BMW is presenting a large number of new 3-series engine versions to the world public at the Geneva Motor Show. Not only does the brand pull the canvas of the heavy M340d xDrive variants, there is also news on the electrified level.
At the end of January, Techzle could exclusively provide the first images and the first information about the heavy M340d xDrive, an M Performance version that will be placed at the top of the diesel list and that will be available for both the sedan and the Touring. That version is now also officially presented.
The 265 hp 3.0-liter six-in-line that BMW scoops in the 330d has been the most powerful diesel that BMW has delivered in the 3-series. The X3 and X4 are available with the same diesel engine, but also have an M40d variant that is considerably stronger with 326 hp and 680 Nm. The four-wheel drive M340d xDrive
finally compresses 340 hp and 700 Nm from its 3.0-liter six-in-line. Thanks to mild-hybrid technology, the driveline just squeezes 11 extra horsepower. The power is distributed over all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission with short proportions. The M340d xDrive sprint as a 4.6 sedan to a speed of 100 km / h. The Touring for the same sprint needed 0.2 counts longer. The top speed is electronically limited at 250 km / h. Then the average consumption: the sedan settles for – depending on the chosen version – 5.3 to 5.7 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. The Touring is at 5.4 to 5.8 l / 100 km negligibly thirsty. The car can temporarily ‘sail’ up to a speed of 160 km / h with the engine switched off. Nice for the sprinters: BMW gives the M340d’s a Launch Control function.
BMW gives the sporty duo a sports exhaust and the M Sport differential together with an adaptive M sports suspension are also included. Extra powerful brakeman, also from BMW’s M-department, should be able to calm down the heavy diesel duo. From the outside, the two can be recognized by, among other things, the sportier spoiler work around and the trapezoidal tailpipes.
The pair will go on sale at the end of this month, so prices won’t be long in coming.
Electrification
There is also news related to the 3 series on the electrified level. For example, until now only the sedan was available as a plug-in hybrid 330e, but later the 3-series Touring will also be available. In addition, both the sedan and the Touring come with a 330th variant that is equipped with xDrive four-wheel drive.
In the 330e there is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder in all the aforementioned variants that is linked to an eight-speed Steptronic automatic in which an electric motor is incorporated. The system power is 252 hp, but can be temporarily increased to 292 hp thanks to XtraBoost. The maximum torque is 420 Nm. Completely electrically, the plug-ins come between 55 and 68 kilometers away. The battery pack has a capacity of 12 kWh. The 3-series Touring 330e and 330e xDrive will be available this summer.