2023 M340i XDrive LCI - Still the Best BMW you can buy?

Facelift of the G20 M340i! Huge thanks to Ridge for sponsoring this video! Visit ridge.com/rbr and use code “RBR” for 10% off!!
The #BMW 3er has had a big update in the LCI, pushed hard by its rivals in the areas of tech specifically, the 3 Series is fighting back! It’s a massively important car for BMW and the world, as the #cars that introduced us to the idea of a sporty small sedan. Hence, it stands as the best selling BMW since its introduction in 1975 - pretty much the cornerstone of the Ultimate Driving Machine. Last time we explored the full history of the 3 Series from its origins with the 02 Series, E21, E30 and all the way to the new G20 - but today is all about the facelift or LCI!
The G20 current gen has been the best selling 3 Series of any generation so far. Unsurprising, as it does the job of the ultimate driving machine with more tech and better appointment than ever before. CLAR platform is more rigid than any before it, lighter too, with a great 50/50 weight distribution and real focus on aero with active flaps and a covered under carriage.
LCI of our G20 focuses on tech and aesthetic, rather than performance and dynamics. As a whole, the 3 Series gets a tonne of engine choices, like plug ins with the 320e / 330e with an electric range of around 30 miles - and huge combined mileage! Or the simple 318 and 320 4 cylinder petrol engines; and finally 330d mild hybrid diesels with 48v assistance too!
But for us today, it’s about #BMWM power. And we’re returning to the M340i XDrive here in New colour of frozen tanzenite blue! And a lovely frozen pure grey 2 340i Touring!
Power is unchanged from the six cylinder B58 at 374BHP and 500NM - but interestingly the 0-60 is faster at 4.1 seconds, and I can’t seem to work out what they’ve changed to achieve that! Perhaps it’s the only change here, which is the addition of 48V mild hybrid - which gives a boost of 8 kW/11 hp when needed, much like most mild hybrids we’ve seen from AMG too.
The car also maintains the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, with a xDrive which is rear biased and comes standard with the M Sport differential in the UK. Also standard in the UK is the Shadowline trim, satin aluminium is an option. “M Sport Package Pro” is another option that comes standard in the UK. This gives black details on the grille and pipes, shadow line lights, red calibers and a black spoiler.
Design is a big upgrade here for me: a very M5 looking sports sedan! Whole new front is the best bit with a muscular design and bigger air inlets; lights really help. Rear is changed, though a little strange to me really looking quite i40 like. You can go even further with M performance parts, all detailed in the video!
Interior is a huge change, and they had to do it with the C Class now raising the bar. So the 3er gets the BMW Curved display at 12.3 inches, and the excellent new series 8 operating system. Fully customisable driver zone too, and dashboard now with slimmer air vents and much bigger carbon fiber trim. A big disappointment for me however, is the gear selector: reduced to a crappy tiny knob much like the Golf 8 or 911. Huge shame, and I don’t see BMW M following suit in the M3. FYI: our car today is well spec’d and comes with Comfort plus pack and Tech pack.
Up next on on RBR is the new RS4 Competition first drive, and then a surprise AMG video! Subscribe to support us and see them first. :)
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Driving disclaimer:
Please note all driving shots have been filmed either by professionals in a safe environment, or sped up for dramatic effect, or on closed roads. Please drive safely.

[@samuelharris2473]

LCI exterior with pre LCI interior = perfection

[@v12-s65]

LCI exterior with the drl's flipped please...

[@adriangrosu5714]

i swear ur right

[@ic1995]

couldnt agree more, miss the HVAC hard buttons

[@schallrauch1187]

Best Vehicles, so as M340iX all over the World in 2021...they will bring back the exclusive BMW-Cockpit ...

[@hotdog9262]

maybe its what you are saying here, but I like the interior dash from a couple of years ago. looked great, and would probably be more useable for me as well

[@johnwallace520]

Can't stand the lack of buttons for the controls you use every day and the lack of the gear stick. It is all so unnecessary and makes driving less safe because you have no option but to take your eyes off the road to change settings - who ever thought that was a good idea.

[@kevinrush4411]

We use voice controls.

[@johnwallace520]

@@kevinrush4411 I suppose I might get used to it. My wife has Alexa plugged in to everything in the house and I now talk to all the appliances and lights. Has to be the first sign of madness!

[@ActuallyEugene]

Tesla has joined the chat.

[@slapshot0074]

Couldn't agree more.

[@VPB1970]

True.

[@davidzvezda]

Mild hybrid was also found in the preLCi somewhere from November 2020.

[@skar9975]

Yes. I got that.

