BMW is readying a new 3 series which it claims will change the way users have taken to the entry level sedan from the company ever since it came into being. Slated for a late 2015 launch, the new 340i boasts improvements meted out to the car's under-the-bonnet characteristics rather than its external looks.
It is a whole new 3 litre B58 turbocharged, inline-six power source that the upcoming 3 Series will be benefitting from, one that belts out 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, both making for a healthy improvement over the 300 hp and pound-feet of torque that 335i had on offer. With that much of power on tap, the car can sprint from zero to sixty in 4.8 sec flat while the top speed is an electronically limited 155 mph.
Transferring the power to the wheels will be the eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual, with the latter option available at no extra cost,mentioned Auto Blog.
BMW also announced the addition of a new hybrid model to the 3 series family. The 330e plug-in hybrid will have a four cylinder engine working in tandem with an electric motor. Power credentials for the 330e is pegged at 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which BMW claims will be enough to propel the car from zero to sixty in 6.1 sec. Top speed for the 330e will be 140 mph though in an all-electric mode, the car will be able to travel 22 miles.
These apart, the other areas that the 340i has seen considerable improvement include ride and handling with the end result being class leading on-road mannerisms and comfort, stated Motoring Authority.
Coming to the interiors, it is a few chrome inserts along the air con vents and the central console that should be catching the eye. However, BWM claimed the new 340i has been given a thorough makeover so far as the on-board technology is concerned.
As such, routes are calculated faster while the navigation system too boots up quicker than before. BWM also stated they will provide automatic updates for the navigation map free of cost for three years via the in-built SIM card and 4G LTE connectivity.