Test drive BMW 340i xDrive: an ode to joy

After a partial renovation, the "troika" has become even better and more real.

When BMW introduced the first 40-series 3 years ago, the company could hardly have imagined that this model would not only become an impressive success in the market and open a new page in the history of the brand, but in doing so, lay the foundation for a legend. A legend of genuine driving pleasure, a non-boutique car that delivers joy every kilometer – and at the same time suitable for normal everyday use and for the most enjoyable moments in life. Over the past years, the "troika" has become the standard of behavior on the road among all representatives of the elite segment of middle-class cars. The 3 Series has acquired the status of an institution that, with each successive generation, opens up new dimensions of philosophy that distinguishes BMW cars from all others.

After a partial update that BMW has undergone 3 series, the F30 can now rightly be called the best "troika" of all time. External changes are minimal, but more radical innovations are not necessary - the design of the current version of the model continues to be one of the leading criteria when making a purchase decision and, obviously, very successful. Innovations in this area include individual parts, such as bumpers, as well as headlights, which use even more modern technology. The style in the interior also retained the usual classic features, but the quality of materials has significantly improved - this was one of the few criteria by which the "troika" received justified criticism. At the moment, the “troika” from the inside looks as noble as expected from a car with a similar image.

Engine for example

The top-of-the-range 340i is powered by the company's new 306-litre inline-six engine that not only lives up to already high expectations, but even exceeds the wildest of them. Engine power has been increased from 326 to 400 hp and torque from 450 to 1300 Nm at 340 rpm. Equipped with a twin turbocharger, the unit not only provides monstrous thrust in almost all possible operating modes, but also responds to amazing spontaneous gas supply to the turbocharger - not least due to the advanced technology of indirect cooling of the compressed air compressed by the turbocharger. It looks almost unbelievable, but the 3i can be almost as damn fast as the MXNUMX, but it has much more sophisticated mannerisms and never goes beyond its drama.

Let's forget for a moment - all versions of the updated Series 3 have a redesigned chassis, which guarantees even more active behavior on the road than before. And as the history of this model shows, the only enemy of the good is the best.

CONCLUSION

+ Phenomenal inline six-cylinder engine with excellent manners, monstrous traction, pronounced ease of acceleration, excellent sound and moderate fuel consumption, extremely precise control, sporty handling, impeccable traction, almost perfect ergonomics in the cabin;

– Relatively high price, some materials in the interior could be of better quality;

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photos: BMW