Yesterday, we published the leaked prices of one of BMW’s upcoming additions to the G20 3 Series range, the plug-in hybrid 330e. Today, we got another leaked pricing of the high-performance BMW that will be launched alongside it, the M340i.

According to a source, the 2020 G20 BMW M340i will cost around RM 423,000 including SST. Exempted from SST, the M340i will start at around RM 403,000 which will be valid until 31-December 2020.

That sounds like big bucks but with that pricing, it’s very close to its rival, the Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG which starts at RM 401,114 without SST.

For the first time ever, an M Performance model is being assembled locally (CKD) at BMW Malaysia’s facility in Kulim, Kedah. Both the M340i and the 330e will be assembled at the same plant.

Based on our recent spy shots, the Malaysian-spec M340i will feature model-specific front and rear bumpers, BMW Laserlight headlights, 19-inch Style 792 M alloy wheels, and more aggressive trapezoid mufflers.

The M340i will slot above the 330i, becoming the flagship G20 in Malaysia, at least until the M3 arrives. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-6 engine (387 PS/500 Nm) that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that routes power to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive system.

The M340i does the century sprint from rest in 4.4 seconds, while top speed is electronically-limited to 250 km/h.

The C43 AMG on the other hand is also locally assembled but has higher performance on paper. Its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 produces 390 PS and 520 Nm.

Which would you consider? The Bavarian powerhouse or the sleeper from Stuttgart?