2016 BMW 340i

If anyone knows the ‘numbers game’, it’s BMW. And for 2016, the venerable 3 Series sees some big changes, in both nomenclature and performance.

This 340i represents what’s newest: the debut of a new generation 3.0 liter turbo inline-6. Horsepower climbs, to 320, delivered to the rear or all-wheels through the same eight speed automatic.

That bump in power is most realized off the line, where the 340 jumps into action and growls its way to 60 in 4.4 seconds. Revs climbs fast, and as they do, shift happens…or shifts, rather…and they are firm and crisp.

Tweaks to suspension parts make things more stable at speed, and this latest generation is fully in line with 3 Series of the past; stiff and precise, and despite significant size growth, is still the benchmark for sport sedans.

Steering feel, a recent downfall, does get a little more dialed back in.

PATRICK LUCAS: “There’s always something to love in a 3 Series. Nobody does it quite like BMW, and they’ve definitely kept that tradition going. The extra power is immediately apparent, and although it’s expensive, you get a lot of performance and quality for the money. That’s why you see so many on the road!”

JOHN DAVIS: Cruising around town, as most 3 Series are destined to do, is most enjoyable. The interior doesn’t see too many changes, so it’s the same great material quality and easy to use control layout. Exterior changes include new headlights, and a redesigned front fascia.

Things are quiet inside, but outside, a proud exhaust note, will turn more than a few heads.

On sale now, the 2016 BMW 340i starts at $47,000. xDrive adds $2,000 more.