Skip advert
Advertisement

New BMW M340d xDrive Saloon and Touring revealed with 516lb ft of torque 

BMW has released its range-topping black pump 3-series models, with a predictably impressive torque figure

The petrol-powered G20 M340i is already on sale in the UK, but now BMW has released its range-topping diesel to sit alongside it. Available in both saloon and estate forms, the new M340d will make its debut at the Geneva motor show, and is set to hit showrooms in April 2020.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The most powerful diesel-powered 3-series in the marque’s range, the 340d’s 3-litre turbocharged in-line six provides 335bhp and a colossal 516lb ft of torque, matching the output of its arch-rival, the Audi S4 TDI. Standstill to 62mph for the saloon comes just two-tenths later than its petrol-powered counterpart, at 4.6sec – the estate completes the sprint in 4.8sec, with both reaching a 155mph top speed.

As if the power figures don’t provide enough performance, a 48V mild-hybrid system utilises a 10bhp electric motor to help fill the gaps the engine leaves – it also improves efficiency, allowing for smoother start-stop operation, engine-off coasting and more.

> 2019 Audi S4 TDI review - appeals to the head, if not the heart

Though it might not be a full-fat M-car, an M Sport exhaust system, uprated M Sport suspension, four-piston 348mm front, single-piston 345mm rear M Sport brakes and an M Sport differential all come fitted as standard. At a cost, the M Sports Package adds a raft of additional features, including adaptive sports suspension which drops ride height by 10mm.

Power is sent to the ground through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and the marque’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, allowing the driver to send power to whichever axle they desire. The system will send traction to wherever it’s needed most in normal modes, but switches to a rear-biased set-up in Sport+.

> BMW M Performance parts: pricing, availability and range

Eighteen-inch M sport wheels and more aggressive exterior trim comes as standard, but 19-inch wheels can be had at a cost. Inside, buyers receive BMW’s latest 8.8-inch infotainment system, digital cockpit, ambient lighting, a handful of driver assistance systems and more.

Pricing is yet to be announced.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

2026 BMW 3-series spied, with exhaust pipes
2026 BMW 3-series front
News

2026 BMW 3-series spied, with exhaust pipes

The next 3-series will ring in BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ and be electric, hybrid and ICE powered
18 Nov 2024
BMW M5 (G90) review – more power, more weight, same old M5 desirability?
G90 BMW M5 saloon
In-depth reviews

BMW M5 (G90) review – more power, more weight, same old M5 desirability?

So much has been written about BMW’s new plug-in hybrid M5, but now it’s time for the talk to stop. Does it feel like a true M car?
8 Nov 2024
Revisiting the Honda Accord Type R – car pictures of the week
Honda Accord Type R – front
Features

Revisiting the Honda Accord Type R – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we get back behind the wheel of Honda’s scintillating Accord Type R – these are our favourite shots
3 Nov 2024
Best saloon cars 2024 – practical performance heroes
Best saloon cars 2024
Best cars

Best saloon cars 2024 – practical performance heroes

Practical, unassuming but still worth exploring on a great road or even for some, on track, a proper saloon should be the car for all occasions
29 Oct 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best fast estate cars 2025 – performance cars with space and pace
Best fast estates
Best cars

Best fast estate cars 2025 – performance cars with space and pace

For do-it-all transport, nothing nails the brief like a fast estate. These are the very best, from familiar names to hardcore specials
29 Nov 2024
Used Porsche 911 (997, 2004-2012): review, history, specs and buying guide
Porsche 911 997.1
Features

Used Porsche 911 (997, 2004-2012): review, history, specs and buying guide

The 997 might be the ultimate goldilocks 911, blending modern technology, performance and reliability with a slender footprint, feelsome steering and …
29 Nov 2024
BMW M135 xDrive 2025 review – all-wheel drive hot hatch eyes Audi S3
BMW M135
Reviews

BMW M135 xDrive 2025 review – all-wheel drive hot hatch eyes Audi S3

The M135 has lost an ‘i’ and gained chassis revisions and a restyle. Is it enough to make it a benchmark hot hatch?
30 Nov 2024