2018 Los Angeles Motor Show: BMW M340i arrives with 368bhp and xDrive

- The most powerful 3 Series till date.

- The M340i is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six with xDrive and M-specific suspension and differential.

- Might come to India when the new 3 Series arrives in India sometime next year.

BMW arrived at the 2018 Los Angeles Motor Show with a motley collection drawn from its revised line-up. Joining the all-new X7, 8 Series Convertible at the LA stage is the new 3 Series in the top-spec M340i guise. This M340i is the most powerful 3 Series till date.

Powering the M340i is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six which is the detuned version of the M-specific powertrain. The output of 368bhp and 500Nm is sent to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system channelled through an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. This is a newly developed engine and it features an aluminium crankcase and an aluminium cylinder head. The twin-scroll turbos are tuned along with steel exhaust manifold. Compared to the older M340i, the new engine produces 45bhp and 50Nm more output, enabling a 0-100kmph time of just 4.4seconds (0.5 seconds quicker than before).

The M Sport differential in this performance sedan is electronically controlled with a fully variable rear-locking function. It also sits 10mm lower than the standard variant, but the Adaptive M suspension is available as an optional extra. The brakes are bigger and bear the M logo combined by M-spec 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels adding the extra oomph.

The cosmetic changes over the 3 include the new iteration of BMW’s kidney grille which features mesh design instead of the characteristic vertical louvres. There is a small spoiler at the back and the massive trapezoidal exhaust tips at the back. The front bumpers get an aggressive chiselled look and distinct Cerium Grey metallic trim finishes which are also seen all around the car. The cabin gets a lot of M340i logos apart from Sensatec/Alcantara upholstery. The aluminium “Tetragon” trims seen all around the cabin make it look extra special.

The M340i will only go on sale in the international market by July 2019, says BMW. It is the next best thing after the upcoming new-gen M3 and we will love to see it come to India as well.