The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan: World premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2018.

Munich. The new BMW 3 Series Sedan is picking up more
speed on its way to its market launch in the spring of 2019. The BMW M
GmbH is now presenting an extremely dynamic model variant of the new
sports sedan. The BMW M340i xDrive Sedan (combined fuel consumption:
7.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 172 g/km*) is powered
by a newly developed straight six-cylinder petrol engine with
275 kW/374 hp. Together, high engine performance, M-specific
suspension technology and intelligent four-wheel drive provide for
outstanding driving dynamics that are unparalleled in the midsize
segment. The exceptional sporty character is underscored by
model-specific design and equipment features. The Los Angeles Auto
Show (30 November – 9 December 2018) will serve as the setting for the
world premiere of the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan. The market launch will
commence in the USA in July 2019, followed by Europe in July.

Acceleration, cornering dynamics, agility, precision, braking – the
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan is setting new benchmarks in all areas relevant
to driving dynamics. It makes consistent use in particular of the
vehicle concept of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, which is oriented towards
sporting driving pleasure and comprises a low centre of gravity,
optimised weight, well-balanced axle load distribution as well as
increased body rigidity and uprated suspension mountings. Moreover,
the suspension technology and aerodynamics are precisely tuned to the
new power unit’s high performance characteristics. In addition, the
M Sport suspension, variable sports steering, an M Sport differential,
the M Sport brake system and 18-inch M light alloy wheels with mixed
tyres are all standard equipment features for the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan.

Straight six-cylinder engine with superior power development
and characteristic sound.


The power plant developed for the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan raises
the vehicle’s characteristics in areas of performance, response,
revving power, running smoothness and efficiency, so typical of BMW
straight six-cylinder engines, to a new level. The 3-litre engine
features an aluminium crankcase and an aluminium cylinder head. The
turbocharging system, which was constructed according to the
TwinScroll principle, has also been redeveloped. The integration of
the compact steel exhaust manifold and turbocharger effectuates rapid
boost pressure development. A mass moment of inertia reduced by around
25 percent enhances turbine response and a wide opening, electrically
controlled waste gate contributes towards better emission values. Fuel
supply is performed by means of High Precision Injection technology,
the injectors of which now operate at an injection pressure increased
to up to 350 bar. The current version of M TwinPower Turbo technology
is complemented by fully variable valve control VALVETRONIC and
variable camshaft control Double VANOS.

The drive technology, which has been extensively redeveloped and
numerous details of which have been completely renewed, provides the
six-cylinder with an increase in output by 35 kW/48 hp to
275 kW/374 hp vs. the most powerful engine previously used for the BMW
3 Series, as well as an increase in maximum torque by 50 Nm to 500 Nm.
As a result, the car has also clearly gained in sporting prowess. The
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4
seconds – half a second faster than the top-of-the-range model of the
previous generation of the BMW 3 Series Sedan.

Power development and speed increase are accompanied by the
characteristic sound of the straight six-cylinder engine, which has
gained additional presence thanks to the M Sport exhaust unit. Above
all in the SPORT and SPORT+ modes, which can be activated via the
Driving Experience Control switch, the valve-controlled exhaust system
generates a particularly distinctive sound. The sound development that
accompanies the engine’s dynamic power delivery is also intensively
perceptible inside the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan. The dual-pipe M Sport
exhaust system is fitted with two petrol particulate filters, enabling
the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan to meet the requirements of the Euro
6d-TEMP emissions standard. Combined fuel consumption is 7.5 litres
per 100 kilometre* and CO2 emissions are172 grams per kilometre.*

Standard features: 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission
and BMW xDrive with rear-wheel bias.


The BMW M340i xDrive Sedan comes as standard with the 8-speed
Steptronic sports transmission of the latest generation, which is
characterised, amongst other things, by an optimised hydraulic
control system and exceptionally high shifting dynamics. Short
ratios for the lower gears improve acceleration and the Launch
Control function can be used for accelerating with maximum dynamics
from a standstill. Shift paddles on the steering wheel facilitate
manual gear selection at any time.

With fully variable power distribution between the front and rear
axle, the intelligent four-wheel drive technology featured by the
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan ensures maximum traction, agility and vehicle
stability. The rear-wheel bias of BMW xDrive supports that
brand-typical driving experience and is particularly strongly
effective in the driver experience control modes SPORT and SPORT+.
The targeted transfer of drive force to the rear wheels enhances
agility when steering into bends.

Furthermore, the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan is equipped as standard
with the M Sport differential. The electronically controlled, fully
variable rear-wheel locking function noticeably contributes not only
towards an increase in traction, but also enhances stability and
agility of the vehicle.

M-specific suspension technology transforms performance into
dynamics.
The construction concept used for the
suspension of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan offers the ideal
prerequisites for sporty handling. The components of the
double-joint spring strut front axle and the five-arm rear axle,
both of which have been optimised in terms of weight and stiffness,
enhance cornering dynamics and steering precision, as do the larger
track widths and optimum wheel camber angles. In addition to a
vehicle lowering by 10mm, the standard M Sport suspension of the
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan comprises M specific elastokinematics and the
new lift-related damper control function. The Adaptive M suspension
with electronically controlled dampers is also optionally available. 

A further integral part of the M Sport suspension and the Adaptive
M suspension is the Variable Sport Steering feature, which supports
agile cornering with outstanding feedback as well as spontaneous and
precise response.

Combining an extremely sporty set-up – headlined by short pedal
travel and a distinct pressure point – the M Sport brake system,
which also comes as standard, provides effective stopping power. The
M sport brakes achieve this with a more direct ratio as well as a
different hydraulic configuration including four-piston, fixed
calliper brakes and 348 millimetres discs at the front and
single-piston, floating calliper brakes with 345 millimetres discs
at the rear. The blue-painted brake callipers bear the M logo. 
Standard 18-inch M light alloy wheels are combined with mixed tyres.
Tyres of the format 225/45 R 18 are mounted on the front wheels,
whilst size 255/40 R 18 tyres are used at the rear. 19-inch M light
alloy wheels in two designs and 19-inch BMW Individual light alloy
wheels, likewise fitted with mixed tyres, are also available as an
option. The 19-inch M light alloy wheels come with high-performance
tyres facilitating a particularly effective transfer of longitudinal
and lateral forces.

Design and equipment features with a clear emphasis on sportiness. 

The new BMW M340i xDrive Sedan’s superior performance
characteristics are reflected in model-specific design and equipment
features. The design of the front apron, the side sills and the rear
end, optimise both the cooling air supply and aerodynamics. Unique
design elements include the BMW kidney grille boasting a mesh
design, the rear spoiler in body colour and trapezoidal exhaust
tailpipe trims. The vehicle’s exclusive look is also complemented by
exterior mirror caps, air intake struts, the front surfaces of the
BMW kidney grille, tailpipe trims and the model lettering all
finished in Cerium Grey metallic.

Inside the car, sports seats with M-specific upholstery in a
Sensatec/Alcantara trim, the anthracite BMW Individual roof liner,
the M leather-clad steering wheel with shift paddles and interior
trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon provide for an intensive driving
pleasure oriented ambience. The digital instrument cluster bears the
lettering “M340i”. A further exclusive design feature of the
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan are the front door sills also boasting the
model lettering.