[cc3]

Well if you read EVO magazine which most would regard as a real enthusiasts mag these new M products are not the Ultimate Driving Machine

X3M. 2 stars
M340i only 3 stars

Incredible really

This could hurt sales. It's a lot of money to spend on a 2 or 3 star car

[Auslander]

Both are M lite, rather than proper M, though.

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by cc3

Well if you read EVO magazine which most would regard as a real enthusiasts mag these new M products are not the Ultimate Driving Machine

X3M. 2 stars
M340i only 3 stars

Incredible really

This could hurt sales. It's a lot of money to spend on a 2 or 3 star car

I haven't read EVO for years but they had little thought for real world everyday motoring, more focussed on what would impress your mates in McDonald's car park on Saturday night.

[larven]

My thoughts exactly.

[Sergeant Skinner]

Irrespective of how good the G80 M3 would be, the X3 M and M340i are definitely better than 2 or 3 stars...

What metrics did they give as cons to justify those ratings?

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by PBJ

Irrespective of how good the G80 M3 would be, the X3 M and M340i are definitely better than 2 or 3 stars...

What metrics did they give as cons to justify those ratings?

• How many times you say 'like' in each sentence
  How many tattoos you have
  How many gold chains you wear
  
  
  Alllegedly.....

[Sergeant Skinner]

Originally Posted by Andybird

How many times you say 'like' in each sentence
How many tattoos you have
How many gold chains you wear


Alllegedly.....

Then they were generous, should be 0 and 1 star

[OM3RTA]

Originally Posted by Andybird

I haven't read EVO for years but they had little thought for real world everyday motoring, more focussed on what would impress your mates in McDonald's car park on Saturday night.

I would tend to disagree on the 340i & I haven't driven the X3 to comment but the general consensus is that the X3 is just to stiff for our roads.

Would disagree entirely with your thought on EVO, I've always seen it as a true performance car magazine rather than the Max Power you suggest.

[225]

I posted pictures of the article in the 340i touring thread.
General view is that it was a bit harsh however as Evos mantra is thrill of driving it might not be the most thrilling to drive.
In my brief test drive it drove as expected and I didn't go into it thinking it's a cut price m3.

M lites like the m340 are half ways which can be capable of daily family duties comfortably and also ability to have a blast when road permits!

They did say it was very fast in a straight line though and off the line it was 996 turbo pace to 60!

[gIzzE]

Originally Posted by OM3RTA

I would tend to disagree on the 340i & I haven't driven the X3 to comment but the general consensus is that the X3 is just to stiff for our roads.

Would disagree entirely with your thought on EVO, I've always seen it as a true performance car magazine rather than the Max Power you suggest.

I agree.

Harry Metcalfe knew his stuff and it was and still is a great mag that seems to give all brands a fair shot without the usual bias.

I still think Harry's Garage is one of the best youtube channels there is when it comes to cars.

I haven't read the review, however, remember that EVO are a magazine that reviews cars from the basis of "Is it a car that will get you up off the sofa at 10pm at night and go for a 2 hour drive just for the sake of it?"

Let's face it, each generation of cars seems to be getting more and more focused towards comfort, compliance and effortless and making it more and more relaxing, combine that with the need to get emissions down so we have electric steering etc. and modern cars are not offering the same driving experience that they were offering only a decade ago.


I think the M340i is a great car, however, it is great for what it is offering, I would love one, and may well end up with one, but it will replace the F11 520d as the mile muncher rather than replace the E91 330i, which is a practical car which still offers a smidge of entertainment.

[Mani59]

Originally Posted by gIzzE

I agree.

Harry Metcalfe knew his stuff and it was and still is a great mag that seems to give all brands a fair shot without the usual bias.

I still think Harry's Garage is one of the best youtube channels there is when it comes to cars.

I haven't read the review, however, remember that EVO are a magazine that reviews cars from the basis of "Is it a car that will get you up off the sofa at 10pm at night and go for a 2 hour drive just for the sake of it?"

Let's face it, each generation of cars seems to be getting more and more focused towards comfort, compliance and effortless and making it more and more relaxing, combine that with the need to get emissions down so we have electric steering etc. and modern cars are not offering the same driving experience that they were offering only a decade ago.


I think the M340i is a great car, however, it is great for what it is offering, I would love one, and may well end up with one, but it will replace the F11 520d as the mile muncher rather than replace the E91 330i, which is a practical car which still offers a smidge of entertainment.

Exactly this! Added to the fact NA engines are now a thing of the past with BMW and BMW M products

[OM3RTA]

Originally Posted by gIzzE

I agree.

Harry Metcalfe knew his stuff and it was and still is a great mag that seems to give all brands a fair shot without the usual bias.

I still think Harry's Garage is one of the best youtube channels there is when it comes to cars.

I haven't read the review, however, remember that EVO are a magazine that reviews cars from the basis of "Is it a car that will get you up off the sofa at 10pm at night and go for a 2 hour drive just for the sake of it?"

Let's face it, each generation of cars seems to be getting more and more focused towards comfort, compliance and effortless and making it more and more relaxing, combine that with the need to get emissions down so we have electric steering etc. and modern cars are not offering the same driving experience that they were offering only a decade ago.

This!
HM definitely knows his stuff & I'm always watching Harry's garage, which reminds me I've still to watch the Lotus trip vid.