The BMW 3-Series range continues to grow
with the arrival of the new diesel-powered M340d xDrive Sedan and M340d xDrive
Touring revealed prior to the Geneva Motor Show. Powering the duo is a
3.0-liter inline-six TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that offers up 335 hp and 700 Nm)of torque. This engine features an aluminum
crankcase and cylinder head and is said to provide excellent throttle response
thanks to the two-stage turbocharging system with optimized thermodynamics and
direct charge air cooling. The straight-six has also been designed to provide
peak torque very low down, from just 1,750 rpm to be exact.
Complementing the diesel engine is a
48-volt starter-generator that adds 11 hp. This mild-hybrid system can also
recuperate energy under braking that is then stored in the 48V battery. When
it’s all said and done, the M340d xDrive Sedan will hit 100 km/h)in
4.6 seconds while the M340d xDrive Touring requires 4.8 seconds to hit the same
mark.
According to BMW, the sedan consumes an
average between 5.3 – 5.7 l/100 km (equal to 41.3 – 44.4 mpg US / 49.6 – 53.3
mpg UK) with CO2 emissions between 149 –
139 g/km, while the Touring 5.4-5.8 l/100km (40.6 – 43.6 mpg US / 48.7 – 52.3
mpg UK) with 143-153 g/km of CO2. Both models come standard with an M Sport
exhaust system that helps the two models be fully compliant with the Euro 6d
emissions standard.
Coupled to the engine is an eight-speed
Steptronic Sport transmission and an intelligent all-wheel drive system. The
two models also feature a standard M Sport differential at the rear axle to
help improve traction, particularly when cornering. Also featured as standard
is M Sport suspension with Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled
dampers an available option. Braking comes in the form of four-piston front
calipers with 348 mm discs while at the back there are single-piston calipers
with 345 mm discs.
Visually, the M340d xDrive Sedan and M340d
xDrive Touring include distinctive front and rear aprons with the sedan
including a body-colored rear lip spoiler. Found in the cabin are sports seats,
an M leather steering wheel with multifunctional buttons and shift paddles,
M-specific floor mats and interior trim finished in ‘Aluminum Tetragon’. Pricing
and availability details have yet to be announced.
