the Bucket: Bucket Seat: BMW M340i LCI

You know that slogan from that chip company who make potato chips that come in a can? "Once you pop, you can't stop?" Yeah, well that's the only thing than I can describe the feeling of driving the new BMW M340i LCI, because it has its on pops coming from the large dual tail pipes and the power drive is so addictive, ever since I got behind the wheel of it in March for the local launch, I was waiting like a little kid on Christmas to drive it again! So when BMW dropped it off over the Easter weekend for me to play with, I wasn't bothered about Easter eggs and hot cross buns, I was more interested in putting pedal to the metal in this bad boy! Many call it a mini "M3" and while it does don the "M" badge and is considered to be part of the M Performance stable, it still has its limitations or should I rather say, it's restrictions to not make it too much of a competitor to the pure M3 model but it still delivers tonnes of fun and performance to put a smile on any motoring enthusiast, read more on my time with BMW M340i LCI as I discover what exactly has changed since its pre-facelift model.

DESIGN

Big talk comes in when it comes to face-lifts and how brands make the cosmetic changes to persuade owners of the first generation models to want to trade-in their older models for this one and to their credit, BMW have always hit the nail on the head with their Life Cycle Impulse models as they like to call. Unlike previous 3 Series, the LCI only comes in two packages, namely Sport and M Sport, with the M340i only available in the M Sport guise. Subtle but big differences come in to the design of the BMW 3 Series LCI, with the trademark kidney grille becoming narrower and wider, as with most new models, this is an active grille which opens and closes when required, this also comes with a silver horizontal style hatch to emphasize the sporty nature of the car. The new front headlamps are also more sleeker with an upside down L directional style LED daytime running lights. The bottom bumper/ diffuser also gets a sporty look with a more larger air in-take for the radiator and more angular shape side intakes which follow the profile of the car to give it a more dramatic look. The side profile of the car remains largely the same with new rim options available to choose from, this model featuring the 19-inch double spoke bicolour jet black rim. Moving to the rear end, the tail lights get the top part of it smoked now with the major difference to the bottom bumper that has a large black style difusser with more angles and lines to make the car look mighty aggressive from the back. Being the range topping M340i, the car has larger dual trapezoidal type exhaust over the conventional round tailpipes found on the rest of the 3 Series LCI range. The interior remains mostly the same as the older model with two very distinct differences, that being the new large curved display which integrates the instrument cluster with the infotainment screen and the new gear selector, which I will touch on later on in the blog.

PERFORMANCE

Powered by the famed B58 motor which is a 3.0-litre, 6 cylinder TwinPower Turbo that produces 285kW and 500Nm of torque, the car certainly doesn't lack power and when Sport + mode is engaged, it really brings out the true beast of this car. The growls from the motor is invigorating to say the least, couple that with the smooth driving feel with extra grip from the xDrive, BMW really have something special here. I think this motor, while being used on a number of models in the range is best suited to this chassis, almost feels purpose built for it as with the weight and size makes it feel balanced. While it does weight a bit more than the M240i and the Z4 M30i, the M340i still produces a respectable 0-100km/h time of just 4.3 seconds. the Sport Automatic transmission works like a dream in this car, with the flappy paddles behind the steering working well when called into duty. Depending on your driving style, it can get very thirsty while on the road, with Eco Pro mode keeping things tidy in terms of fuel efficiency but with me only have 7 days with the car, I don't think I took it off Sport + mode hence giving me an average fuel consumption of about 15.2L per 100km, although the brochure says it does average 8L per 100km, we will have to just take their word for it. Big brakes in the front and back help with the stopping power of this car, it has collision detection which warns you first before engaging the auto brake should you not head its request.

COMFORT

Stepping inside the new 3 Series LCI makes you feel like you're inside a fancy command center with BMWs new curved screen display. It's part of their new design language which see's all models adapt this feature. While it being one solid component there is a break between the infotainment screen and the driver instrument cluster. This is around where the steering wheel is so it makes sense to not have something blocked out by the wheel. The infotainment screen is touch screen but can also be navigated from the iDrive jog shuttle drive. The new BMW OS is pretty easy to use, via both the jog shuttle and touch screen. It features wireless mobile app connectivity which displays it nice and big on the screen. The vehicle info and other features are pretty easy to find and while BMW have done away with conventional climate control knobs and buttons, and have them integrated into the screen, it isn't as annoying as some other brands who have done the same and it works very well. The car has a 3-zone system for the driver, front passenger and rear occupants having their own controls. The car has electric adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger with the now, much controversial decision of having seat heating as a payable subscription. The car came loaded with a host of optional extras, most of which I am favoured to, I've spoke endless about the adaptive LED lights before and BMW have made them better in this model, what makes you tell them apart from the regular LED is the blue light it has at the bottom. Harman Kardon sound system always impresses me, would have liked to see a B&O option for this model seeing it is a range topping model but the H/K works. The rear occupants have enough space and comfortable leather seats. The luggage capacity is pretty generous as well with me fitting two golf bags comfortably without having to drop the seats. Ride quality is pretty decent as well, considering its sitting on 19-inch rims with low profile tyres and M tech suspension.

VERDICT

Overall, the M340i to me is the perfect package, a family size sedan that offers a spacious and comfortable interior with plentiful luggage space with an engine that delivers optimal performance for those who like to live life in the fast lane. While some might say the power is an overkill but I disagree wholeheartedly, people who drive BMW's love performance and that is the reason they are drawn to the brand. Giving someone the option to have a 3 Series with the performance that could rival some of the other brands performance models on the market is a genius trick and this one being almost R700,000 cheaper than its bigger brother makes it a no brainer for some. It's a great looking car, with loads of new tech loaded as standard from BMW, a host of safety features for the driver and its occupants and it's just such a great car to drive, be it short stints or long distances, the nice thing is that every now and then when you want to go full send with it, it has the option for you to do so. With the cars computer based traction control and stability control, along with the xDrive system you always have peace of mind when doing so. Apart from the 320d as based purely on a financial basis being my favourite 3 Series, if money was not an option, my pick would definitely be this, the M340i.