Known since 2016 as the 340i, the six-cylinder model in BMW's compact 3 Series delivers significantly more power and standard features than ordinarily expected in its class. Yes, its four-cylinder siblings have been scoring the greatest number of sales; but that simply makes the 340i sedan seem all the more exclusive. Like the four-cylinder 330i series, the 340i comes with either rear-drive or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
What's New for 2017
After installing a new, more powerful engine last year, prompting a model-designation change from 335i to 340i, the 2017 sedan gets a significant addition to standard equipment. An M Sport Package is now standard, including an M Sport suspension and steering wheel, aerodynamic body kit, Shadowline exterior trim, and 18-inch star-spoke wheels.
Sport and Luxury lines are now offered as option groups. Both are available as no-charge alternatives to the standard M Sport Package. Venetian Beige upholstery is now available only with black carpeting. Venetian Beige/Black Dakota leather is now available, with Dark Oyster highlighting.
Choosing Your BMW 340i
The 340i's turbocharged 3-liter six-cylinder engine produces 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque—a substantial boost over the 248 horsepower delivered by the 330i’s four-cylinder setup. As before, an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, but you can opt for a six-speed manual gearbox at no additional cost. Automatic is required with the available xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Fuel economy with a manual gearbox and either rear-drive or all-wheel drive is estimated at 19 mpg in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway (23 mpg combined). With automatic and rear-drive, the estimate is 21/32 mpg (city/highway), or 25 mpg combined. All-wheel drive drops that highway figure by 1 mpg. A standard automatic stop/start function can shut off the engine at stoplights.
Standard equipment is similar to that of the four-cylinder 330i, with the addition of a moonroof, lumbar support, Harman Kardon surround sound, satellite radio, and LED headlights. Also standard are keyless entry, power front seats, LED foglamps, automatic climate control, and auto-dimming mirrors. The 340i rides on 18-inch star-spoke alloy wheels, with all-weather tires on xDrive models.
Pricing starts at $48,895 (including destination charge), with $2,000 added for all-wheel drive. Like other BMW models, the 340i sedan can be equipped with a variety of options, mostly arranged in groups.
A navigation system comes with the $2,750 Technology package, which also adds an expanded instrument display, a suite of integrated smartphone apps, real-time traffic data, and a head-up display. The Cold Weather Package adds heated seats all around and a heated steering wheel. Adaptive headlights and automatic high beams make up the Lighting Package.
For $900, the Driver Assistance Package provides a rearview camera and front/rear parking sensors. For some of the latest safety features, a $1,700 Driver Assistance Plus adds blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, city collision mitigation, a surround-view camera system, and speed limit data.
Enthusiasts can select the $1,700 Track Handling package, which contributes upgraded brakes, sport-tuned steering, an adaptive M suspension system, and 18-inch V-spoke wheels (19-inch available). The adaptive suspension is available separately.
Adaptive cruise control is a standalone option. So are an automated parallel-parking system and a rear power sunshade. Leather upholstery is a $1,450 option.
More so than most 3 Series sedans, the 340i is rather lavishly equipped from the start. Leather upholstery is tempting, but we don't consider any of the options to be exactly essential. With two exceptions, that is: We wouldn't want to do without the rearview camera and parking sensors found in the Driver Assistance Package. In fact, we’re surprised that a camera isn’t standard. For serious safety features, stepping up to the Driver Assistance Plus group is a wise choice.