Dealers across the US are now starting to get their first units of the BMW M340i, the top model of the new G20 3 Series. It was the case with BMW of Manhattan who got their hands on the M340i in Alpine White and decided to take the car out for a photoshoot in the beautiful and sunny New York City.

Continue Reading Below

It’s also one of the first times that we’ve seen the M340i in a white color, considering the launch colors were mostly black or dark grey. In the US, the standard color is Alpine White, while for $550, you get additional options – Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic and Portimao. If you have $1,950 to shell out, then two Individual colors are now available – Dravit Grey Metallic and Tanzanite Blue II Metallic.

If that’s not enough for you, the BMW 3 Series Individual Program is there to help. In a recent article, we counted up to 84 colors available for the new 3 Series, for an extra charge.

With its uniquely-shaped kidneys, which relies on smaller star-shaped elements instead of continuous struts, the new BMW M340i gets a unique optical feature to differentiate itself from the regular 3 Series models. The design of the kidney grille distinguishes the super sport 3 Series Sedan not only from the lesser powerful 3 Series models with classic struts, but also from the upcoming BMW M3 with its double struts.

Compared to the usual design features of the M Performance models, which closely followed the look of the M Sport Package and are different only the exterior accents in Cerium Gray or Ferric Gray, the new kidney design represents a major step towards diversification With the new Extended Shadow Line, customers now have the option to replace the colored accents with high-gloss black – which is why a further clear distinction.

Inside, you have several upholstery options: Black SensaTec, Black Vernasca Leather w/contrast stitch/piping, Mocha Vernasca Leather w/contrast stitching/piping, Black Vernasca Leather w/blue contrast stitching/piping, Leather ‘Vernasca’ Oyster decor stitching and Cognac Vernasca Leather w/contrast stitching/piping.

The trim offerings start with Fine-wood trim oak grain open-pored and continues with Fine-wood trim maple open-pored, Fine-wood trim ash grey-brown high-gloss, Aluminum Tetragon Interior Trim and Interior trim finishers Aluminium ‘Mesheffect’.

Under the hood is a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine that makes 382 hp (North America, it’s a bit less powerful in Europe), making it the most powerful and fastest non-M 3 Series ever. The BMW M340i gets an eight-speed automatic gearbox as its only option and can be had in either rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. According to BMW, 0-60 mph comes in the low four-second range.

The top G20 3 Series model – BMW M340i XDrive – will arrive in Summer 2019 with a base price of $56,995 which is fairly close to its competitors. The rear wheel drive M340i starts at $54,000 + $995.

[Photos: IG @bmwnyc @fcomktg]