BMW M340i Blends Hybrid Muscle And Comfort With Deft Balance

The BMW M340i sits neatly between the sensible 320i and the all-guns-blazing M3, delivering an appealing mix of pace, refinement and moderation. BMW’s latest mild-hybrid treatment adds a compact electric motor to the familiar 3.0-litre straight-six, supplying a useful boost while trimming both emissions and fuel bills. With 386 bhp and 398 lb ft on tap, the saloon covers 0–62 mph in as little as 3.8 seconds when specified with xDrive, yet it still manages motorway consumption that would have seemed fanciful in an M car a decade ago.

Straight-line numbers tell only half the story. The M-badged brakes, electronically controlled rear differential and firmer springs give the M340i a genuine sporting edge, but its demeanour is far less strident than that of an M3. On a sinuous B-road, the chassis feels composed and communicative; ease back the stability control and the rear-drive version will arc through tight bends with a satisfyingly measured slide, encouraged by the relatively modest grip of its touring-biased tyres. Opt for xDrive and grippier rubber, and launches become drama-free sprints without sacrificing day-to-day civility.

Ride quality is a pleasant surprise. The passive dampers are a touch busy over broken urban asphalt, yet the suspension settles quickly and leaves enough compliance for long-distance comfort. Those seeking an extra layer of polish can specify adaptive damping, but even in standard form, the M340i breathes with the road in a way some harder M cars no longer do. Factor in a roomy cabin trimmed in soft leather and a crisp digital cockpit, and the car proves it can tackle the daily grind without gritted teeth.

That dual-nature character is mirrored by the powertrain. The electric assistance smooths away turbo lag, making the straight-six feel elastic and eager at any speed, while the eight-speed automatic swaps ratios with unobtrusive precision. Keep the revs low and the exhaust note murmurs politely; call for a burst of acceleration and it responds with a cultured growl rather than a shout, underlining the car’s measured temperament.

For drivers who crave genuine performance but shy away from track-focused compromises, the BMW M340i represents a sweet spot. It delivers pace that brushes against M-car territory, fuel consumption more in line with a commuter saloon and a chassis that entertains without wearing you out. In short, it shows that sometimes a little restraint makes the whole package richer.