2026 BMW M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition: Juvenile at 50

Since its debut in 1976, the BMW 3 Series has consistently ranked among the very best sport sedans on the market. Not only does it excel in its segment, it has often set the benchmark others are forced to follow. As the G20 generation reaches the end of its lifecycle, it also marks the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series. BMW is celebrating the milestone with the 50 Jahre Edition, offered in this specific form exclusively for the Canadian market.

• Only 100 units built for Canada
• Available in six historic colours
• Powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six producing 382 horsepower

Pros:

Almost perfect engine

Fun to drive

Exclusivity of the 50 Jahre Edition

Cons:

Price

Tight interior

Ergonomic not always accurate

I have always had a soft spot for the BMW 3 Series. It has long been one of the purest expressions of driving enjoyment. Acura, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar and Genesis have all tried to dethrone it, but none have truly succeeded. While competitors come and go, the current generation, known to purists as the G20, is now in its final model year. An eighth generation is already in development, featuring multiple powertrain options, including the fully electric i3 built on the Neue Klasse platform.

BMW M Neue Klasse: the ultimate driving machine goes fully electric in 2027

This special 50 Jahre Edition therefore serves as a farewell to the G20 and marks the end of an era before BMW enters a new chapter. That context explains why celebrating the 3 Series properly in 2026 carries real significance.

Limited visual distinction

From a styling perspective, BMW unfortunately does not offer many truly distinctive elements. In fact, only brand enthusiasts will immediately recognize one of the six heritage colours selected by BMW Canada. The test vehicle was finished in Madeira Red Metallic, a colour originally used on the E21 generation, the very first 3 Series produced from 1975 to 1983. The other available colours are Laguna Green, Avus Blue, Carbon Black, Deep Green and Citrin Black, each associated with a specific generation ranging from the E21 to the current G20.

The only other visible differences are the 20-inch wheels. Unfortunately, given winter conditions, BMW Canada had replaced them with winter wheels featuring a far less inspiring design. Another detail confirming the car’s exclusivity is the 50 Jahre badge on the trunk lid of the M340i. Otherwise, it remains a standard M340i in appearance.

Even though the G20 generation is now entering its seventh year on the market, its design has aged gracefully, as is often the case with German sedans. It still looks modern and carries a sense of understated elegance.

A subtle celebration inside

Opening the door reveals illuminated door sills bearing the 50 Jahre Edition designation, followed by the familiar and unmistakable scent of BMW leather. In this case, the cabin is trimmed in black Merino leather sourced from BMW Individual. The test vehicle also featured carbon fibre trim on the door panels and dashboard. On the centre console, a 50 Jahre plaque once again highlights the significance of this edition.

Beyond those touches, the environment remains familiar. The driving position is excellent, as it has been for years, at least for those who still appreciate sedans. The multi-adjustable seats contour perfectly to the body, creating a strong sense of connection between driver and car.

There is an undeniably intimate feel to the 3 Series. The cabin is relatively tight, a reality made more noticeable by the short door length. With my build, my shoulder sat close to the B-pillar, which does not help visibility and increases the size of the blind spot. Fortunately, the roofline is high enough to maintain acceptable peripheral vision.

Displays and infotainment

In front of the driver, the steering wheel offers a solid grip with a well-sized rim. The digital instrument cluster is shared across most BMW models and provides a modern layout with access to a wide range of driving data. It can feel somewhat busy, but it remains functional. The infotainment system is quick to respond, but until the arrival of the Neue Klasse generation, it still relies on an overwhelming number of tiles and icons. There are simply too many. While favourites can be configured, some setup is required before setting off. The physical controls for driving dynamics, located on the centre console, fall naturally to hand.

Rear-seat space has never been a strong point of the 3 Series, and the G20 is no exception, particularly when it comes to legroom. Trunk capacity is rated at 480 litres, which is more generous than what you get in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A5.

One of the best engines in the world

Driving a 3 Series has always been rewarding for those who enjoy being behind the wheel, and this generation is no different. To ensure the 50 Jahre Edition feels truly special, BMW equips it with the legendary 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six.

In this configuration, output reaches 386 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, allowing a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 4.3 seconds. Power is delivered to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Quite honestly, this setup comes remarkably close to mechanical perfection. Throttle response is immediate, with power always on tap.

Power delivery is relentless, and selecting Sport mode fully transforms the experience. This is the very definition of a sport sedan. Handling is outstanding, with precise steering and excellent feedback. Its accuracy continues to impress me. A perfectly calibrated suspension allows you to push hard without ever feeling punished. The car remains approachable and easy to drive, never aggressive or intimidating in the way an M3 can be. To justify part of the price premium, BMW includes adaptive suspension, larger performance brake discs and, for added aural pleasure, the M Performance exhaust system.

Despite all that performance, efficiency remains surprisingly good. During my drive, average fuel consumption stayed below 8.5 L/100 km. Given the level of power on offer, that figure is entirely reasonable.

What to watch

This G20 generation of the BMW 3 Series (2019–2026) has accumulated no fewer than 27 recalls in Canada, an unusually high number. As is often the case with German vehicles, most of these recalls relate to electronic issues affecting limited numbers of units. In many instances, only a handful of vehicles were involved. It is also important to note that the majority of these issues occurred on the 2019 and 2020 model years. Since 2021, the reliability record of the 3 Series has been nearly exemplary.

Conclusion

Even at the end of its lifecycle and at 50 years old, the BMW M340i remains one of the benchmarks, if not the benchmark, in the sport sedan segment. It is not without flaws, particularly when it comes to cabin space and certain ergonomic details, but overall it remains deeply impressive.

Pricing, however, is where enthusiasm may cool for some buyers. The M340i starts just above $77,000 in Canada. Choosing the 50 Jahre Edition brings the total to $91,900. The test vehicle was also equipped with a $2,000 technology package. Before freight, PDI and taxes, this 2026 BMW M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition comes to $93,900. That is undeniably expensive, even considering production is limited to just 100 units. Hopefully, it will one day become a true collector’s item.

Model	BMW M340i xDrive	Audi S5 quattro	Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic
Base Price	78 133 $	72 655,00 $	83 200 $
Engine	3.0L L6T	3.0L V6T	2.0L L4T +Electric motor
Power	382 hp	362 hp	416 hp
Torque	395 lb-ft	406 lb-ft	369 lb-ft
Transmission	auto 8 speed	auto 7 speed	auto 9 speed
0-100 km/h	4,3 sec	4,6 sec	4,3 sec
L/100km City	9.0L	12.3L	12.5L
L/100km Hwy	7.1L	8.3L	8.8L
L/100km Combined	8.2L	10.5L	10.8L
Cargo space	480L	639L	455L