BMW M340d xDrive, diesel performance with ECO label in Saloon or Touring body

Diesel continues to make waves and generate debate, and while these engines were already extremely clean and efficient, they have now found in mild-hybrid technology their best ally for further reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, alongside the existing SCR catalysts and AdBlue. With this, manufacturers continue to offer diesel engines that are also sporty, as demonstrated by the new BMW M340d xDrive, available in both “Saloon” and “Touring” bodies.

With the arrival of the new M340d engine, BMW introduces for the first time directly the character and sportiness typical of M in a diesel 3 Series, because this new engine not only benefits from the most powerful diesel engine you can find in a 3 Series, but also other M mechanical features are present to improve its behaviour, in addition to the unmistakable exterior look provided by the styling and aerodynamic kit.

Sporty styling together with generous standard equipment

Starting precisely with its styling, both the Saloon and the Touring incorporate common elements, such as the skirts at the front and sides as well as a rear diffuser, all designed with the need for greater cooling and lower aerodynamic drag in mind; to which we must add a new grille for the front kidney grilles, the BMW Individual Highline Shadowline colour for the trim pieces and metallic Cerium Grey for the mirror housings, exhaust outlets in a trapezoidal shape and, for the Saloon version, a spoiler at the rear in body colour.

Inside, BMW M has also added its touch with new elements for greater sportiness, such as the upholstery for the front sports seats combining Sensatec and Alcántara leather with blue contrast stitching, the anthracite colour of BMW Individual applied to the roof, the multifunction steering wheel which now becomes an M leather-trimmed unit and incorporates paddles for gear changes, the inserts are now in Tetragon Aluminium with decorative strips in Pearl Chrome effect and, finally, aluminium pedals and specific M floor mats have been fitted.

In addition to all these elements and details, the new BMW M340d xDrive will include as standard equipment the following highlights, among others:

• Three-zone automatic air conditioning.
• Ambient lighting.
• Storage package.
• Electrochromic rear-view mirror.
• Parking Assistant.
• BMW Live Cockpit Plus with navigation system and 8.8-inch screen.
• Connected Package Plus.

The most powerful diesel engine for a 3 Series

Turning now to the mechanical side, under its bonnet we find a 3,000 cc six-cylinder inline diesel engine that already meets the Euro 5d standard, delivering 340 hp and a torque of 700 Nm available from just 1,750 rpm. Working alongside this engine is mild-hybrid technology consisting of a 48 V integrated starter-generator, which provides an extra 11 hp and which, among other things, helps improve the operation of the Start&Stop system and coasting. The energy generated by this system is stored in a 48 V battery that is charged during braking.

With this engine, the BMW M340d xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds in the Saloon body, while the Touring estate variant does so in 4.8 seconds. In terms of consumption and emissions, the Saloon body achieves a combined consumption of 5.7 l/100 km together with CO2 emissions of 149 g/km; while with the Touring body these figures rise slightly to 5.8 l/100 km combined consumption and 153 g/km CO2 emissions; all these figures measured under the WLTP test cycle.

Nor should we forget other components directly linked to this engine, such as the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with Launch Control function, which transmits power through the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system that distributes it between the rear and front axles according to the needs of the moment, although the rear axle will always tend to be the primary one, especially when using the Sport and Sport+ driving modes. Continuing with this section, we must not forget the sports rear differential fitted as standard, as well as the M exhaust system, which provides a sound in keeping with the character of this model without losing sight of the fact that it is a very important element for containing emissions.

This power is also fully controlled by the work and settings carried out on the chassis, since as standard we also benefit from the M sports suspension which, in addition to a more stable calibration, lowers the ride height of the BMW M340d xDrive by 10 mm. Added to this is the variable sports steering also fitted as standard, as well as brakes with 348 mm discs and four-piston calipers, while the rear axle has 345 mm discs with single-piston calipers; together with 18-inch M alloy wheels as standard (19-inch optional) fitted with mixed-size tyres.

The new BMW M340d xDrive is now available on the Spanish market in both bodies, with a starting price set at 72,100 euros for the Saloon and 74,100 euros for the Touring.

Technical specifications of this car

SedanBMW Serie 318 versions · from 50,200 €