The annual SEMA show is where all the big names in the automotive aftermarket congregate to show off their latest wares, with plenty of up-and-coming tuners and shops added to the mix to help get the word out. Joining the third party folks is several of the big automakers, which use the event as a springboard to introduce the latest accessories, parts, and concepts. BMW is joining the fun this year, arriving in Vegas to showcase its latest round of extras to carry the M brand badging. Highlights include an M2 Safety Car, an M3, an X5, and this – a sparkling white 340i bearing plenty of the performance division’s embellishments.

SEMA is actually a fantastic venue for a showcase like this. As it turns out, the U.S. is the largest consumer of M Performance Parts, touting 20-percent higher revenue than Germany, the next largest consumer.

In case you were unaware, M Performance Parts help to bridge the gap between more pedestrian trim levels of a model lineup (like the 340i) and the definitively sporty models in Bimmer’s stable (the M3, for example).

This particular example comes draped in an Alpine White paint job, a classic hue for the Bavarian automaker. Complementing the new look is carbon aero and enormous multi-spoke wheels. But the most interesting addition seems to be the M Performance Power & Sound Kit, which adds a few tweaks under the hood for extra (you guessed it) power and sound.

Interested? Read on for more.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW 340i M Performance.

What makes the BMW 340i M Performance special

Let’s get straight to the Power & Sound Kit. Already enjoying sales across Germany, this mild performance package is now coming to the U.S. for the very first time, and will be available for the 340i and 440i, including models equipped with the xDrive AWD system.

The package adds a retuned ECU and engine management software, which takes advantage of the lower backpressure yielded by a new high-flow exhaust system. The new pipes come equipped with an electronically controlled valve that opens the taps for more power and sound on demand. Just set the Driving Dynamics Control Switch to either Sport or Sport+ mode, and you’ll be enjoying extra muscle and newfound aural excitement.

Thankfully, we don’t have to guess what this kit does in terms of increasing output figures. Peak power from the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine rises to 355 ponies, up 35 horsepower over the stock 320 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. Torque rises to 369 pound-feet, a 39-pound-feet increase from the stock 330 pound-feet at 1,380 rpm.

Interestingly, BMW says that peak torque is up by just 25 pound-feet on models equipped with a manual transmission, making for 355 pound-feet total, but doesn’t give an explanation as to why. For reference, buyers can get a 340i with either an eight-speed automatic, or a six-speed manual gearbox.

These basic performance upgrades yield improved throttle response and quicker acceleration. The 0-to-60 mph sprint reportedly drops by 0.2 seconds, which means the standard benchmark is completed in 4.7 seconds with the manual and 4.6 seconds with the automatic. Add xDrive, and those figures drop to 4.5 seconds and 4.4 seconds, respectively.

So it’s quicker, that’s for sure. But paired with the better performance and feel is a meatier exhaust note – always a nice perk of a new exhaust. BMW says fuel consumption remains the same, and I’ve gotta assume the kit is 50-state emissions legal, too.

BMW didn’t provide a lot of detail on the other accessories added to the 340i pictured here, but by the look of it, the Alpine White sedan gets the full M Performance Package treatment.

Up front, the grille looks like it gets a new black insert, below which resides a new front splitter. Complementing the plus-sized wheels are black and grey stripes, connecting the headlights and kidney grille to the tail. M Performance lettering and new side skirts hug the ground. In back is a carbon fiber lip spoiler for the trunk lid, plus what appears to be a new rear valence, although it’s difficult to make out in the single shadowy press shot.

Overall, it’s a nice little package for the four-door. The Sound & Performance Kit in particular piques my interest, and as long as it’s not ludicrously overpriced, I can see it selling well. Scratch that – I can see it selling well even if it is overpriced.