BMW has unveiled the M340i xDrive before it makes its first public appearance at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of this month.
Fitted with M-specific equipment, the M340i will take the place as the most powerful version of the 2019 3 Series to be revealed, as it is fitted with a turbocharged six-cylinder, 3.0-litre engine developing 369bhp and 500Nm of torque.
Paired to an eight-speed automatic sports automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive, that power allows the M340i to get from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds – half a second faster than the range-topping 3 Series from the previous generation.
Like the M5, the xDrive system comes with rear-wheel bias to offer a sportier driving feel as well as improved agility through the corners. The chassis is also fitted with the M Sport electronic differential that improves traction and stability when cornering.
To further distinguish it from the standard 3 Series, the M340i features 18-inch M alloy wheels, M Sport suspension, braking system and variable sports steering.
The design is also altered for the M-modified version and the M340i includes a small rear spoiler, mesh design inside the kidney grille, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and a sportier bodykit.
BMW has fitted the cabin with Alcantara upholstery to the sports seats, an M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, a digital instrument cluster and model-exclusive detailing.
The German brand says that the M340i will launch in Europe in July 2019.
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