BMW 3 Series M340i

The M340i sits at the performance apex of BMW's 3 Series lineup without crossing into full M car territory — 369bhp from the B58 turbocharged inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive, and a 0-62 time of 4.4 seconds in a four-door saloon package. This 2021 example carries just 23,459 miles, making it genuinely lightly used for a five-year-old car. The mild hybrid system (BMW's MHT) assists at low speeds and recuperates under braking, adding a small efficiency benefit to what is fundamentally a performance-oriented drivetrain.

Spec-wise, the car carries the Visibility Pack — which adds LED and Laser headlights — alongside the Comfort Pack with heated steering wheel, Extended Storage, and Vernasca leather in black with grey stitching. BMW Live Cockpit Professional gives the full widescreen digital display setup with Bluetooth. The combination of xDrive traction and the torque-rich straight-six means this is a car that works in all seasons, not just ideal conditions.

At £33,950 in black with a clean Euro 6 rating and an automatic gearbox, this is a well-rounded performance saloon with sensible running costs relative to its performance. The options list leans practical rather than showy, which suits the car's character.