A Week With: 2023 BMW M340i

The sports sedan holds a special place in automotive lore even though it is getting smaller and smaller as trucks, utilities, particularly off-road capable versions, and even electric vehicles win the hearts of a rising generation diehard automotive enthusiasts.

So, one question about cars such as the M340i, which is part of BMW’s fabled M-line of race-bred passenger cars, is how much longer it will be around to tweak the interest of affluent buyers with the financial wherewithal to spend nearly $70,000 on a new vehicle in a world where buyers are offered other intriguing choices?

Additionally, it is no secret even the priciest carmakers, such as BMW, are finding it more and more difficult to continue spending money on upgrading cars with internal combustion engines as governments around the world continue to tighten emission regulations. 

It used to be executives could justify the expense by arguing they could always find buyers for the specialty cars in the U.S. or even China. But those days are passing into history and Russia, the one place no one seems to worry about ICE emissions, is off limits thanks to Vladimir Putin.

Overview

Nonetheless, the 2023 M340i is an amazingly sophisticated vehicle with a powerful inline 6-cylinder engine, a flawless automatic transmission and driving dynamics that make its fun to drive to the corner market for a carryout order of soup. It is also equipped with all the comfort and convenience features required to pamper the driver and a couple of passengers.

Exterior

The exterior sheet M340i lives up to BMW’s long tradition of producing visually interesting vehicles, which are a step ahead of the competition and appeal to customers looking for something to set the apart from the crowd. BMW has updated the classic BMW grille with a bolder and more intricate pattern. 

The front of the vehicle also is equipped with vents for the brakes on the front wheels and to bring more air to the turbocharged engine, which also finish the bold and aggressive face the car shows the world. The vehicle’s profile includes a raked windshield, and an elegant roofline, which blends into the trunks at the rear of the vehicles. The light fixtures at the front and rear of the vehicle fit easily into the sleek overall design.

Interior

The cabin of the sporty BMW M340i is an artful mix of different materials and textures, which creates a cool and sophisticated ambience around the driver and any passengers. At the same time, the gauges and the information and navigation screens are easy to read during the day or at night, while the controls are blend of knobs, switches and touch screens. 

The technology, including the driver assistance features, fit neatly into the cabin, and the sound from the entertainment system is impressive even when traveling at speed. The driver’s seat is very comfortable and supportive, and the steering wheel has great feel to it. The visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, there is a moonroof to bring added light to the interior and even the cupholders are in a usable spot.

Powertrain

The sporty character of the rear-wheel drive M340i is reinforced by the 3.0-liter, twin turbo inline 6-cylinder engine with variable valve control and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. It also has a M-Sport differential, and an 8-speed automatic sport transmission. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given the 2023 BMW M340i a combined fuel-economy rating of 26 mpg, including 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Safety and Technology

The M340i is equipped with seat-mounted front- and side-impact airbags, as well as knee airbags for the driver and passenger and BMW’s head protection system. It also has automatic high beams, active blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assistance, and parking assistance with rear-view camera. 

The vehicle also comes with wireless charging, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Harmon Kardon sound system. It also has remote start, heated seats, exterior mirrors and steering wheel for winter driving and rain-sensing windshield wipers and LED cornering lights.

Driving Impressions

Even in heavy rush hour traffic, the BMW M340i is fun to drive. It has plenty of the power and torque required to away from a standing start or to scoot around clogged, freeway traffic. The well-tuned M-Sport chassis and suspension makes it easy to maneuver through turns and curves, while delivering a smooth ride over all kinds of road surfaces. 

The engineering in the suspension and chassis, along with the precise steering and powerful brakes, serve to enforce the driving pleasure that comes with the climbing behind the wheel of this car.

2023 BMW M340i Specifications

Wrap Up

The BMW M340i is an impressive example of the carmaker’s art as it blends materials and design inside and out, as well as some very deft engineering, to produce a car incredibly appealing to anyone slipping behind the wheel. 

But at the same time, with a price tag of $70,000 and limits on the car’s versatility in terms seating and cargo capacity, it might not be very practical for everyday use or even a family vacation. But it you will be able to impress the valet, parking the car at an expensive restaurant, or anyone, who happens by when you pop in somewhere for something off the takeout menu.

2023 BMW M340i­— Frequently Asked Questions