New BMW 3 Series Sports Saloon is picking up speed
THE new BMW 3 Series Sports Saloon – the M340i xDrive - is picking up more speed on its way to its market launch in the spring of 2019.
The BMW M340i xDrive Sedan, powered by a newly developed straight six-cylinder petrol engine with 374 hp, delivers combined fuel consumption 7.5 l/100 km with combined CO2 emissions: 172 g/km.
Together, high engine performance, M-specific suspension technology and intelligent fourwheel drive provide for outstanding driving dynamics that are unparalleled in the midsize segment. The exceptional sporty character is underscored by model-specific design and equipment features. The Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs from November 30 to December 9, will serve as the setting for the world premiere of the new model with market in the USA in July 2019, followed by Europe in July.
Acceleration, cornering dynamics, agility, precision, braking – the BMW M340i xDrive is setting new benchmarks in all areas relevant to driving dynamics. It makes consistent use in particular of the vehicle concept of the BMW 3 Series , which is oriented towards sporting driving pleasure and comprises a low centre of gravity, optimised weight, well-balanced axle load distribution as well as increased body rigidity and uprated suspension mountings. Moreover, the suspension technology and aerodynamics are precisely tuned to the new power unit’s high performance characteristics. In addition, the M Sport suspension, variable sports steering, an M Sport differential, the M Sport brake system and 18-inch M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres are all standard equipment features for the BMW M340i xDrive .
The power plant developed for the BMW M340i xDrive raises the vehicle’s characteristics in areas of performance, response, revving power, running smoothness and efficiency, so typical of BMW straight six-cylinder engines, to a new level. The 3-litre engine features an aluminium crankcase and an aluminium cylinder head. The turbocharging
system, which was constructed according to the TwinScroll principle, has also been redeveloped. The integration of the compact steel exhaust manifold and turbocharger effectuates rapid boost pressure development. A mass moment of inertia reduced by around 25 percent enhances turbine response and a wide opening, electrically controlled waste gate contributes towards better emission values. Fuel supply is performed by means of High Precision Injection technology, the injectors of which now operate at an injection pressure increased to up to 350 bar. The current version of M TwinPower Turbo technology is complemented by fully variable valve control VALVETRONIC and variable camshaft control Double VANOS.
The drive technology, which has been extensively redeveloped and numerous details of which have been completely renewed, provides the six-cylinder with an increase in output by 35 kW/48 hp to 275 kW/374 hp vs. the most powerful engine previously used for the BMW 3 Series, as well as an increase in maximum torque by 50 Nm to 500 Nm. As a result, the car has also clearly gained in sporting prowess. The BMW M340i xDrive completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds – half a second faster than the top-ofthe-range model of the previous generation of the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Power development and speed increase are accompanied by the characteristic sound of the straight six-cylinder engine, which has gained additional presence thanks to the M Sport exhaust unit. Above all in the SPORT and SPORT+ modes, which can be activated via the Driving Experience Control switch, the valve-controlled exhaust system generates a particularly distinctive sound. The sound development that accompanies the engine’s dynamic power delivery is also intensively perceptible inside the BMW M340i xDrive . The dual-pipe M Sport exhaust system is fitted with two petrol particulate filters, enabling the BMW M340i xDrive to meet the requirements of the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standardStandard features: 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission and BMW xDrive with rear-wheel bias.
The BMW M340i xDrive Saloon comes as standard with the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission of the latest generation, which is characterised, amongst other things, by an optimised hydraulic control system and exceptionally high shifting dynamics. Short ratios for the lower gears improve acceleration and the Launch Control function can be used for accelerating with maximum dynamics from a standstill. Shift paddles on the steering wheel facilitate manual gear selection at any time.