Executive express
BMW’S 3 Series sedan works best with a high-performance engine. It even makes economic sense, in a roundabout kind of way.
VERDICT
There is an art – known in some circles as “man maths”– that involves convincing yourself that the more expensive version of a car represents prudent buying.
Those man maths appear to add up in the case of the recently updated BMW 3 Series, which has mildly revised styling and a huge new infotainment screen.
There have been price rises across the range, except for the six-cylinder M340i xdrive model, which has dropped by about $9000.
Available from $115,000 driveaway, the M340i is loaded up with luxury features such as a Harman Kardon stereo, sunroof, adaptive suspension and other goodies that cost extra in the four-cylinder BMW 330i.
The pair are normally separated by about $12,000 but the gap shrinks to a few hundred bucks if you load up the less powerful car with everything found as standard in the 340i.
It would be imprudent not to make the jump.
COMFORT
The M340i is an “M Performance” model positioned between BMW’S everyday 3 Series and the giantkilling M3 performance car.
While it has a similar engine to the BMW M3, this model is a more comfortable proposition for everyday driving thanks to comparatively supple suspension and supportive yet cushy seats.
A low-slung driving position is perfect for spirited driving, helped by a broad range of adjustment.
Quiet and refined on the highway, this upgraded model replaces buttons for the stereo and air con with an enormous 14.9-inch touchscreen that looks amazing but can be frustrating to use. We also don’t love the costcutting involved in swapping a proper gear lever to a little toggle switch.
SAFETY
The 3 Series is a safe bet. Its rare agility is helped by high-performance tyres, powerful brakes and crisp steering that work in your favour during an emergency.
There are enough airbags to turn the cabin into an inside-out jumping castle and a comprehensive lineup of driver aids including active cruise control with lane-keeping assistance coupled to a stop-and-go setting for traffic jams.
DRIVING
Bucking the trend for high-riding SUVS and heavyweight electric cars, the BMW 3 Series is an athletic machine that works incredibly well on the hills and long corners found on country roads. A rear-biased allwheel-drive system lets you steer with the throttle, taking advantage of the car’s special balance.
The M340i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six capable of sending 285kw and 500Nm to all four Michelins.
BMW claims a 4.3 second dash to 100km/h, but independent testing suggests it is faster.
The same goes for the 8L/100km claimed fuel consumption. We recorded a Camry-like 6.8L/100km on the dashboard during a long weekend away.
This truly is one of the great engines on sale today – you’ll even find it under the bonnet of Toyota’s Supra GTS sports coupe and the Ineos Grenadier four-wheel-drive.
ALTERNATIVES MERCEDES-AMG C43, FROM ABOUT $145,000 DRIVE-AWAY
The new C-class has a stunning cabin but this AMG model is forgettable to drive and too expensive.
AUDI S4 SEDAN, FROM ABOUT $117,000 DRIVE-AWAY
Dated but dependable, the V6powered Audi S4 flies under the radar. It’s worth a closer look.
BMW M3 COMPETITION, FROM ABOUT $176,000 DRIVE-AWAY Harsher and costlier than the M340i, BMW’S M3 serves up a shattering turn of speed when required.