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. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3-litre, 6-cylinder Twin Power Turbo
Gear Box	Sport Automatic
Torque	500Nm
Power	285W
0-100km/h	4.3 seconds
Price	R1,363,206.60

*base price

 

Bucket Seat: BMW 3 Series LCI Official Launch

BMW's much loved model, the 3 Series has gotten a cosmetic enhancement with some extra tech goodies to add to its charm. It's the most popular model in the world globally from the brand and for decades it was made right here in our own country until a few years ago when the last F30 LCI model rolled out the factory in Rosslyn outside Pretoria. Now the plant assembles the new popular kid on the block, the X3 but we won't delve into that as I am here to tell you about the brilliant new 3 Series LCI, yes I said its brilliant and some of you must be wondering what is "LCI"? Well, it stands for Life Cycle Impulse which is a pretty name for face-lift but I get why BMW go for the elaborate name because its more than just a face-lift, it feels like a brand new car. 

The design is more sportier, with the stance lower and wider than the original G80, the iconic kidney grilles are narrower, with vertical slats and the new headlights have a reverse L daytime running LED design that add so much more character to an already menacing face. The front bumper has been reconfigured with the side air intakes now in a an narrow angular deep shape and the main grille larger and prominent following the same lines as the sides. The 3 Series LCI comes in two style packages, this was decided by BMW SA since the two most popular were the Sport and M Sport package. These packages I feel accentuate the cars flow and make the modifications to the design stand out more. Moving to the back, the tail lights receive a minor design upgrade with the rear diffuser getting a more angular design and all models coming with twin big tailpipes. There is a variety of colours to choose from but Brooklyn Grey being my standout. 

On the inside, the major talking point is the new display, which see's BMW do away with its conventional dual screen set up and opt for a large curved screen display, it still is split into two, this is to allow a separation from the drivers instrument cluster to the cars infotainment touch screen display. It doesn't feature BMW's latest iOS but it still works pretty well with quick phone connectivity, easy to use menu and great graphics. Another thing you will notice that is different on the interior is the gear selector which is changed to the smaller minimal type, that allows more room in the center console area of the cabin. As always, the textures and trims in the BMW is second to none with a range of colours and fabrics to choose from. 

On launch I got to drive two engine variants, the 320d and the range topping M340i, both offering their own charm and uniqueness but both being thoroughly enjoyable to drive. First up we went for the big boy, the M340i, offering so much power and performance, every time I drive it, I wonder if it really is worth dropping all that more money for an M3, but that is a conversation for another day when I actually get to go behind the wheel of an M3. The 3.0L, 6 Cylinder beast churns out 285kW and 500Nm of torque, combined with its xDrive system which can dictate how much power gets transferred to the front and back wheels, makes it all the more exciting to drive. Launching this car sees it race from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds but I've done it a few times and I'm pretty sure its quicker than that. Handling is just superb, with that xDrive system along with the adaptive suspension and M Performance braking, makes it easy to tame this beast around corners. 

The 320d, while not boasting the same crazy figures as the M340i, still delivers a decent 140kW and 400Nm of torque from its 2.0L TwinPower Turbo Diesel engine. On the launch I tweeted that this still remains my favourite car from the model line up, it offers the perfect balance between performance and practicality. The Diesel motor from BMW is extremely efficient and when dialed in the various driving modes it can certainly deliver the power when required. With the new concept of offering more as standard in the BMW line up, one will find that the usual options list has dried up dramatically, with again BMW SA opting to choose the popular options that were purchased in previous generations of the car. This is certainly putting BMW in good steed with the market as the purchase price is more attractive with so much included in the base models. The model has been available since December last year and with the amount I've been seeing on the roads already, its already looking like a winner in its segment. 

Bucket Seat: BMW M240i xDrive

People often ask me what's the best car I've ever driven and it's a difficult one because I've driven a lot of great cars so it's hard to pinpoint one that has been "the best". Also there's so many factors that make certain cars great, each with their own "x factor" that make the drive with them memorable. While I can name some of the more expensive and exotic brands that I've gotten behind the wheel off, it wouldn't feel right as some of the more mainstream manufacturers get it right with some models too. Not too long ago I got to spend some time with a car just like that, a car where the manufacturer developed with a purpose, and that purpose was to bring joy to whomever drove it, that car was the new BMW M240i xDrive.

