BMW M340i launched in India for Rs 62.9 lakh

Locally produced high-performance variant of the 3-Series debuts in India.

BMW India has launched in India for Rs 62.9 lakh ex-showroom. This is the fastest locally produced model and one that we have driven recently so watch this space for the first drive review and video. For now, let’s fill you in with the info on this quick and very likeable Bimmer. First off, this is an M division car and a very lucrative alternative to the M3. So you get a powerful 3.0-litre, twin-turbo petrol, in-line 6-cylinder engine producing a healthy 387bhp and 500Nm and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, good for a 4.4 seconds run to 100kmph from a standstill. BMW’s all-wheel-drive tech, xDrive also features here to put all that power down and offer grip in varied conditions. Drive modes include Sport and Sport+ help divert more power to the rear wheels for sideways action on track while the M Sport rear differential helps keep cornering traction in check when you decide to put down fast lap times. M Sport suspension features more rigid bearings and body struts, firm springs and anti-roll bars to also aid in the M340i’s road manners and there are M Sport brakes to drop the anchors just as quickly as it accelerates. The exterior design a typically sporty BMW sedan’s wide, low-slung and aggressive silhouette that’s easily identifiable as a 3-Series. Thankfully, the signature BMW kidney grille looks way more attractive than the ginormous ones on the M3. The car features the Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight which offers variable illumination of the road ahead. L- shaped LED tail-lights give the rear a wide and athletic stance. Setting the M340i apart from the regular 3-Series is the M aerodynamics package with aerodynamically optimized body elements like the rear spoiler on the boot lid, grey mirror caps, air intake struts and tailpipe trims. Adding to the sporty look are the standard 18-inch M alloy wheelswith the option to upgrade to 19-inch wheels.