[@tonyga5]

Gorgeous car but yea, I much prefer the previous interior design.

[@albertogonzalez1746]

Love the car except that dashboard screen…looks so tacked on and not integrated well at all

[@hotdog9262]

last gen looked great. and likely had better function. more physical etc

[@forrevenge18]

the color alone is breathtaking. damn!

[@Queenfan007]

I own the pre-lci M340i touring. The new exterior is nicer, but i prefer a lot the old interior (for the screens and the gear shift). Matter of taste i imagine.

[@ChrisSnider23]

I wish we had m340i tourings in the states, such a perfect wagon 😮‍💨

[@2mnyshp]

It's crazy how much cost savings they did in the interior: no more illuminated door storage, no little flap in the dash right next to the steering wheel, no mor physical buttons, no more laser light...

[@nookstarj]

​@2mnyshp No frikkin way. WTAF The interior lights is a big thing. I don't want to mess around with aftermarket. it gives that added layer of luxury. I'm not a fan of the screens but that's the way the world is going

[@2mnyshp]

@@nookstarj the left and right fan controls aren‘t illuminated as well in the LCI. Whenever I see the interior of the new model I‘m really glad -i have the older one. I‘s way more sporty with the traditional cockpit layout!

[@mikaelgaspar9547]

I liked the pre-facelift and i like this one too except the new rear bumper but maybe in person it looks better.

[@superweeb6969]

I think the rear bumper is a terrible update because it ruins any simple aftermarket option because you would have to remove the whole thing. The previous generation made it easy to slap on a carbon diffuser and made it look so much better.

[@mikaelgaspar9547]

@@superweeb6969 Yeah and it looked quite good!

[@alexandermichaels6283]

I 100% agree with you and if I was to get one I’d change the rear bumper to the pre lci rear bumper

[@superweeb6969]

@@alexandermichaels6283 I wonder if it would fit lmao

[@alexandermichaels6283]

@@superweeb6969 it’d more then likely fit just think about it with logic it’s only a facelift of the g20 m340 it’s just a simple refresh chassis and frame of the car most of the bolt positions, crash bars etc would be the same

[@thedarkmirror316]

Appreciate the excellent 3D cutaway graphics of the various engine parts in this video, and the scientific explanation. Really good.

[@pylyo]

i like pre LCI looks way more.

[@bh4560]

That touring is my dream car! Stunning in every way! 😍

[@MotechPerformance]

Stunning ! The LCI works so well

[@Daniel189HLL]

I like the old dash much more. A huge mobile phone in front of the driver is dangerous.

[@user-rk2ve9ox6l]

Your reviews keep getting better and better and are among the most thoughtful and educational on line. I’ve always loved BMWs and have had many and still have one, but I really don’t like the plastic looking design of the grille, fake exhaust sound, and tailpipe that is not connected to the exhaust. Also the tacked on tv screen always looks like an aftermarket thing. I also agree about the steering feel. Lots of issues but they still make a great car overall. Just hard to understand some of the decisions. Thank you for all of the hard work and your amazing tech in presentation.

[@go6obg92]

Finally proper review of the new OS. Thank you!

[@SStrunks]

Better looking than the M models! I can't just get over the new M3/M4 front end.

[@normhanson981]

Thank you , beautiful motor . Liked and subbed .

[@johnnytampocao7671]

Wow! What a beautiful and powerful car.

[@andycunns4269]

As always, fantastic real-world review.

[@albusfr]

While I like big screens, I think Mercedes does a better job integrating their dual screen to the dashboard. This feels like someone took a ultra long screen, used some superglue and glued it to the dash. Looks weirdly cheap. Previous gen interior looks better

[@fzr1000981]

Well said

[@skar9975]

Agree. Looks like an afterthought

[@gobjectz5225]

Still the king of sedans ❤

[@The_Situation]

on par with Audi I'd say.

[@aboose4996]

@@The_Situation how is audi the king of sedans? they only release wagon rs models, except for the rs3

[@gobjectz5225]

@@The_Situation no chance

[@gobjectz5225]

@@The_Situation since day dot the beemers have been the pinnacle and have always came out on top!

[@irGuilty]

@@The_Situation Audi have been falling behind both bmw and merc for a little while now

[@revinot]

BMW LCI are always better and better looking than Pre LCI varients.

[@lechprotean]

I'm soo glad that I got the pre-lift version. Between the touchscreen (lack of tactile knobs) worse gear selector and a few other 'improvements', the new one doesn't really improve on the old one much...

[@colinsmith1176]

Totally agree!

