BMW M340i Touring 2021 Car Review

This new wagon has sharp looks, a luxury specification (as to be expected), premium comfort, and ample boot space, all while still providing a fantastic driving experience.

BMW ‘M’ cars continue to be exceptionally popular in New Zealand, with one in every four BMWs sold here sporting the M badge. The M340i Touring is certainly no exception.

Looks and features

Our Portimao Blue Metallic test vehicle was equipped with some top-end exterior features that definitely make it stand out on the road, including the M Aerodynamics package and blue coloured brake callipers.

The body lines of the BMW M340i are quite subtle on their own, but collectively make the wagon look quite burly. The 19-inch M light alloy wheels with performance tyres come as standard, and add to this overall aesthetic.

Once you get inside the wagon it feels spacious, despite the low, sport-like driving position. Features like the panoramic glass roof and ambient lighting aid this.

The large, full-colour Head-Up-Display (HUD) is one of the largest and most informative we’ve seen in a new vehicle. It’s bright, has large navigation directions, as well as speed and driving assistance information and doesn’t encroach on the driver’s view.

There are several touches dotted around the cabin - like the M-coloured stripes in the seatbelt material and M branding on the steering wheel - both remind you that you’re not in just a ‘standard’ Beemer. Even the door sills get the M treatment.

Many of the new cars we review at the AA feature ‘puddle lamps’ to assist you when you’re entering your car. A new feature that we hadn’t seen until the BMW M340i, however, is the ‘Welcome Light Carpet’, which projects an ambient light graphic in front of the vehicle doors and creates a surrounding welcome ambience right at the entrance, making getting in and out in the dark even more comfortable and safe.

Wireless Apple CarPlay is included, and music is played through a powerful Harmon Kardon surround sound system. Gesture control, which allows you to do things like increase the volume with a simple clockwise motion of your finger, is also included as standard.

Taking the car on a small road trip over a long weekend was the perfect way to put the car to the test. Travelling with a toddler in the back, the car seat fitment and position was acceptable, and there was plenty of leg space available to ensure that her little feet wouldn’t touch the seatback in front.

As you might expect with a wagon, the boot is spacious and easily accommodated our weekend road trip luggage, and stroller.

One feature that was great, especially when travelling with a toddler, is the rear window blinds with privacy glass - perfect for minimising light and distractions come nap time.

Everyday driving

Powered by a newly-developed straight six-cylinder petrol engine producing 285kW and 500Nm (an increase of 45kW over the previous model) propels the vehicle from zero to 100km/h in just four and a half seconds. Together, high engine performance, M-specific suspension technology and intelligent four-wheel drive systems provide outstanding driving dynamics.

The BMW M340i xDrive Touring sets a new benchmark in driver orientated thrills and dynamics through its low centre of gravity, optimised weight and well-balanced axle load distribution, as well as increased body rigidity and uprated suspension mountings. Moreover, the suspension technology and aerodynamics are precisely tuned to the new power unit’s high-performance characteristics.

The drive, comfortable suspension, All-Wheel Drive, and smooth power delivery from the six-cylinder engine all feels a bit like butter melting in your mouth – or more accurately allowed sleeping baby travel- but when she was awake and power was required.. Sport mode was just a button press away.

The Adaptive M suspension, variable sports steering, M Sport differential and M Sport brake system are all standard equipment features for this high-performance wagon.

The combined fuel consumption figures are quite reasonable considering the engine has six cylinders and dual turbochargers breathing the air of life into them - the range on a full tank is surprisingly good.  Combined fuel efficiency sits at 8.0L/100km, with a CO2 emissions rating of 183g/km.

Safety

‘Driving Assistant Professional’ is included in the M340i over the standard 3 Series, which includes safety features like Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Cross Traffic Warning on the front and rear, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Warning, Crossroads Warning and Evasion Aid.

The BMW M340i has yet to be rated by ANCAP.

Verdict

There aren’t many wagons available in New Zealand with larger engines, but similar cars to the BMW M340i xDrive Touring come from Europe.

The price point is similar to that of the Audi S4 Avant, however, the power and spec puts the M340i between the S4 and the more expensive RS4 Avant. The Mercedes-Benz C-43 Estate sits the closest in the power comparison and is priced very similarly to the BMW M340i.

The BMW M340i xDrive Touring is a versatile car, which doubles up as a family car and a performance wagon.

 Safety systems

• Driving Assistant Professional- Emergency Stop and Lane keeping Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• BMW Laserlight headlight system
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Parking Assistant
• Automatic speed limit assist
• Front Collision Warning

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
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• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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