Facelift of the G20 M340i! Huge thanks to Ridge for sponsoring this video! Visit ridge.com/rbr and use code “RBR” for 10% off!!
The #BMW 3er has had a big update in the LCI, pushed hard by its rivals in the areas of tech specifically, the 3 Series is fighting back! It’s a massively important car for BMW and the world, as the #cars that introduced us to the idea of a sporty small sedan. Hence, it stands as the best selling BMW since its introduction in 1975 - pretty much the cornerstone of the Ultimate Driving Machine. Last time we explored the full history of the 3 Series from its origins with the 02 Series, E21, E30 and all the way to the new G20 - but today is all about the facelift or LCI!
The G20 current gen has been the best selling 3 Series of any generation so far. Unsurprising, as it does the job of the ultimate driving machine with more tech and better appointment than ever before. CLAR platform is more rigid than any before it, lighter too, with a great 50/50 weight distribution and real focus on aero with active flaps and a covered under carriage.
LCI of our G20 focuses on tech and aesthetic, rather than performance and dynamics. As a whole, the 3 Series gets a tonne of engine choices, like plug ins with the 320e / 330e with an electric range of around 30 miles - and huge combined mileage! Or the simple 318 and 320 4 cylinder petrol engines; and finally 330d mild hybrid diesels with 48v assistance too!
But for us today, it’s about #BMWM power. And we’re returning to the M340i XDrive here in New colour of frozen tanzenite blue! And a lovely frozen pure grey 2 340i Touring!
Power is unchanged from the six cylinder B58 at 374BHP and 500NM - but interestingly the 0-60 is faster at 4.1 seconds, and I can’t seem to work out what they’ve changed to achieve that! Perhaps it’s the only change here, which is the addition of 48V mild hybrid - which gives a boost of 8 kW/11 hp when needed, much like most mild hybrids we’ve seen from AMG too.
The car also maintains the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, with a xDrive which is rear biased and comes standard with the M Sport differential in the UK. Also standard in the UK is the Shadowline trim, satin aluminium is an option. “M Sport Package Pro” is another option that comes standard in the UK. This gives black details on the grille and pipes, shadow line lights, red calibers and a black spoiler.
Design is a big upgrade here for me: a very M5 looking sports sedan! Whole new front is the best bit with a muscular design and bigger air inlets; lights really help. Rear is changed, though a little strange to me really looking quite i40 like. You can go even further with M performance parts, all detailed in the video!
Interior is a huge change, and they had to do it with the C Class now raising the bar. So the 3er gets the BMW Curved display at 12.3 inches, and the excellent new series 8 operating system. Fully customisable driver zone too, and dashboard now with slimmer air vents and much bigger carbon fiber trim. A big disappointment for me however, is the gear selector: reduced to a crappy tiny knob much like the Golf 8 or 911. Huge shame, and I don’t see BMW M following suit in the M3. FYI: our car today is well spec’d and comes with Comfort plus pack and Tech pack.
Up next on on RBR is the new RS4 Competition first drive, and then a surprise AMG video! Subscribe to support us and see them first. :)
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CREDITS:
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Driving disclaimer:
Please note all driving shots have been filmed either by professionals in a safe environment, or sped up for dramatic effect, or on closed roads. Please drive safely.