2016 BMW 340i xDrive
Still. The. Best. Despite any demerits the updated 3-series might have, it is, overall, the class standard, which is something that has been generally true of it for the past forty years since it first debuted.
The biggest knock on the this series of 3-series is that is less focused as a sports sedan than prior models. This is certainly true; as an owner of several of these, there is no way one can claim that this F30 generation’s electric power steering is remotely as touchy-feely, nor does it do a great job of feeding back the front tire patches’ grip levels as the 340i is driven hard through a set of curves. And this BMW’s body isn’t as well controlled in the vertical plane as its predecessors. For 2016 BMW did what they could to improve these areas; new mounting for the front struts, revisions to steering geometry and tweaks to damper and spring rates make it marginally better.
But Ultimate Driving dynamics are not as important as some purists would thinks—at least to most people who actually might make the lease payments on a new 3-series. What is as important in our congested, distracted modern age of motoring is ride quality, quietness and interfacing with the vehicle electronics. And in these essential areas, the 340i excels.
Firstly, it rides very well, in terms of absorbing the kind of sharp impacts that punctuate almost all urban road networks. Things like transverse ridges, sunken manhole covers and potholes are dispatched adroitly with the standard suspension. The optional adjustable dampers make it even better. This isolation from junky roads is enhanced by the 340i’s excellent ability to filter out road and wind noise—it is better than almost any purely “luxury” car in these areas.
The other area where this BMW slays it is the latest version of iDrive, which I confidently claim is unsurpassed as an interface right now. It is incredibly fast in response, intuitive, and doesn’t distract like mouse-based or touchscreen systems do. Its screen is gorgeous, 3D mapping accurate and fun to look at, and the optional head up display makes it even better, with audio selection, map directions and telephone calls being projected right in front of the driver. BMW’s latest Bluetooth is very well integrated too, giving clear conversations and generally excellent audio streaming from a smartphone.
Finally, BMW continues its lead in the powertrain department. The 340i is motivated by a new inline six cylinder, dubbed B58. Part of a new, modular engine family, its rated outputs of 320hp/332lb-ft eclipse the outgoing N55 motor, and tied to perhaps the world’s best eight speed automatic, it provides prodigious, linear thrust right up till redline, snappy up- and downshifts, under 5-second 0-60mph acceleration and great real-world fuel economy. As an alternative, the 328i’s 2-liter N20 motor is likewise excellent. Simply put, no one touched the 3-series in this department yet.
Right now, Jaguar, Lexus and Cadillac offer more rewards in the handling and steering departments—ironically by benchmarking the last two generations of the 3—but their powertrains are inferior, as are their interfaces and general tech. Infiniti is revising its engine strategy but the Q50’s steering and ride/handling are worse than the 340i’s, and even Audi’s all-new A4 (beautifully detailed inside though it is) cant match this BMW on the road. In aggregate, the 3-series is the most well-rounded, compelling choice for most owners. While not exactly the way you’d want to take home the gold, a win is a win.
More info: http://www.bmwusa.com/bmw/3series
Isaac Bouchard is owner of Bespoke Autos, an auto brokerage that helps people save time, money and hassle when buying or leasing vehicles. Since 1991 he has helped his clients save over $1 million dollars. He has written extensively about getting the best deal possible when buying or leasing a vehicle, arranging financing or trading in a car. Isaac has been a professional automotive journalist as well for over 12 years, having reviewed most all types of car, truck and SUV.
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