2026 BMW M340i Redesign, Interior, Engine

2026 BMW M340i Redesign, Interior, Engine  –  With its 02 Series of the 1960s and ’70s and the 3 Series that followed, BMW was arguably the architect of the compact sport sedan. It was a car that was loved not only by Yuppies, but also those who wanted the performance of a sports car with the comforts of a luxury sedan. These days BMW’s lineup is dominated by SUVs and an increasing number of electrified models – or at least its sales are.

But lovers of sporty coupes and sedans can still find solace in a BMW dealership where models ranging from the 2 Series through the 8 Series, live up in varying degrees to the marque’s reputation for building drivers’ cars. The 2026 BMW M340i is a beautiful grand touring car that serves as a nice reminder of how polished and sophisticated the venerable 3 Series has become, and the range is still growing and evolving.

2026 BMW M340i Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

Setting out from Los Angeles, the M340i proved to be the perfect partner for a high-speed freeway blast to Las Vegas. Around town and in traffic, it’s well-suited for commuting duties, offering just enough responsiveness through the steering, throttle, and braking to squirt through gaps while not feeling too twitchy or frenetic.

On the return trip to LA, the interstates were avoided in the interest of pursuing lesser-travelled secondary roads that featured plenty of whoops and random curves. Here, too, the BMW’s adaptive suspension kept the car composed yet comfortable, strafing across the desertscape.

2026 BMW M340i Specs

The M340i’s luxurious interior and exterior finishes betray its social status, yet as is usual of BMW, most of the extras are too expensive. This test vehicle’s many features, including its spacious sunroof, integrated navigation, satellite radio, rain-sensing wipers, and seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, were all highlighted.

The test car also had heated (but not cooled) seats and a heated steering wheel, both of which were part of options packages in the U.S. but come standard in Canada. Shockingly, there was no adaptive cruise control, which is part of the Canadian-spec Driver Assistance package. The upgraded stereo is also an added-cost option, but its stellar sound quality makes it worth the added expense.

Engine and Performance

While the 3 Series has had four-, six-, and even eight-cylinder engines beneath its hood over the years, BMW’s celebrated inline six-cylinder has been one of its most endearing. Straight-sixes have helped define the 3 Series as a sport sedan over the years thanks to smooth, linear, free-revving power delivery. 2026 BMW M340i Redesign

The 2026 M340i maintains the design’s signature 3.0L six-cylinder turbocharged engine, which receives additional power from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system integrated into the engine and linked to the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Hybrids offer better operational economy, but the true advantage is the extra responsiveness they provide when you punch the throttle.

The M340i’s impressive 382 hp is appreciated, but it’s the 369 lb-ft of torque available from just off-idle speeds that provides gobs of thrust to generate the real excitement. It’s all backed by a delicious snarl and growling exhaust note, even if some of those sounds are enhanced by the audio system. Meanwhile, the eight-speed is smooth and unobtrusive most of the time, but it can snap off wickedly quick shifts in sport mode.

2026 BMW M340i Fuel Economy

Also, for a sedan with enough power to go from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in 4.4 seconds—a very conservative time—it gets decent gas mileage. The M340i gets an outstanding 10.3 L/100 km city, 7.4 highway, and 9.0 combined mpg when using the premium-grade petrol that is supplied to it. According to the trip computer, the test vehicle achieved an outstanding average of 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) while in Vegas, even though it engaged in many deep throttle dives on back roads and exceeded Canadian speed limits on the freeway. 2026 BMW M340i Redesign

2026 BMW M340i Safety Features

BMW offers plenty of passive and active safety features on the M340i, however, many of them are bundled into sometimes confusing option packages. Fortunately, BMW Canada offers fewer – if costlier packages – that are more inclusive. For the full gamut of driver assistance, the $2,000 Advanced Driver Assistance pack should do the trick.  2026 BMW M340i Redesign

2026 BMW M340i Price and Release Date

BMW’s 3 Series has never been a cheap car, but with careful option selections, it can be a decent value. The M340i is capable of very impressive performance, with power that would’ve eclipsed the vaunted M3 from even a few years ago, but as its size and technology has increased, and so has its sticker price. A similarly specced Canadian car to this American tester rings in at $78,345 before freight and taxes. 2026 BMW M340i Redesign

More than one million units of the current generation 3 Series have been sold globally, making this the most successful generation yet – and that’s in spite of a growing love for SUVs. And while BMW’s small sport sedan is not so small anymore, it still offers a masterful blend of style, performance, and luxury that’s made it such a popular choice for nearly 50 years.