BMW M340i Touring v Audi RS4 Avant
Further proof that BMW’s B58 model is an absolute peach
With 331kw and 600nm, the twin-turbocharged Audi RS4 trumps the BMW M340i Touring in terms of sheer grunt. Thanks to its 2.9-litre V6 and a Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the 1,750kg wagon can sprint from 0-100kph in just 4.1 seconds, and can run to a top speed of 280kph. In other words, aside from being a true RS-car, it is also seriously rapid!
BMW’s new M340i isn’t an M-car. It’s an M Performance car. Meaning, its merely a hotted-up version of a normal sedan, and it sits below the M3 or so in BMW’s performance hierarchy. Much the same how Audi’s S-Line cars are to its full-fat RS offerings, i.e. S4 and RS4.
So in this Carwow test, it is universally expected that the RS4 Avant wipes the floor with the less powerful M340i. But this M340i has something special under its taut skin. It is all-wheel-drive like the RS4, as it features BMW’s equivalent of Quattro, dubbed xDrive; and it has the latest B58 under its shapely hood.
The B58 is, of course, a detuned version of the S58 engine, which will power the upcoming M3 and M4. However, while that is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six, the B58 is a 3.0-litre inline-six with a single turbo. It still produces an impressive 285kw and 500nm, compared to the G80 M3’s 353kw output. And thanks to its xDrive system, the M340i will do 0-100kph in a claimed 4.5 seconds.
But, as we all know, claimed performance is very different from real-world performance. So how will these two performance wagons fare? Click play to find out.
It should be noted that while BMW South Africa has no plans to launch the touring derivative of the 3 Series, Audi meanwhile will launch the updated version of the RS4 Avant in the coming months. The B58-engined G20 M340i xDrive will continue solely as a saloon and is priced from R1 090 616.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: Which is faster between the BMW M340i Touring and Audi RS4 Avant?
The Audi RS4 Avant is faster with a 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds compared to the BMW M340i's claimed 4.5 seconds, thanks to its more powerful 331kW twin-turbo V6 engine versus the BMW's 285kW single-turbo unit.
Q: Can I buy a BMW M340i Touring in South Africa?
No, BMW South Africa has no plans to launch the touring (wagon) derivative of the 3 Series, so the M340i xDrive is only available as a saloon priced from R1,090,616.
Q: What is the difference between BMW M Performance and full M cars?
BMW M Performance cars like the M340i are hotted-up versions of regular models that sit below true M cars in the performance hierarchy, similar to how Audi's S-Line models relate to their RS counterparts.
Q: Is the Audi RS4 Avant available in South Africa?
Yes, Audi will launch the updated version of the RS4 Avant in South Africa in the coming months, offering 331kW and 600Nm from its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine.
Q: What engine does the BMW M340i use and how does it relate to the M3?
The M340i uses the B58 engine, which is a detuned single-turbo version of the S58 engine that powers the M3, producing 285kW compared to the M3's 353kW output.
Should You Buy It?
If you're after a proper performance wagon in SA, the Audi RS4 Avant is your only realistic choice since BMW won't sell us the M340i Touring. The RS4's 331kW and genuine RS pedigree make it a brilliant all-weather weapon, though you'll pay premium money for the privilege. The M340i saloon at R1,090,616 offers impressive performance from that stellar B58 engine and represents better value, but you'll have to live with four doors and a boot instead of that practical wagon body. For pure performance per rand, the M340i wins, but if you need the space and want the ultimate Q-car status, wait for the RS4 Avant's local launch.