[@Ali-38]

Bmw just proves with this car that they can still make good looking desgines form me the m340 is one of the most beautiful bmws

[@hardykornfeld1733]

I have an i4 e40 msport and while I like iDrive 8 well enough, I don’t like that the speedometer and power (tachometer in M340i) are pushed to the sides. The too thick msport wheel blocks my view of these gauges. My Audi S4 has the perfect digital dash layout: centrally located round tachometer with digital speed in the center and gear position. One glance straight down conveys all the information. Too bad Audi dropped that with the later B9 refresh. I wonder if aftermarket boffins could offer digital display reprogramming.

[@PetersAdventures212]

Great review brother. How long until the new C63 review drops?

[@rainoor947]

Great review! We picked up our M340i LCI saloon in September and loving it so far! Skyscraper grey and cognac interior. You may have seen out and about, we live in Denham and wife drives it to Beaconsfield occasionally to her office. Best all round car, previously owned W204 C63 so do miss V8 noise

[@rotcoke652]

I love the way this car looks. I think I would go for the touring estate just because of the added practicality that comes with the additional cargo space. I drive a w205 C63S right now, and though I'll never sell it because it's the last of it's kind, I probably would move it to the garage and let the 340i become my daily driver.

[@schallrauch1187]

Each one, who catch a BMW M340ix to his own, won´t be give it back again...

[@drsexambulance2111]

Seen one like it for sale Autotrader

[@user-vh3cx6xy3i]

Do these LCIs have the mandatory speed limiter that was supposed to be out in July 2022?

[@mikebee6631]

On dropping the gear stick for the new switch one thing I haven’t seen mentioned is that they have also dropped the release switch on the side. I guess this is because it’s now much less likely you would knock it into drive accidentally. There are pros and cons but this is quite a big pro for me that no one seems to mention.

[@Wicked_RotF30]

I love the F30. I think its the best looking 3 series and drives great as well. Wish you reviewed them on your channel.

[@MrLarrikin]

I love all the new tech!

[@jamar959]

Great video! Completely agree about the missing gear selector! Also still hate the current generation speedo / tach design. Sad that with new screen they don't offer option for "analog looking" round dials. Paint color looks beautiful, but is it true you cannot go through a car wash with frozen finish? Cheers!

[@ARentz07]

Love this video, just wish the sound effects weren't so loud in comparison to your voice.

[@RezOz9916]

Loving the frozen Tanzenite blue paint.

[@khaledzamzam1074]

Which video editing program do you edit with please?

[@goodness6664]

Great car, thanks!

[@shush97]

With this now out, do you thj k it's worth buying a used none-lci for a discounted price?

[@carlosidoli2270]

You have heard both so what sounds better this or the new M2? Great video as always 👌🙏

[@Driver_88]

For sure it makes over 400HP at the crank if you dyno it :)

[@Gab-mf6xq]

For a solo driver/household, do you think this or the A45s? I like agile sporty cars but also the executive look. They are the same price in my market.

[@3yar1983]

So which model did that mild hybrid function start?!

[@Mc-ol1rm]

I, on the other side am happier with the gear selector in this car, it gives your more space as from the previous stick, you could not reach effectively any buttons or phone space without touching it and feeling it in your way ...

[@skar9975]

True. But have to look at the cup holder while taking out a standard takeaway coffee cup. Obviously not a prob on an LHD car.

[@vladddtfan]

Great review! My five cents, the direction of car industry focusing on unnecessary gadgets while making the driving experience further removed from the road.. yes I’m taking about the lack of stick shifts and all this touch screen crap.

[@mylearningaccount1]

Got my 330i LCI a few weeks ago to replace my 2019 330i and I love the touchscreen controls and the new look, I can honestly say, hand on heart, the controls are not an issue at all, the buttons are easy to find, huge and at basically eye-level. Plus a screen is easier to wipe clean compared to physical buttons, the car just feels clean and modern inside.

[@lawabiding2576]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I think a lot of people complain because they haven't spent any time with it. I'm looking forward to mastering it.

[@BrokeWorks]

Ppl just don’t like change

[@oliverxprabhu9521]

Great Nice Review 👍✌

[@Josef8080]

Is it possible to transfer the auto gear lever from the pre LCI model to this one instead of the BMW. Not always the new things are good!

[@anthoolivier6638]

if you go for Alpina you will have the gear lever on the LCI

[@ahmedfathallahh6678]

I got a question i hope someone could answer me , why some new 3 series only has the reversed L headlight working and other 3 series has the reversed L work and the line beneath them too

[@mercboy111]

M340i vs C43AMG Which would you own and daily drive?

