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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2024 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

2023 BMW M340i xDrive Sedan

Vehicle Type: Small Gasoline
84
 overall score
Category Ranking: 2

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $56,850
Price as Tested: $68,470

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Midgrade
Fuel Capacity (gal): 15.6
EPA City mpg23
EPA Highway mpg32
EPA Combined mpg26

Advanced Safety Features

  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [O]
  • Driver Monitoring [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [O]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [O]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [O]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional
NHTSA Rating:

Overall Observations

The M340i is BMW's performance-oriented 3 Series variant. It's a real driver's car, equipped with a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine (382 hp) and special M Sport suspension, brakes, and differential. The exterior's design is sporty, with unique M cosmetic features. More important, the M340i is great fun to drive. Its turbo 6 delivers plenty of power, and the 8-speed transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. The steering is nicely weighted, handling is sharp, and the brakes are strong, with good feedback. The 340i's fuel-economy ratings are respectable, at 26 mpg combined. Cabin materials are upscale, with excellent fit and finish. But our reviewers were divided on the complex infotainment system, which relies more on a touch screen than on physical knobs and buttons to regulate audio and heating/cooling functions. The ride from M340i's adaptive suspension—especially on uneven pavement—may be too firm and unsettled for some. Overall, cabin space is tight, and a cramped back seat makes getting in and out difficult. More concerning, forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking are the only standard ADAS features; others are available only in extra-cost packages. Speaking of which, nearly $11,000 of our test vehicle's $68,470 price tag was for optional features, including an extra $1,350 for a package with heated front seats and steering wheel, power lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, and head-up display. Really.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Impressive engine, suspension, and brake performance
  • Sporty exterior and interior design
  • Excellent driving qualities
  • Good mpg ratings

Cons

  • Tight interior, especially in the back seat
  • Sport-tuned suspension may be too firm for some
  • Option packages can boost the price quickly

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2023
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 3951.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 185.9 / 71.9 / 56.7
Wheelbase (in): 112.2
Number of air bags: 9
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Front and rear tire size: 225/40 R19
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 8-speed
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 3.0L I6 turbo
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 382 @ 6,500

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

7.80

Fuel Efficiency:

5.64

EPA Emissions Score:

5.00

Acceleration:

8.01

Braking:

10.00
Handling: 7.70
Quality and Drivability: 8.25

Ride Quality:

7.75

Interior Size:

4.32

Easy of Entry and Exit:

6.57

Visibility:

7.46

Interior Noise:

5.04

Cargo Capacity:

.63
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