The next-generation BMW 3-Series could
be unveiled as soon as October’s Paris Motor Show, and in the lead up to the
event, a prototype of the performance-focused M340i has been spied testing on
the Nurburgring.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen
this new 3-Series derivative being put through its paces. In fact, our first
sighting of the sports sedan came in April 2017, where it was also testing on
Germany’s most famous track.
When it launches, the 2019 BMW M340i
will act as the range-topping model until the latest-generation M3 arrives
later on. According to an earlier leak, it will feature a single-turbo
3.0-liter straight-six engine delivering between 370 and 380 hp.
That’s as little as 45 hp less than the
outgoing M3 and just goes to show that when the new-and-improved M3 and M4 do
arrive, they’ll benefit from a healthy dose of additional power over the
current models.
BMW is clearly quite keen to ensure the
M340i can handle some serious on-track abuse and its engineers were filmed
hitting the curbs of the Nurburgring hard to test the limits of the vehicle’s
handling. The engine may be barely audible over the screeching tires, but the
vehicle’s performance should make up for the lack of any real engine or exhaust
note.
Of course, a host of other 3-Series
variants will be on offer in the car’s next generation. For example, an
affordable 316d with 136 hp will sit at the base of the range. At least four
other diesel versions are thought to be on the cards, the most potent of which
should deliver up to 340 hp. On the petrol front, there will be two electrified
models, the 325e iPerformance with 230 hp and the 330e iPerformance with 265
hp, as well as the turbocharged, petrol-only 318i, 320i and 330i delivering
150, 204 and 265 hp respectively.