[@fdmc2278]

It looks much better than prefaced one and lot more cheaper than C43 though performance is similar. Overall better package and value for money! Bravo for video and presentation as always lot’s of info and very thoughtful. though older video but like to watch it like all other videos. You doing a great job in comparison to other car reviewers!!!

[@santana9537]

Love this car especially the facelift. Dream upgrade for now after my s4 prefacelift

[@theunkownmr.562]

What hybrid system? Never heard if it on the m340

[@ryu411]

Cheers! I think the Pre-LCI looks way nicer, but this isn’t bad for a modern Bimmer!

[@nickthequick]

Great graphics

[@wallstreetfm]

is the carbon fiber trim after market??

[@unexplainedwearenotalone3537]

Hey man when show and test m340i touring frozen Gray

[@xzcvz]

is this color available in bmw usa? I cant seem to find it

[@o2bavr6]

So frustrating that we dont get cool colors like this one in the USA.

[@tookiedew]

LCI looks stunning. Great exterior update. However, interior is something to be desired. It looks sharp, well built, and very functional to compete against new tech cars. The gear selector being a nub, does suck, especially since it still has so much space around it. The biggest interior con for me, has to do with marketing. The elimination of the hard buttons, for climate, for things like heated seats, it not only takes away from the intuitiveness, it allows for price gouging. They now going to make you subscribe to pay monthly for use of heated seats, lol. This is a great channel btw, very good reviews, thank you!

[@tedstriker4278]

Yeah I cant afford the lci but that‘s ok since I prefer a real Dashboard instead of glued in iPads. Currently F31 330d dreaming of m340i 😊

[@menswearhous]

are these 'frozen' colors only available in UK ?

[@PeterCorigionale]

Don’t like that scaffolding holding up the screens! Engine sounds amazing though!

[@oppoh739]

That touring might be the perfect bmw might even be the perfect estate.. stunning fast and what a step up in the interior wow. Well done BMW especially since they were under so much scrutiny with their beaver grills

[@martinzhang5533]

I'm okay with the big screen infortainment but the removal of physical AC control is just stupid

[@zbigt.1004]

Why the engine cover is the same?

[@gw7624]

I don't blame BMW for not making any handling tweaks. The competition haven't given them any reason to.

[@rohanw1989]

Does this have the EU speed limiter ?

[@moustafael-moghazi109]

HOW DOES HE DO THAT GOD DAMN

[@LittyJonez]

Currently in the US (Los Angeles CA) these are marked up 10-15k selling for about 70k plus 🤦‍♂️

[@sandyvalentin3072]

I don’t know why BMW doesn’t sell the touring sedans here in the U.S , especially the new M3 touring I’d buy that before purchasing a SUV

[@audized]

THIS LCI IN THE BIGGEST MISTAKE BMW HAS MADE IN A CENTURY! FROM CUT BACK OR ELIMINATED FEATHRES TO AFTERTHOUGHT DISPLAYS ETC RECALL IT AND GET THE 2020-2022 VERSION

[@Brandon-kg3pl]

I like the pre lci more

[@flightman7594]

It is a shame the burbles and pops are all fake in the 2023. I will give them credit they made the burbles and pops sound good through the speaker. But the 2020 m340i is still by far the best sounding car in the segment

[@bh4560]

That exhaust note from the outside camera was all from the car. Its still a 3 litre straight 6 monster of an engine after all.

[@lawabiding2576]

Always dislike fake sounds. What a gimmick! It can be turned off through a software setting.

[@jambear7862]

Nice spec

[@christianurban]

I wish they would sell it with the same drivetrain as the i4. They've been doing that in China and how nice would the Touring be as an EV.

[@aleksandarvukovic2525]

It is the pre LCI for me honestly. On videos and photos, the LCI looks better, but in person, it somehow doesn’t look as appealing as i expected. The app menu is too colorful, looks like a cheap aftermarket infotainment, but that is what Chinese market wants. Also, the absence of oil temp in the new idrive 8 is a big disappointment, especially in the M performance car where you expect that to be in the system. Plus all those fake pops and bangs 💀

[@jarasw8226]

100% agree

[@NedjoKovacevic]

Blown away! Sub!

[@lbaker_SA]

I definitely prefer the previous version's display.

