Unexpected Showdown: BMW M340i Races Affordable EV and the Results Are Surprising

When you think of performance-driven luxury sedans, the BMW M340i xDrive probably graces your mental list. Its robust engine and meticulous design have made it a darling among car enthusiasts. However, a recent face-off between the BMW M340i and the MG4 EV XPOWER revealed a twist that no one saw coming.

A New Challenger Enters the Ring

While the MG4 EV XPOWER may not evoke the same nostalgic fervor as the classic MGAs and MGBs, it’s undoubtedly making waves in the electric vehicle market. This compact hatchback is crafted in China under the ownership of Shanghai-based SAIC Motor and boasts a wallet-friendly starting price of £36,495 in the UK—around $46,500. Compare that to the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance, which costs a hefty £59,990 before add-ons, and the MG4 seems like a steal.

For its modest price tag, the MG4 EV XPOWER features an impressive dual-motor setup paired with Dynamic Cornering Control System, essentially an electronic locking differential with torque vectoring. This powerful configuration delivers 435 metric ponies (or 429 mechanical horsepower) and 600 Nm (443 pound-feet) of torque almost instantaneously. To put those figures into perspective, the previous-generation BMW M3 offered similar power with 431 PS (425 hp) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) from a twin-turbocharged engine.

The BMW in the Spotlight

The BMW M340i xDrive in this scenario is a pre-facelift G20 model, featuring a single-turbo engine that churns out 387 PS (382 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. But anyone familiar with BMW knows the numbers don’t always tell the full story. Countless dyno tests have shown that BMW engines often surpass their advertised figures, suggesting the M340i might even have more power than the company lets on.

With the M340i, you're looking at a vehicle that has the elegance and performance metrics to make gearheads drool. However, against the MG4 EV XPOWER, all of that engineering prowess was put to the test.

The Drag Race Breakdown

Both vehicles had their moment of glory and shame on the drag strip. According to CSL AutoTime, the BMW M340i weighs in at 1,670 kilograms, while the MG4 EV XPOWER tips the scales at 1,850 kilograms, thanks largely to its hefty high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 64 kilowatt-hours. This weight would be a disadvantage for any car, but the MG4 EV XPOWER manages to mitigate this with its powerful torque.

The MG4 covered the quarter-mile in an astounding 12.14 seconds at 180 kilometers per hour (112 mph). In contrast, the BMW M340i clocked in at 13.09 seconds at 168 kilometers per hour (104 mph). Even with a previous run of 12.6 seconds at 176 kilometers per hour (109 mph) against a modified Civic, the BMW couldn’t top the MG.

A Rolling Start Perspectives

The disparity became even more evident from a 30-kph rolling start. Here, the MG4 EV XPOWER again demonstrated its dominance, outperforming its German counterpart. Despite this, it's crucial to note that these two cars target entirely different buyer segments. People considering the MG4 EV XPOWER aren't the same folks eyeing the luxurious BMW M340i or the even more upscale Tesla Model 3 Performance.

So, what's the takeaway from this unusual showdown? Well, the MG4 EV XPOWER proves that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy exhilarating performance. That being said, the BMW M340i retains its allure, prestige, and a driving experience that many find hard to match. However, in the drag race arena, the underdog MG4 showed it has what it takes to run with the big dogs.

Conclusion

In an industry that's increasingly leaning towards electrification, the MG4 EV XPOWER offers a tantalizing glimpse into an affordable, high-performance future. While the BMW M340i may have lost this bout, it remains a formidable player in its class, catering to a niche that values luxury, history, and a certain je ne sais quoi that only a BMW can offer.

For now, it seems the race towards affordable high performance is wide open, and the MG4 EV XPOWER is very much in the running. How the landscape will evolve from here on remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—the era of the electric underdog has arrived.