After clocking in just over a month and 3500 miles with my new 2023 Bmw M340i xDrive, it’s time to share my thoughts on this impressive machine. Coming from a 2017 Volkswagen GTI – a base model with a manual transmission and minimal frills – the M340i represents a significant step up in performance, technology, and luxury. While I opted out of the High Performance tire and Driver Assistance Pro packages (and occasionally ponder if I should have added the latter), I can confidently say this car excels in a multitude of roles. It’s a comfortable family sedan, smooth and refined for daily driving, yet unleash a beast with a tap of the accelerator. It’s easy to forget the sheer power lurking beneath the surface until you switch to Sport Plus mode and experience its exhilarating acceleration.
The Powertrain Perfection: B58 Engine and ZF 8-Speed Transmission
The heart of the M340i, the B58 engine, paired with the 8-speed ZF transmission, is simply phenomenal. This combination is a major highlight of the car. The power delivery is consistently available and robust across the rev range, and the shifts are remarkably fast and seamless. As someone who has owned numerous manual transmission vehicles in the past, I can honestly say that this automatic has converted me. It’s quicker than I could ever be manually shifting, far superior in traffic, and 95% of the time, I don’t miss shifting gears myself at all. This powertrain alone is a compelling reason to consider the 2023 BMW M340i.
iDrive 8: A Modern and Intuitive Infotainment System
Stepping into the M340i from a relatively low-tech GTI, the iDrive 8 system is a revelation. The curved display is crisp, highly responsive, and its expansive size is particularly appreciated when using navigation, whether through BMW’s native maps or Apple CarPlay. My wife also finds it user-friendly, making it easy for both driver and passenger to follow directions. Beyond functionality, the iDrive 8 interface contributes to the modern and clean aesthetic of the interior. While some critics have described it as an afterthought, in person, it looks incredibly integrated and sophisticated. I believe most negative opinions stem from either a lack of firsthand experience or a general resistance to change. While there was a slight learning curve initially, operating iDrive 8 has become completely intuitive and second nature.
Interior Comfort and Design: A Blend of Modernity and Quality
The M340i’s interior embraces a clean and modern design philosophy, largely doing away with traditional buttons. While some might find this minimalist approach challenging, I find it remarkably easy to live with. The climate controls are permanently displayed at the bottom of the screen, and accessing functions like the seat heater is just a single, easily located tap away. In practice, I primarily leave the automatic seat heating on and rarely need to interact with it further. I also appreciate the sleek design of the shifter nub; it’s both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective. Although manual shifting via the nub isn’t possible, it’s not a feature I miss.
The automatic climate control in this car is exceptional. Historically, I’ve disliked auto climate systems in other vehicles, constantly making manual adjustments. However, in the M340i, it works flawlessly. I set it to auto, usually with a low fan speed, and essentially forget about it. This is a significant departure from my usual behavior as a perpetual climate control fiddler in every car I’ve owned prior. The only manual adjustment I typically make is switching to defrost after the gym to prevent window fogging. Conveniently, physical buttons are available for maximum defrost and rear window defrost when needed.
The headlights are another standout feature. They are exceptionally bright and represent a significant upgrade from any other car I’ve previously owned. While laser headlights are available as an upgrade, the standard LED headlights are so impressive that I can’t justify the additional $1000 for the laser option. The automatic high beams also function remarkably well, consistently and accurately dimming when necessary.
Driving Experience and Performance: Versatility and Thrills
The driving modes in the 2023 BMW M340i offer a wide spectrum of experiences. Comfort mode is my default for everyday driving, providing a balanced and refined ride. However, Sport Plus mode truly unleashes the car’s performance potential and is incredibly fun for spirited driving. Eco Pro mode, while not ideal for normal driving, has a surprising utility in heavy, slow-moving traffic. It smooths out throttle response, reducing the jerky motions that can occur in Comfort or Sport modes in stop-and-go conditions.
Fuel Efficiency: Surprisingly Economical
Fuel economy in the M340i has been a pleasant surprise. Over 3500 miles, my average fuel consumption has been around 29 mpg. On longer highway trips exceeding 100 miles, I’ve achieved up to 36 mpg. During my 45-mile commute to the office, utilizing Eco Pro mode, I can even surpass 40 mpg (though the return trip, being slightly uphill, yields around 33 mpg). This level of fuel efficiency is remarkable for a car with this level of performance.
Exterior Aesthetics: A Head-Turning Design
The appearance of the 2023 BMW M340i is, in my opinion, stunning. While aesthetics are subjective, I find the design highly appealing. The Dravit Grey paint is particularly captivating, exhibiting a dynamic, multi-faceted color that appears almost like three shades in one. I chose the Oyster interior, which creates a bright and sophisticated cabin ambiance. While Tacora Red was also considered, I ultimately preferred a brighter red for interiors and found Oyster to be the more fitting choice. Had Individual Fiona Red leather been available, it would have been a strong contender. The Shadowline trim and 792M wheels further enhance the car’s sporty and premium aesthetic. The Sensatec dashboard is another worthwhile option, elevating the perceived luxury and visual appeal of the interior.
Minor Disappointments (or Things to Consider)
Despite my overwhelmingly positive experience, there are a few minor drawbacks worth noting:
Space Saver Spare Tire
The space-saver spare tire is quite bulky and noticeably reduces trunk space, occupying approximately 30% of it. While I appreciate the security of having a spare, particularly for occasional travel to remote areas (and my intention to switch from run-flat tires), its integration could be improved.
BMW Maps
BMW Maps are adequate, but I significantly prefer Google Maps for navigation. It’s a minor inconvenience that the head-up display only supports BMW Maps and not Apple CarPlay or Google Maps.
Harman Kardon Sound System
The Harman Kardon sound system is decent, but I expected more for the cost. While not poor quality, it doesn’t deliver the truly premium audio experience I anticipated.
Interior Room
While not a major complaint, I was somewhat surprised to find that the interior space is only marginally larger than my previous GTI. Despite the M340i being a physically larger car, the increase in cabin room is not substantial.
No Sunglass Holder
The absence of a sunglass holder is a minor but persistent annoyance. Even my older GMC truck had this simple convenience, and its omission in a car of this caliber is perplexing.
Missing Compartment on the Lower Left Dash
The removal of the small compartment on the lower left side of the dashboard is another puzzling design choice. The cost savings for eliminating this feature must be negligible, and it was a useful storage space for items like microfiber cloths.
Sun Visors
The sun visors feel noticeably cheap compared to the overall high quality of the interior, and even in comparison to those in my GTI or GMC truck. They detract slightly from the otherwise premium feel of the cabin and seem out of place in a BMW.
Indifferent Features (or Features that are Subjective)
Certain features, while often discussed, are either not particularly important to me or are a matter of personal preference:
Puddle Lights, Auto Trunk Closer, and Gesture Control
Puddle lights are a nice touch but not essential. The automatic trunk closer could be convenient in certain situations, but the trunk is easy enough to close manually, even with full hands. Gesture control is a feature I haven’t found particularly useful or necessary.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2023 BMW M340i xDrive is unequivocally the best car I have ever owned, and I have absolutely no regrets about my purchase. After considering all competitors in its class, the BMW M340i emerged as the clear winner for my needs and preferences. The LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) updates, particularly the inclusion of iDrive 8, further enhance the car’s appeal. If you are contemplating between the 330i and the M340i, as I was, and your budget allows, I wholeheartedly recommend stretching for the M340i. The performance upgrade and overall driving experience are undeniably worth the additional investment. The 2023 BMW M340i is a truly exceptional all-around vehicle.