[@irGuilty]

I really think bmw are a level above the competition in all saloon models right now

[@rg6982]

This has always been the beet Saloon in its class! No other car comes close

[@Matrix_GE]

I have the m40i and so happy I got it before they took all the buttons out... what's that little switch for gears... going toward autonomous and simple other than entertainment I imagine

[@richlili]

Amazing video. I actually purchased one today unfortunately won’t receive until next year. I ordered the frozen blue colour which is lighter in colour than the one in the vid. Called frozen Portimao blue. I liked it more than the frozen pure grey. Thoughts please as i still have time to change

[@footballguy8365]

Awesome choice with the frozen blue, I'm considering ordering the same thing. Have you received yours yet? What are your thoughts on the frozen?

[@FancyaBevMate]

Great video mate as for analogue dials there's a reason rolex and most prestige watchmakers use analogue it's because it's timeless. Analogue 4tw. Cheers

[@culldera1]

The ‘23 updates make me want a ‘22 or earlier model even more!

[@yorkie9905]

Worth mentioning that in the UK, all new M340is are being built in Mexico, not Munich. All special paints are only available if built in Munich. So basically the Frozen Tanzanite Blue is not available in the UK.

[@manofsesame3024]

Only 330i are built in Mexico. M340i and 5 series are built in Germany

[@yorkie9905]

@@manofsesame3024 sorry to disagree but I have an order for an M340i LCI and it’s being built in Mexico. I asked for the Blue and was told that they couldn’t do it as it can only be done in Germany (God knows why…)

[@user-gz6tx6yp3v]

I'd like to see if Audi brings back petrol to the new S4 before pulling the trigger on a touring LCI.

[@sfletcher83]

I've got a Pre-LCI m340i and couldn't think of anything close to the same price that I'd swap it for.

[@bmf5420]

A good spec pre-LCI is around 37-40k. And in this market, it’s hard to think of anything you can get for that price that comes close to being a better all rounder than the M340i.

[@seanreddy7268]

The perfect car for me is finally made when I finally have the money and I find BMW will not be offering in touring spec in Australia 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@darrinyo-mamakimble7002]

I wish I could get the estate model in Canada.

[@ThePrinceOfAllSaiyans]

Unfortunately..this awesome color isn’t in the US

[@steelcowboy2751]

I have the previous model; love it! I’d take my car’s exterior with the new screen and would be thrilled; it’s not the size of the screen but the colors/detail. Hate the removal of the shifter; where do you rest your right hand? Stupid. Like every car, none are perfect for everyone; which I was a car designer. I’d pay a ton for a frozen color and carbon fiber in the US, not available

[@305Nick]

I JUST dont understand why they had to get rid of the Gear selector!

[@richardgalyajr.7838]

Have a 22 m340 now and lease is up end of this year. Not sure exactly what to do but your point at 14:25 with the gear selector being deleted is really upsetting to me. I use it constantly and rest my hand on it. 3 bmw’s over 10 years. Always used it. I can probably get used to the electronics in the screen and no shortcut buttons or climate control buttons. But the gear selector idk. Seems like theyre trying to get people like us to upgrade to an m3/m4 to keep it

[@mikebee6631]

Maybe one reason for the new digital interior that receives a lot of negative comments is that it “educates” all towards the shift to fully electric power. This is a halfway house control system so it’ll only be a half leap to go all electric. We may not like it at first but BMW know what they are doing.

[@thepineappleburster4439]

Fun fact mate, the Pre LCI starting from half of 2020 had the 48V system too.

[@joebloggs4191]

You are right the touring looks way better and more practical too. My dog would be very happy in the back of the touring and would be one of the fastest doggies on the road! 🤣

[@KeepFighting4L]

Pre LCI has the looks imo.

[@user-my4xu4gf1z]

People will always complain about anything. Everything about the car looks great. Screens are what cars are now what's the point of crying about something u can't change. U don't got anything good to say don't say anything at all.

[@Lillitube29]

“Thats just nuts” haha

[@algas175]

Got a 2020 AMG E53 Coupe, would I rather get an m340i?🤔

[@officespaceredstapler2287]

Great review as usual. Overall like the car but what is up with the screen? Is it just me or does it look like BMW bought a Sony flat screen at Best Buy and mounted it with sheet rock screws to the dash? Is it too much to ask to integrate it into the dash? Why don't they mount the speakers on the top of the dash too ? Maybe no one will notice.................geeez.......

[@jims8828]

LOL! When the existing digital technology behind the screen becomes obsolete, the 2nd or 3rd owner can swap in an after-market unit at that time more easily.

[@fzr1000981]

Hilarious

[@markscars1069]

I’ve got a 71 plate M340i xDrive, so pre-LCI. All I can say is I am glad I ordered it when I did. The HVAC buttons and the favourite buttons get used every single day. And the absence of a gearstick in this upgraded version is just stupid.