Diesels might have gotten a bad rep in the past few years, but they are still big on certain markets, like Europe, where BMW is expected to launch a hot variant of the new generation 3-Series powered by an oil burner.
Expected to debut next year, probably at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, BMWBlog reports that it will be named the M340d xDrive. As per its designation reveals, it will feature all-wheel drive, while the powerplant will probably be the same as the one in the X3 and X4 M40d.
Review: 2020 BMW 3-Series Touring Delivers On Its Promises, And Then Some
The 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder develops 326 PS (321 HP/ 240 kW) and a massive 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque in the two SUVs, propelling them to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) in both models. The average fuel consumption is in the mid-7 l/100 km (31.4 mpg US / 37.6 mpg UK), in the WLTP test cycle. Since the 3er will be more aerodynamic and, presumably, lighter, it could be even faster than the SUVs.
The M340d will allegedly be available in the Touring (that is, estate) body style of the new 3-Series. In any case, it will sit at the top of the model’s diesel lineup, above the 330d xDrive that starts at £43,065 ($55,487) on-the-road in the United Kingdom and packs a 265 PS (261 hp / 195 kW) straight-six.
Currently, the range-topping 3-Series (at least until the new M3 arrives) is the M340i xDrive. It’s available in both body styles, has a 374 PS (369 hp / 275 kW) inline-six petrol engine and will set you back £48,555 ($62,560) in four-door guise, whereas the Touring is £1,500 ($1,933) more expensive.
