Every succeeding model of the BMW 3 Series has been something eagerly awaited for.
Ever since the first generation BMW 3 Series rolled out in 1975, every succeeding model of this sports sedan has been something eagerly awaited for, especially for in anticipation for leaps in design, performance and driving excitement.
The 3 Series remains a bestseller.
The 3 Series remains unwavering in one respect - it has continued to be a bestseller and over 14 million units in various bodystyles have been sold in the past 40 years, making it one of the most successful cars of all time.
Its star power remains undimmed to this day. Mainly because BMW hasn't strayed from the essence of what makes for a premium sports sedan.
The modern seventh generation 3 Series has stayed ahead of the competition and remains compact, responsive and connected to the driver. Ultimately, that's what driving pleasure is all about really.
BMW Group Design head Adrian van Hooydonk describes the iconic model as such: "For many customers, the BMW 3 Series is the ultimate BMW and the face of the brand."
In October, BMW introduced to Malaysians the updated 330e M Sport and M340i xDrive, expanding the 3 Series universe beyond the 320i Sport and 330i M Sport.
With the latest rollout, BMW is effectively offering a choice of performance by intensity.
The 330e is a great fun-to-drive car to start with. But if you desire more of everything that matters, look up the all-wheel drive M340i. These are the type of cars in which mastering roadcraft is always an occasion to relish.
BMW M340i xDrive
The M340i offers a daily dose of sheer driving dynamics and performance.
Pick the M340i for a daily dose of sheer driving dynamics and performance. It indulges the enthusiast with figures that impress: smooth inline-6 cylinders, 387hp, 0-100kph in 4.4s and a top speed of 250kph.
A bit lower than the 330e, the stance is sportier as well. This high performance athlete combines a powerful drivetrain and chassis technology complete with distinctive design cues and a cockpit created for the serious driver.
The M340i is generously infused with M technology.
True to its name, the M340i is generously infused with M technology so that it performs as sharp as it looks. They include such goodies as M Sport differential, M Sport brakes, M Aero kit, adaptive M suspension, M steering wheel with paddle shifters and M alloy pedals. Yes, Launch Control and an M Sport exhaust are onboard to amp up the thrills when the entire machinery gets nice and growly. The rear-biased all-wheel drive xDrive system keeps the car planted while delivering the joie de vivre.
Complementing the potent powerplant is a look and feel that is suitably sporty-premium for the RM402,355 price tag.
The M340i is endowed with BMW Laser Light that has high beam assistant and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it offers the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display, and the BMW Navigation System Professional with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Also standard are the Head Up Display, electrically operated sunroof and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon hifi system to soothe the soul.
Let's not forget the driving assistants that keep driver and car out of harm's way. Among them are Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning with active steering assist, rear cross traffic alert, Rear Collision Warning, and Speed Limit Assist. The car even helps the driver to park properly.
As for colours, the M340i is offered in Portimao Blue, Alpine White, Black Sapphire or Sunset Orange, complemented by either Leather Vernasca upholstery in Black or Cognac with black decor stitching.
BMW 330e M Sport
The updated 330e M Sport.
If you have always wanted to drive an electrified sedan, look no further than the latest 330e.
At RM264,614, the 330e is priced RM138,000 lower than the M340i. It still hews to the BMW edict of driver involvement with a particular emphasis on efficiency. How's 2.2 litres/100km and 50g of carbon emissions per kilometre for the record?
The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mill works in tandem with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 292hp. While not as powerful as the M340i, the combined output is still robust enough to hustle the car along for miles of smiles. The XtraBoost technology that's user-activated is a first in the 3 Series and gives short burst of power, designed to offer a much more intense acceleration experience.
The 330e accomplishes the century sprint in 5.9 seconds, and hits a top speed of 230kph.
What's even better now is the new plug-in hybrid has an upgraded 12kWh lithium-ion battery that almost double the electric range to 56km. It takes a reasonable 6 hours to charge up the battery from the normal house plug or 3.6 hours from an AC wallbox or public charger.
The 330e comes with adaptive LED headlights and slim 3D LED taillights as well as 18-inch M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres.
The 330e boasts a bold exterior appearance that is also echoed in the interior design theme.
Dressing up the 330e in the M Sport package leads to a bold exterior appearance that is also echoed in the interior design theme. The package includes technical upgrades such as an adaptive sports suspension and variable sports steering.
The interior features the 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit instrument display as well as M fixtures, powered front sports seats, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and M-specific metal pedals. Other notable kit the 330e buyer will get are a BMW Digital Key for security/convenience and a 10-speaker audio system.
Some level of driving assistance is included. To name a few, they are the Driving Assistant Professional with steering and lane guidance assistant, as well as the Parking Assistant featuring the reverse assistant.
What's cool is that the reverse assistant records the last 50 metres of travel below 35kph for a better experience when reversing through narrow streets. A rear-view camera is also equipped as standard.
In terms of colours and upholstery style, the 330e shares the same range as the M340i with an extra colour choice of Mineral Grey.
Summary
With the M340i and 330e being locally assembled, the prices have become even more attractive especially if you take advantage of the SST exemption before 2020 runs out. It's also during this period that BMW is offering for the 330e an extended hybrid battery warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.
Balloon financing plans are available from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. BMW Malaysia offers a complete premium ownership experience covering warranty, roadside assistance, loyalty programme and online services.
The M340i and 330e are now available at selected authorised BMW dealerships nationwide. Customers can book either car online with a RM1,000 deposit at https://shop.bmw.com.my/
