WIN-WIN

How well do these two cars deliver on the fun they promise? It was fun finding out

- Anubhav Sharma

Whether we like it or not, sedans have not been the focal point for carmakers or car buyers for a while now. For years, we celebrated SUVs as our saviours since our roads were not so good or there were more potholes than road, you know the drift. The SUV trend is now getting over-shadowed by the EV trend, and while I still have my doubts on that will pan out, everyone and their uncle is now making EVs. Decision makers in suits will argue that the average car buyer doesn't care about performance, but comfort, efficiency et al. The feeling of driving a fun car cannot be measured in charts or graphs, but that is what you remember years down the line not how big was the touchscreen. While the two cars here have pretty big touchscreens, it is the fun factor which is the hero here. If you think this is comparison, let me clarify it is not. Yes, these cars are variants of models which compete in the same segment but just like the fuel they sip their approach to fun is quite different.

This the first time I got to spend some real time with the BMW M340i, and it was like a flashback. The BMW M340i harks back to the time when BMW cars were known for their dynamic, sporty appeal. At first glance, the M340i might seem similar to its regular 3 Series siblings, but look closer, and you'll notice an array of subtle, yet distinctive differences.

It's like a love letter to the BMWs of yore, penned in modern ink. This sporty demeanor, underlined by its performance-driven design and engineering, is what makes the M340i stand out. Yet, it manages to seamlessly integrate modernity within its framework.

The blacked-out grille, for instance, lends the car a more muscular and aggressive persona. It's these details that enhance its sporty DNA, making it a genuine descendant of BMW's rich performance heritage.