BMW M340i xDrive Touring, the most sporty estate as a prelude to the M3

We are still waiting for BMW to present us with the new generation of the M3, although for the moment we have been able to partially satisfy our appetite with the recent leak of images of its rear. In any case, for those who are impatient or who do not need to reach the sophisticated limits of the M3, BMW has offered us the M340i xDrive, which was presented at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show and now arrives in its Touring variant.

Unfortunately, BMW remains reluctant to create an estate version of the M3, or Touring as the Bavarian brand calls it, unlike its main rivals such as Mercedes-Benz with the CLA Shooting Brake or the C-Class Estate, and Audi with the RS4 and RS6. That is why, for everyone who wants the maximum sporting performance of the 3 Series in Touring bodywork, they will have to opt for the new M340i xDrive Touring, which will remain a step away from becoming an M3 Touring.

As with the saloon variant, the BMW M340i xDrive Touring has been fitted with the M aerodynamic package that gives it a sportier look. Compared with the basic versions, it features a new front bumper with larger air intakes and a new grille with a new surround. On the sides, the wheels now have a five double-spoke design, while the brake calipers have been painted blue. Finally, the rear has also received a new bumper that includes a diffuser housing the exhaust outlets, along with a small spoiler on the upper edge.

Inside, in addition to the comfort and spaciousness of the Touring variant, there are also details that enhance its sportiness. For this, BMW has chosen a combination of Alcantara and Sensatec upholstery for the M340i xDrive Touring, along with aluminium inserts, a sports steering wheel with shift paddles, lower trim pieces decorated with the model badge, and an anthracite-coloured roof to finish off, the latter taken from the BMW Individual catalogue.

As a worthy little brother to the M3, the BMW M340i xDrive Touring features an engine in keeping with its sporting character: the 3.0-litre six-cylinder with M TwinPower Turbo technology, delivering 374 CV and 500 Nm of torque, paired with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels thanks to the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. With these figures, the M340i xDrive Touring reaches 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while its consumption will be slightly higher than the saloon variant, with the combined figure set at 7.6 l/100 km.

Other mechanical changes on the M340i xDrive Touring include an exhaust line whose sound changes depending on the sport mode selected, with a choice between Sport and Sport+ modes; along with a new sport suspension that, in addition to providing greater rigidity thanks to its tuning, also lowers the ride height by 10 mm compared with the conventional suspension; and finally, brakes suited to its performance, with four-piston calipers and 348 mm discs at the front axle and single-piston calipers with 345 mm discs at the rear axle.

Technical specifications of this car

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