Assistance Package that includes blind-spot monitoring and a lane-departure warning. The M340i’s fuel economy is also impressive. It features a start/stop function that shuts off the engine at idle to save fuel, and its fuel efficiency ratings of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway seem to defy its performance. We averaged 24.0 mpg in mixed driving.

Climb inside the 2020 BMW M340i, which is assembled in Germany, and you’ll be impressed with the craftsmanship of its interior. Although the design isn’t groundbreaking — or as radical as the interior of the Mercedes C-Class — it’s clean and contemporary with an abundance of aluminum trim and piano black surfaces. The BMW looks and feels expensive inside, from its knurled knobs to its rich leather upholstery to its large 10.25-inch touchscreen. Visibility is excellent thanks to thin A-pillars, and its fit and finish are among the best.

The BMW’s firm driver’s seat is comfortable, well-bolstered, and height-adjustable, and its thick M exclusive three-spoke steering wheel is heated and covered in soft leather. Its digital gauge cluster is a bit cluttered but visually striking, and many of its features are configurable to your liking. One quirk is the unusual counterclockwise sweep of the tachometer needle; it takes a while, but you’ll get used to it. The latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is easily navigated using the touchscreen or the sedan’s large console-mounted dial and a small cluster of well-placed buttons. A Wi-Fi hotspot is standard.

There’s also plenty of storage space in the BMW’s interior. The M340i has a sizable center console bin, and its door pockets are large enough to be useful and have provisions for water bottles. Unfortunately, its two front cupholders are a bit small, and they’re located ahead of the shifter where tall drinks can interfere with or block the climate and radio controls. This is an issue we’ve found before in other BMWs.

Rear seat space is larger than expected. This 3 Series is a longer and wider car than its predecessor and rides on a 1.6-inch-longer wheelbase, which has increased its rear legroom significantly. The car seats four comfortably, and five for short drives. Our test car’s rear seat also featured two air conditioning vents, climate controls, two USB ports, and a power port for your devices. And it has a big trunk: The BMW’s 17.0 cubic feet of cargo space gives it the largest trunk in its class. A 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat is standard.

Many hardcore driving enthusiasts have been criticizing the BMW 3 Series over the last few years, complaining that the sports sedan isn’t as sporty as it used to be. That it has grown too big, too vague, and too luxurious. That it has become an old man's car for aging, well-to-do Gen Xers who would rather conference call on their Bluetooth than drive. Those critics need to drive the 2020 BMW M340i. It’s a car that proves BMW hasn’t forgotten about its sports sedan roots and can still build a 3 Series for people who love to drive.

Yes, it’s still comfortable, luxurious, and family-friendly, but it’s also a true driver’s car: fun, fast, and engaging, just like the 3 Series of the past. If you desire a high-performance luxury four-door, the 2020 BMW M340i is one of the best.