Sit back and enjoy the drive

BMW’S M340d tops the firm’s range of diesel-powered 3 Series models, but what else does it bring to the table? Jack Evans finds out.

You might think that given the increasing emphasis on EVS, manufacturers would be steering away from diesel – but BMW believes there’s life in the old dog yet and has produced the M340d. Essentially a more powerful version of its existing – and very good – 330d, this car brings even more performance, yet without the high emissions you might associate with a car powered by the black fuel pump. So, can a performance diesel still work in this day and age?

WHAT’S NEW?

As said, the M340d is a more performance-orientated version of BMW’S 330d. It means the 3.0-litre engine has been tweaked to bring a higher output, while a 48-volt starter generator has been included to deliver more linear acceleration. It benefits from adaptive damping too and an M Sport differential. But this isn’t a car for attacking the circuit. No, this is a car offering effortless performance during the everyday drive.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

With such a silky-smooth engine dominating proceedings, it’s hard not to be won over by the M340d. When left to its own devices, the 3.0-litre unit whisks away without any real fuss, while the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly and cleanly. The steering is wellweighted and direct, while the suspension – in its softest setting – is comfortable yet supportive enough to allow the car to manage with the worst potholes, and corner without flailing all over the place. But lean on that motor and there’s a wealth of performance to take advantage of. The torque – all 700Nm of it – is the most noticeable aspect, providing the M340d with huge amounts of surge at impressively low revs. It makes overtaking a breeze, yet the overall refinement means that this 3 Series will sit at a cruise like any ordinary saloon, despite being able to give Porsches a fright away from the lights.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The interior is plush and comfortable. Most importantly, it’s spot-on when things turn to ergonomics, with an excellent driving position. The steering wheel, though a little too thick perhaps, is adjustable, while the seats go nicely low in the car. Plus, everything feels well made and tightly screwed together. It should too, given that the M340d starts from £53,420, and our test car – with features such as a head-up display and optional gloss black alloys – tipped the scales at £61,645. Boot space stands at a respectable 500 litres with the seats up and the M340d retains one of the standard 3 Series’ features – a split section tailgate which allows you to access the boot by opening the glass section instead of the entire boot door.

THE VERDICT

The M340d might seem like a bit of a dinosaur in terms of powertrain, but it’s certainly a showcase of the merits of diesel power and the efficiency that it’s capable of delivering. It’s such a multi-purpose vehicle, bringing refined and comfortable motoring yet with the capability for delivering serious performance at a moment’s notice. Diesel’s days might be numbered, but the M340d is a shining example of just what it can offer while it’s still here.