Earlier today, I had the chance to test drive a 2022 BMW M340i with the intention of trading in my C7 Corvette. After reading endless praise about the M340i, I went in with high expectations, hoping for a thrilling blend of power, luxury, and practicality. The car I drove was a fully loaded RWD model with every package—except for the one with automated cruise control. With 13,000 miles on the odometer, it had been broken in just enough to give me a solid impression.

The Good

✅ Power & Performance
Despite the 382 hp rating and a curb weight of around 3,900 pounds, the M340i felt just as quick as my 465 hp, 3,400-pound Corvette—which honestly surprised me. On paper, it’s slightly slower, but the way it delivers power is deceptive. The acceleration is smooth yet forceful, making it feel just as fast as my C7 in real-world driving.

✅ Ergonomics & Daily Usability
This is where the M340i really shines. The interior layout is practically perfect, offering fantastic comfort with zero rattles—something I can’t say about my C7. The back seat was shockingly spacious, making it an easy pick for daily commuting or road trips. If I had to choose one car for everyday use from everything I’ve ever driven, this would be it. Effortless, refined, and solid.

The Meh

😐 Build Quality & Interior Feel
Yes, it’s a 3 Series, and yes, it’s leaps ahead of my Corvette in terms of quality. But somehow, it didn’t feel particularly special. The steering wheel, shifter, gauges, and infotainment felt like a step backward compared to my 2018 M2. The leather seats, however, were a clear upgrade. The Harman Kardon audio was also a solid highlight.

😐 The B58 Engine
Don’t get me wrong—the B58 is a powerhouse. But the experience felt... muted. It’s incredibly refined and effortless, but I didn’t get that raw excitement I was hoping for. Ironically, I’ve seen people say the LT1 in the C7 lacks character, but after this drive, I’d argue that the B58 feels even more detached. My N55-powered M2 had noticeably more personality, even with a significant power disadvantage. It’s not just about speed—it’s about feel, sound, and engagement, and I found the M340i a bit lacking in that regard.

The Bad

❌ ZF 8-Speed Transmission
Technically, it’s a fantastic automatic transmission—quick shifts, smooth engagement, and great tuning. But compared to the DCT in my M2, it lacked fun. Sure, it’s smoother and nearly as fast, but it doesn’t give you that raw, mechanical engagement that a DCT or manual transmission provides. If I were moving from a traditional automatic, I’d love it—but coming from a manual Corvette, it felt like a downgrade.

❌ Lack of Engagement
This was my biggest disappointment. The steering feel was nonexistent, the engine sound was muted, and even though I knew the car was fast, it didn’t pin me to my seat or give me that adrenaline rush. It was just... smooth. Almost too refined. It’s like the M340i prioritizes effortless speed over driving excitement, and that left me a little underwhelmed.

Final Thoughts: Is the M340i for Me?

I realize this might upset some people, but this isn’t meant to be a knock on the M340i—it’s just that I went in with unrealistic expectations, probably expecting a budget M3. That’s not what this car is. And honestly? That’s okay.

The M340i is an incredible daily driver—probably one of the best performance sedans you can buy. But for me, it couldn’t replace my Corvette. I’d love one as a commuter car, but I know I’d start itching for something more engaging within a few weeks. This car is not an M3, and in many ways, it’s better suited for daily driving than an M3 would be—but if you’re looking for that raw, connected experience, this might not be the car for you.

Ironically, this test drive made me very interested in an X3 M40i to replace my wife’s Jeep. The M340i’s strengths—refinement, power, and practicality—sound even more appealing in an SUV package. Maybe that’s where this experience will lead me next.

Would love to hear from M340i owners, manual transmission fans, or anyone who's driven a G80 M3 Competition—is the tuning different? Does it feel more alive? Let’s discuss!