Among BMW’s many plug-in hybrids unveiled at this
year’s Geneva Motor Show, there’s an interesting M340i model kitted with an
array of M Performance Parts. Late last year BMW presented its M Performance goodies for the G20 3
Series and this particular model seems to pack all of them — and then some.
For example, it sports an unusual grille. Instead of
the usual vertical slats, the kidneys get a new gloss black rhombus pattern
with silver “teeth” where each rhombus meets another. It looks the part with
the grille shut and it should be even more spectacular when the active grille
shutter is open.
The M340i show car gets the full M
Performance carbon exterior treatment in bare carbon look, including the front
splitter, mirror caps, deck lid spoiler, and rear diffuser. The performance
sedan also showcases a new 20-inch alloy wheel design and oversized brake discs
with four-piston aluminum calipers painted red.
Inside, the two-tone cabin combines red and grey and
brings a sportier steering wheel with Alcantara and carbon fiber trim, carbon
fiber shift paddles, carbon fiber trim on the dash and center console, and
special floor mats. We’re not sure if we could live with that flashy red
leather on a daily basis, though.
In European spec, the 3.0-liter turbocharged
straight-six gasoline engine produces 374 PS and 500 Nm of
torque and it comes as standard with the 8-speed Steptronic automatic
transmission and xDrive AWD system. The M340i is fast enough to get
you in serious trouble, as 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds while top speed
is limited at 250 km/h.