DESIGN

Looks are subjective and with most of BMW's designs of recent, this one too received a mixed bag from the greater motoring community. Whole the new 2 Series doesn't come with the big buck-tooth grille, the rear end was the issue if concern for many.  Personally, I don't see the problem, the car is designed beautifully with all the right curves and looks, it's a proper coupe design with its short-wheel base stocky stance and menacing figure. It is very different to the 2 Series Gran Coupe which came out a few years ago, that was based on the 1 Series, this is brand new design based on technology from the old 4 Series that see's it gain a wider wheel tract, stiffer chassis and 3cm lower than the previous model. This particular model I had on test is quite a special one, as its the only example so far in the country that features the full M Sport bits and pieces in exposed carbon fiber. Finished in "Thunder Night Metallic" which is a purple that funny enough seems to be the colour of choice for most manufacturers now with each finding creative names for it. The combination works quite well with the dark contrasts of the carbon fiber and the shadowline package which see a black finish to various elements. The car came with the optional extra 20" M Sport Star Spoke Alloy Wheels which really add to the menacing character of the car. The 2 Series features a more common kidney grille style from BMW unlike its bigger brother, the 4 Series, and the grille is active which see's it closed when required. Moving to the rear, which is the area that has caused the most controversy, the car is shaped to taper to the back with has a straight off hexagonal shape. and the lights take on a similar shape as well. Many feel that this isn't very BMW like but it doesn't take you a while to find similarities with previous gen BMW designs for example the E90 BMW 3 Series. The interior of the new 2 Series is pretty similar to the G20 3 Series, obviously customized to suit the slightly smaller cabin. 

PERFORMANCE

Now we get to the crux of the matter with the new BMW 2 Series, at the heart of the car it features BMW's award winning B58 engine which is a 3.0-litre, straight six motor that produces 285kW and 500Nm of torque. With the TwinScroll turbo, the engine is extremely reactive with minimal lag when power is required. Coupled with BMW's Sports 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox, it is literally a marriage made in heaven where the two talk so perfectly with each other that there isn't a need for one to swap over into manual mode to make use of the paddle shifts. The M240i does feature BMW's four-wheel drive system, xDrive which powers all four wheel but the car is rear-axel biased where by more power is sent to the rear wheels of the car. This is very apparent when launching the car, BMW claim the 0-100km/h time is 4,2 seconds but on my few attempts it was much quicker than that, even hitting below the 4 second mark. We know it can go fast in the straight line but with my time with the car, I found it to be even better on the bends, the cars low center of gravity combined with BMW's perfect 50/50 weight distribution make it an absolute demon when hitting the winding roads. The downforce generated by the cars design keep you planted and with the four-wheel drive gives you more confidence to speed up when exiting corners knowing that car will do what you want it to do. M240i has upgraded brakes which increase the stopping power on a car of its size, couple this with the clever rear differential and adaptive multi-mode suspension makes this a track ready car which begs my next question, how much more better can the upcoming M2 actually be?

COMFORT

Which this cars suspension is much stiffer and features large 20" alloy wheels, the ride quality of the 2 Series is very comfortable for a sports coupe. Driving modes do play a big part in this where EcoPro and Comfort mode ease up on the sports suspension while Sports and Sports+ make it much more rigid and stiffer but with the nicely styled sports leather seats, its still maintains that level of luxury that won't give you lower back pains when exiting. The car comes with dual-climate control, heated seats for the driver and front passenger. Both seats are electronically adjustable with the driver getting memory seats with up-to 3 settings. While the BMW M240i does feature two rear bucket seats, it's worth noting that it isn't the most comfortable place to sit and can get quite claustrophobic for them, what is nice though is when getting into the back seats, there is a lever located at the back of each chair that when pulled forward it automatically moves forward to give the passenger a nice big entrance to get to the rear, and when the lever is released to put the seat back, it automatically adjusts to the position it was. This negates the previous issues faced in previous coupes that find the front passenger having to re-adjust their seat to their preference prior to the seat being pulled forward for the rear passengers to get in. This car was loaded with extras, stand out for me has to be the BMW Adaptive LED headlights, BMW Connected drive which has your integrated mobile apps which are enabled wireless and even has the option to download a virtual key to your phone, using NFC and other technologies, you can drive the car without having the actual key. Other options that were included were a glass sunroof, Harman/ Kardon sound system, and that M Performance parts. 

VERDICT

When you look at the M240i xDrive on the whole, its not much different to the Z4, which has the same engine, same sort of chassis being a coupe roadster but the drive is so much more different in the two, its actually more aggressive that the Z4 and has a certain level of practicality to it compared to the Z4. Everything about this car works well, from the comfort of the car, to the luggage compartment being large enough to get two golf bags (with the drivers out), yes I tested this myself. Also while this engine is widely used in the BMW model range, I genuinely feel its best suited to this car, as a drivers sports car it delivers the perfect amount of power and the notes from the trapezoid shape tailpipes produce a beautiful orchestra when in full thrust. Unlike the larger coupes, the 2 Series is the perfect length, meaning you won't find your self in awkward situations at shopping centers if someone parks to  closely to you as the doors aren't as long as that of the 4 or 8 Series. Overall, this car blew me away, yes there is a impractical part to it like any sports car with the fuel economy being the biggest red flag, but if you buying a car like this, the last thing in your mind is your average consumption. It really is a beautiful car and you will fall in love with driving again when getting behind the wheel of this, for me this is the perfect sports coupe and others should take note of what BMW have done, but coming back to my question previously, if this car is so great how are BMW going to better the M2? Having more power is one thing but could it be too powerful?

