Her + His Car Reviews
2016 BMW 340i xDrive
There are two sides to everything, right? To keep our car reviews innovative and interesting, we provide an animated, insightful, detailed and sometimes uncouth two points of view on the same car from - Her + His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $59,920 | Base price is $47,800, pretty reasonable for what you get. But there's one problem. BMW puts its options in rather expensive packages, and in order to get the things you want, you are likely to have to accept some features that you likely would do without if you could. The bottom line is you have to be very careful before you order your car. Don't go crazy with the options.For instance, heated seats and steering wheel are pretty much standard on most cars costing as much as this one, so are automatic high beams. Not on this car. And the Technology Package costs $2550 large. By the time you add all these up, you are paying $59,920. |
| Performance | |
| Quite an elite performance handler, indeed. The new 340i is at the top of its class and kicks out sturdiness, power, acceleration and smoothness - all in an instant. Drivers will find this sedan also to perform at a premier level in responsiveness - in all weather climates. The 6 cylinder engine emits 320 horsepower which is felt simply by starting the car up. There are no surprises with this vehicle, only delights. As a current owner of a 2002 32Oxi, it is always a pleasure to ride BMW's latest 3 series iteration. | Smashing of course! In sport mode, it's a hoot to drive. There is an all new inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 320 hp with 330 lb-ft of torque. You will find it difficult to wipe the grin off your face! All-new BMW X1 and 340i launch drive is made in Chihuahua, MX. After years of driving them, I must say I'm at a loss to explain the whole mystique thing that these cars have going for them. I've decided that BMW products are far more than just sterling road going manners and thunderous performance and acceleration - both of which they possess in abundant amounts. No, it's also about the way everything is put together. The BMW 340i xDrive 4 door sedan, which is the subject of this article, felt as one smooth unit. Nothing was out of sync with anything else. It's simply a smooth, well-oiled thrill ride. It's the little things, too that make a difference. The senses that flow through inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 320 hp with 330 lb-ft of torque. You'll be smiling from ear to ear. Eco mode can occasionally feel a bit sluggish. But nothing like you experience on many cars. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 22 city miles / 33 city miles - with an average if 26 mph | The combined fuel economy is rated at 26 miles per gallon, with a rating of 22 mpg and 33 respectively. |
| The Car | |
| The 3-series, an all-time favorite, has had its 335i upgraded to the 340i model for 2016. Ranked highly by Consumer Reports, the 340i is ranked at the top of the small luxury car segment by most writers. This model is a front runner blending keen luxury with athletic design, complemented by all the technology and comfort creature ever needed on and inside a car. Seating is most enjoyable, customized and spacious both in the front and back seats. Interior design materials are more attractive on BMW's competitors, so that is about the one area they get edged out on. |
BMW's 3 Series is, as almost everyone knows, is the gold standard for sports sedans in the compact luxury market. And with good reason. They simply cannot be beaten by many cars when it comes to charm, charisma, and that indescribable something that tells you that you are in the presence of an automotive masterpiece. Many would say it is now matched by the Cadillac ATS, or Audi's A3 or A4. That may all be true. But this car never ...ever...beaten. By any competitor. And its not all about the thunderous performance, or the pulsating sensation that the car is just dying for you to turn it loose. No, it's also about the way everything is put together. The BMW 340i xDrive 4 door sedan, which is the subject of this article, felt as one smooth unit. Nothing was out of sync with anything else. It's simply a smooth, well-oiled thrill ride. It's the little things, too that make a difference. The senses that flow through your hand when you touch any of the controls. They click, snick, tick or whatever else they are supposed to do, all that delicious feeling and sound of crispness. |
| Safety | |
| There is no shortage of features here: Driver Air Bags, Passenger Air Bags, Rear and Side Head Air Bags, Rear Body Air Bags, All Wheel Drive, Electronic Stability Control, Night Vision, Auto-On Headlights, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, Traction Control, Rollover Protection System, Adjustable Pedals, Adjustable steering Wheel. | Standard safety equipment includes front and rear head protection system, driver and passenger front airbag, supplemental restraint system, front and rear head protection system, and seat mounted front side-impact bags. |
| Technology | |
| Push Button Start, Bluetooth, USB Port, BMW's iDrive infotainment system with 6.5" display with controls many secondary systems - and we like because menus are understandable, easy and graphics are too. Another plus is the iDrive system is centrally located for easy access and reach. 9 speakers provide outstanding listening, Harman Kardon Audio System, Navigation, Side and Top View Cameras, Rearview Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Satellite Radio, Moonroof. | For 2016, BMW is making a host of improvements and addition to their legendary 3Series models. The big news is the an all new inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 320 hp with 330 lb-ft of torque. Other changes include new front struts, new rear damper technology and redesigned electric power steering to enhance overall vehicle dynamics. The BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon feature a sharper design and a sportier front, supported by the newly designed headlights with optional full-LED headlights (standard on 340i models). The rear view also cuts an even more dynamic figure thanks to its LED tail lights and sculptural, clearly defined lines. Standard equipment included the all new 3.0 liter TwinPower turbo inline six cylinder engine with variable valve control, Driving Dynamics control with ECO Pro; comfort, sport and sport plus settings; an eight speed Sport Automatic transmission with automatic Sport and manual shift modes and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Other standard features include Dynamic Stability Control, including Brake fade Compensation, Start-off assistant, brake drying and Brake Stand-by features. Other standard items include Dynamic Traction Control, anti-lock brakes, Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control and xDrive all-wheel drive system, LED headlights and LED fog lights, ten way power sports seats with four way lumbar support and drivers memory and an anthracite headliner. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| The precise blend of sophisticated design and athletic performance. We love the styling inside and out. The buttery leather seats, that allows for customized seating and positioning, its all here providing an enthusiastic and most agreeable jaunt. | I think the current model is pretty in a very classical way. It looks like what it is. A BMW. It doesn't have a lot of faddish stuff that will be dated in a flash. Inside, I can say that the seats are clearly the most supportive that I have used in quite some time. They wrap firmly around you and there isn't any wiggle room. Yet they are enormously comfortable, and they hold you completely in place on sharp curves. |
| Warranty | |
| 4 Years/ 50,000 Miles. BMW Ultimate Service® provides owners with no costs on services related to engine oil, engine drive belts, inspections, brake pads, brake disc and brake fluids. | BMW has something called Ultimate Service, which covers scheduled service inspections and almost every wear and tear item for up to four years /or 50,000 miles. That includes inspections, engine oil services, wiper blade inserts, brake pads, brake discs, and other items. |
