The 2016 BMW 340i and 340i xDrive can now be configured on www.bmwusa.com. The 34oi with a rear-wheel drive setup starts at $45,800 (without the $995 destination and handling), while the xDrive model costs $47,800. The 2015 335i with a manual transmission was priced at $43,750. The 335i is replaced by the 340i name, though displacement doesn’t change.

BMW’s 340i will be the first BMW to use the six-cylinder engine from the EfficientDynamics engine family. Replacing the outgoing 3.0 liter turbocharged six in the 335i, the 340i’s six will produce 326 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque and achieve 7.7-6.5 liters per 100km (30 mpg US). The new, all-aluminum six-cylinder engine will be both powerful and efficient, more so than the outgoing six. This new I6 engine has some mighty shoes to fill, as the outgoing six is beloved by enthusiasts everywhere for its silky-smooth power delivery, excellent powerband and lovely noise.

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The 340i be available with six-speed manual transmissions and eight-speed, ZF automatics. The manual features a dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum adjusters and rev-matching to bring the engine to the correct speed for the next gear change, up or down.

Designers have given the headlights a redesign with optional full-LED lighting while the LED taillights are sharper and more dynamic. The rear end also gets more sculpted and clearly defined lines.

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A Track Handling package is now on the option sheet while the previous Sport Line package is now standard. The Luxury package will offer…you guessed…more luxury, and the M Sport and M Aerodynamic package will increase its sporty looks.

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The 2016 BMW 3 Series family went on sale this month in the US.