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	3.0L TwinScroll Turbo, 6-cylinder
Gear Box	8-Speed Steptronic Automatic
Torque	500Nm
Power	285kW
0-100km/h	4.2 seconds
Price	R1,100,000*

*Base Price 

 

Bucket Seat: The new BMW 7 Series

Today BMW revealed to the world their all new 7 Series, let's just say they gave us a more talking points other than a big grille this time round. The design is striking, much different to what we've become accustomed to BMW over the years but more in line from what we've seen in the recently launched iX model. With most manufactures aiming to go fully electric by the end of the decade, one can understand the drastic changes in designs we're seeing of late. While being futuristic, the design has to also be practical and seeing that we still have combustion engines for the near future to deal with, its difficult to make a car that can accommodate both drive trains and still please everyone visually. It's something BMW hasn't been doing well of recent but in saying that, sales figures don't seem to show that as they are booming. 

There has been much said about this new 7 Series model so far and it hasn't even been a day since the reveal, in my opinion the design is interesting. It's ultra modern, with straight lines, but still keeping to the brands luxury standard. The kidney grilles have grown even large and now have an illuminated surround, just incase you didn't see them the first time. Interesting to see BMW have opted to have the split front headlights which are now crystal and feature an iconic glow. The rear seems more composed and neat than the front but it harks to some American styling which won't sit well with many. A high proportion of natural and recycled materials have been used to construct this new 7 series as well as the use of green energy in the production stage, making this car as green as they come. 

Stepping into the new 7 is quite easy as it features automatic opening and closing doors. It features a whole new dash design with a large infotainment screen that has exclusive modes depending what your preferences are, and it varies with an array of digital art to make the cabin bespoke to your taste. The seating is BMW individual spec with merinal leather trim and is available in bi-colour with other material variants to choose from. It all looks very posh from the pictures and must be even better in reality. 

The new 7 at launch is available in three engine variants with more to come closer to the global launch.

• 760i xDrive 
• i7 xDrive60
• M750e xDrive

 

Bucket Seat: New BMW 2 Series Coupe

There's a new BMW 2 Series Coupe, its only the second such car in BMW's history and seeing how popular the old model was, this one should gather the same amount of interest and possibly translate into sales for the German motor manufacturer. If you've even driven the current 2 Series you know what a good car it is, it harks back to the history of BMW's 2002 and CS Coupes, short wheel based cars that are meant for sheer  driving pleasure with a bit of fun. While the 2 Series did aim at a specific market, the M versions of the car seemed to be quite popular with the petrol heads, the M240i, M2, M2 Competition and most recently the limited edition M2 CS were by far the favourite models from the 2 Series line up. With the short-wheel base, couple with a powerful engine that has rear wheel drive, all this put together can only equate to endless amount of tyre spinning jubilation. 

This new BMW 2 Series looks like it has the making of all of that and more, with its new imposing design that has sporty proportions added bulk to areas where its needed. Newly designed BMW kidney grilles which are sleek and vertically arranged with active airflaps in place of the standard grilles, which is molded in a hexagonal shape for the front end, the side air intakes are triangular in shape and give great contrast to what we normally come to expect from BMW. While some of the designs which are coming out of Munich might be controversial to some, I think they've done a splendid job on this new 2 series coupe. It's miles better than the 2 Series Gran Coupe which I still don't really understand but maybe that is because I haven't driven one yet. I guess the biggest talking point on this new 2 Series is the rear with its LED rear lights that has a three-dimensional sculpting, the lights go with the hexagonal theme and they sort of remind me of the E90 3 Series tail lights. 

Engine wise, the new 2 Series Coupe will be available in 3 variants, the 220i which is a 2.0L, 4 cylinder twin-power-turbo that churns out 135kW and 300Nm of torque. A Diesel variant in the 200d guise that is also a 2.0L, 4 cylinder twin-power-turbo that delivers 140kW with 400Nm of torque and the range topping M240i which has a 3.0L, 6 cylinder, twin-power-turbo that generates 285kW and 500Nm of torque, this results in a 0-100km/h time in just 4.3 seconds. The M240i also comes with M Sport differential fitted as standard along with BMW's all-wheel drive system xDrive. Lift-related dampers fitted as standard, electronically controlled dampers will be available as an option with the adaptive M suspension. The M240i comes with BMW's 8-Speed Steptronic automatic gearbox that ensures accurate changes for optimal performance. 

Overall its a very sleek look package from BMW and one that is sure to excite many, the car is due in SA in the first quarter of next year.