Price (as tested) đź’˛: $66,120
Powertrain ⚙️: 3.0-liter Turbocharged inline-6 cylinder
Output đź’Ş: 382 hp/369 lb-ft of torque
Transmission đź•ą: 8-Speed Automatic
0-60 MPH 🚦: 4.1 seconds
Top Speed đź’Ą: 155 mph
MPG (as tested) ⛽️: 23 city/32 hwy/26 combined
Curb weight ⚖️: 3,813 lbs

 

It’s been about 3 years since I last drove the M340i.

At the time, I couldn’t have imagined a better sport sedan around $60K, but I’ve driven some incredible competitors since then. The Genesis G70 3.3T is a major value play for around $50K and the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is blistering.

As such, I approached the 2023 LCI with a hint of skepticism. I didn’t doubt the car would be good, but was it still a class leader?

I needn’t have doubted; I fell back in love with the M340i almost immediately. The extra space compared to the Caddy, and the heightened engagement relative to the G70 put the M340i in the “just right” category.

Furthermore, the styling tweaks don’t ruin the restrained, handsome look and the tech upgrades keep the cabin fresh (though I’ll miss the traditional gear selector).

Who wouldn’t love a manual option, but it’s refreshing to see BMW still building compelling cars that don’t get the full M treatment.