BMW is putting the final touch on the new M3 that will hit the showrooms next year. The German auto-giant has now revealed the first performance variant of the latest 3-series a month before its official launch at the LA auto show this month.
The new car gets a developed version of BMW's 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. We have learnt that the power of the vehicle has been pumped by 47bhp compared to the previous generation 340i at 369bhp, while torque is up by 50Nm to 500Nm.
The rise in power comes after plenty of tweaks by BMW including redeveloped turbochargers and higher pressure fuel injectors than before. This calls for an early triple-digit speed which can now be attained in about 4.4 seconds.
Apart from that, the juice is now sent to an xDrive all-wheel-drive system through an eight-speed gearbox unlike the rear-wheel drivetrain in the previous iteration. However, BMW claims that the system still biases the rear-wheels exclusively, particularly in the Sport and Sport+ drive modes that the car supports. The new M340i xDrive also comes with an M Sports rear locking differential, a launch control function and a valve-controlled sports exhaust system.
The M320i rides on the M-Sport suspensions that are 10mm lower than the standard 3 series. BMW has also widened the car's tracks while electronically controlled dampers are provided as an option. The German maker has also equipped the M340i xDrive with a new set of brakes, with 348mm disks at the front and 345mm disks at the rear.
Cosmetically, BMW has raised the heat with the new model. The car now gets a more aggressive looking body kit compared to the standard 3-series. The new grille is intricate with a new mesh design. The car comes with a new lip spoiler on the boot lid and angular exhaust tips.
The car stands on a set of standard 18-inch alloy wheels which comes with an option of 19-inch. In the cabin, Inside, sports seats are found, plus an M-specific interior upholstery combining Sensatec leather with Alcantara and an M Sports steering wheel.
