[RTPenland]

Just curious? Will BMW launch a B58 equipped G20 that is not an M340? A car for someone that wants the B58 but not the MSport accoutrements

[MT4life]

No they packaged 340i with Msport and MPPSK and called it M340i. Why go back

[Transfer]

Yup. The new lineup is base series car (2,3,5,etc), an M-Performance series car, and the true M derivatives. Think Audi A5, S5, RS5 for comparison.

[RTPenland]

thanks gents

[Weiner0123]

I don't see why they don't make a less spec 340i for the customers who don't need a performance exhaust, big brakes and different bumpers, I wonder why they don't make a cheaper model with the de-tuned b58 I think it's 335hp or something..

[upsidedownfunnel]

Originally Posted by Weiner0123

I don't see why they don't make a less spec 340i for the customers who don't need a performance exhaust, big brakes and different bumpers, I wonder why they don't make a cheaper model with the de-tuned b58 I think it's 335hp or something..

They're simplifying drivetrain options to save money in the ramp up to EV production. That's why we are seeing the consolidation of all BMWs using the ZF 8HP transmission and getting rid of the manual and DCTs in even their M cars. The top engine trims are usually much lower volume so BMW is just making them the "top of the line" trims with all the performance bits which is what they have to do to compete directly with Mercedes and Audi (C43 AMG and S4).

So it was inevitable and they will NOT release a vanilla 340i unless there is a LOT of backlash, which I doubt. I feel like the large majority of 335/340 buyers already got M Sport and at least one M performance option. This just simplifies things.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Both BMW and Mercedes are moving towards the Audi way of doing business. I don't see this changing anytime soon. You have your base model, your intermediate sporty model followed by your hardcore full fledged series flagship.

1. A4, S4, RS4
2. 330, M340, M3
3. C300, AMG C43, AMG C63.

[Cammy440iGC]

Actually,
1. A4, S4, RS5 Sport back (if your in the US/Canada and need 4 doors)
2. 330I, M340, M3 + (probably like M5 we will see M3 Competition)
3. C300, AMG C43, AMG C63 , and AMG C63s (BMW is doing Competition versions to battle Mercs AMG "s" models. For example, the M5 Competition is direct competitor to AMG E 63s . The M5 competes with just a regular AMG E 63.

[Cammy440iGC]

Corporate Branding is why we have an M340i and not a 340i. Rule #1 of Corporate Branding is the Brand (in this case the M sub-brand owned by BMW) must appear on the product.

Brand = $$$

In some cases...like AMG, M, S, and RS--sub/brands = even more money. Sub brands = exclusivity that consumers will pay more $$$.

You can even have "sub-sub" brands--these are the most exclusive brands and consumers are will to pay the most $$$. Examples of sub-sub brands are AMG s (e.g., AMG E 63s or BMW M5 Competition. Each layer of brand is a pricing opportunity for the manufacturer...you pay for the Mercedes brand + plus you pay for the AMG brand + plus you pay for the "s" brand. Its a pricing "club sandwich." You pay for each brand on your car.

For example, the base price on an F30 340i x-Drive was $47,500.

The base price on a G20 M340i-x-Drive is $56,000.

The M sub brand is an $8,500 charge.

Now you do get more "product" with that $8,500.

But streamlining the supply chain and having a more standardized offering within the M sub brand brings huge savings to BMW (parts + inventory, etc.).

BMW was late to the sub brand game.

Audi led the way with its S line and making its S a true sport sub-brand.

Mercedes followed with bringing the AMG sub-brand to the masses with non-hand built V6 models.

BMW is now just using its M sub-brand and the new Competition sub-brand to get into this lucrative market.

[bimmer456]

They can charge more so why not?