At xBhp, we always make it a point to share all the updates from our end with our community. After all, the xBhp community is the basis of our existence. That said, we have another update for all of you and it is a big one. The xBhp Garage has grown steadily over the years, but this occasion is a landmark one. We have three very special machines.

The Indian automotive scene has evolved at an unprecedented rate in the past decade or so and the world has taken notice. This applies not only to the consumer base but also to the manufacturing acumen of our country. As such, India is now home to manufacturing some world-class machines. The three machines we have acquired are the top dogs in that illustrious list.

The first one is xBhp’s new sports car and it is a seriously impressive one. We are welcoming the BMW M340i xDrive to our ranks. It is the quickest car manufactured in India… enough said! Next up, we have the latest iteration of TVS Apache RR 310, TVS’ flagship that has had continuous upgrades since its debut and the latest one marks another significant milestone in TVS’ journey. Last but not least, we have the fantastic Aprilia RS457, arguably the best motorcycle in its class and it is being manufactured right here in India.

We have a lot more to say about these machines so… here goes…

BMW M340i

It is just the start of 2025 and we already have perhaps one of the most exciting updates from xBhp for you. Here, we have always been all about motorcycles. But we are not among the extremist lot who consider machines on four wheels inferior. We have had the pleasure of driving some of the most amazing sports cars on offer and we have enjoyed them immensely. From Ferraris to Lamborghinis and from Porsches to Aston Martins, we have had our fair share of fun on four wheels.

Even among these hypercar-manufacturing giants though, there has been one marquee that has always stirred just the right kind of emotions deep within us. We are talking about BMW. We have driven some M4s, M8s, X6Ms and so on. So we know what BMW is capable of when it comes to making cars that invoke ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure. The problem with most of these cars is that they are out of reach for most mortals. Simply put, they’re out of reach.

But what if there is a car that gives you a taste of all that and is still… reachable? We have been looking for a sports car for xBhp for quite some time and we have had the pleasure of having the MINI Cooper S as xBhp’s first sports car. As expected though, it was a hot hatch and no matter how fun it was, power is never enough. Predictably, the itch for another sports car came back and we were out looking. As it turned out, we just had to take a little look into the past to find the perfect candidate.

BMW M340i xDrive. When it was launched in India, this car made waves. It was a quick car and it was being manufactured right here in India. It was and is the quickest car that is manufactured in India. The local manufacturing, in addition to being a source of pride, also contributed to its ‘reachability’. It is not cheap by any means but it is still more approachable than most others and for the price, it offers stuff that nothing else does.

To extract the most out of our BMW M340i xDrive’s engine, we are giving it the BMC treatment. We have had a lot of experience with BMC Air Filters and in all instances, it has left us impressed. In line with their extensive experience in motorsports and other high-performance applications, BMC Air Filters offer the best protection from foreign elements providing the engine with the cleanest air possible for cleaner combustion and hence, more power. Moreover, despite the meticulous filtration, BMC Air Filters do not choke the engine either with their high permeability. With the air being fed to the engine being clean and abundant, we expect nothing but fireworks from our BMW M340i xDrive!

There is a reason why the BMW M340i xDrive is such a phenomenal car and you can see it right here. It is the engine. The B58 is a gem of an engine that has received numerous awards for being punchy, versatile, and reliable. If you did not know, the same engine is used in the Z4 M40i, M440i, and even the Toyota Supra… imagine that! Moreover, the S58 which is a high-performance derivative of the B58 finds itself powering the mighty M2! Finally, with the M-Performance exhaust system, it sounds pretty darn rad as well.

We have replaced the stock exhaust on our BMW M340i xDrive with the BMW M Performance exhaust system. In addition to more grunt, it makes the car sound like a million bucks too.

Time for a little history before we welcome the BMW M340i xDrive to the xBhp Garage.

It has been more than a couple of years since we first got to try this piece of German engineering. Yet, we still have profound memories of it. It felt quick… very quick. According to BMW, it goes from 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. When we drove it, the claims did not seem like an exaggeration. BMW also claimed that it would handle like a dream as well. It did. It was all good but still, something was missing.It was not anything about the car itself. It was about the experience. With that much noise around it on the internet, we just had to see what it was all about… all out. Then came our NATRAX project. We decided to take our best machines to the best proving grounds in India. In addition to that though, we also got the opportunity to take the M340i xDrive to NATRAX to see what it was all about.

A gesture of thanks to the almighty for setting us on the path on which our dreams are coming true… one at a time.

What unfolded was something that would plant the seed for our desire to have this car in the xBhp Garage. We did not get to verify the acceleration numbers but we could tell it was deceptively quick for a full-fledged sedan. Moreover, keeping it floored, we got to a top speed of 262 km/h as indicated by the speedometer. Again for a fully loaded sedan, that is pretty darn fast.
That kind of performance made it appear like a bridge between the 3-Series sedans and the ballistic M3. That is good thinking from BMW’s standpoint as it provides an option for those who want a little more from their 3-Series without shelling out for the M3. What made it possible was the engine.

Our BMW M340i xDrive is not lacking in power and it has the means to put it down efficiently with the all-wheel drive system. Even then, we need a good, no, great set of tyres to make the most of it. We have gone with CEAT SportDrive tyres for xBhp’s second sports car. In the time we have spent with these tyres, we have been greatly impressed with the grip levels. More than that though, it is the noise that has stood out to us. Even on highways at proper speeds, the tyre noise remains minimal which adds to the comfort.

BMW TwinPower Turbo Straight-6 engine that makes 387 bhp of power and 500 Nm of torque. The engine is silky smooth and almost misleading. It is so smooth and linear that you are caught unaware when it starts to scream and the acceleration hits you. Another factor that helps its acceleration is the transmission– 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic with xDrive. That means that the grunt from the engine is sent to all four wheels, which means that more power is put to the ground instead of being wasted as wheelspin.

Moreover, the BMW M340i sounded simply magical and the more beans you give it, the raspier the exhaust note gets. But then, it is not a dragstrip car either. The dynamics are just as impressive. On the parabola of NATRAX’s high-speed track, the maximum Neutral Speed is 250 km/h. That is, if the car is built and calibrated well, it will take the curve without any steering inputs. The BMW M340i did that with ease, which is a testament to how meticulously the car is built.

After getting our hands on the BMW M340i xDrive, we wanted to deck it up a little to make it truly stand out. We would like to thank Auto Marc for providing us with some classy add-ons for our second sports car. The rear spoiler is just the right size and along with the roof spoiler, greatly enhances the looks of the car from the rear. The side skirts add flare to the sides while the front canards give our M340i just the right amount of sports car feels. The great collection at Auto Marc for a variety of cars makes their studio feel like the customization garage right out of an NFS game.

As mentioned earlier, that is when the seed was sown. We just had to have it in the xBhp Garage. Despite its cost-effectiveness, it was still an expensive car so we had to wait. Till then, we had the MINI Cooper S scratch our sports car itch. Do not get us wrong. The MINI Cooper S is a fantastic little number but… there’s just so much sports-car-ing you can do with a hatch no matter how hot it is.

Even before we finally inducted the M340i in the xBhp Garage and let our MINI Cooper S go, we took them both for a spin. Every time we got behind the wheel of the MINI Cooper S, we fell in love with it all over again. But then again, there is not much that can last in the face of 387 horses and 500 torques of a proper BMW. Stagnation spells the end of life for man and machine both so with a heavy heart, we let our MINI Cooper S go to be the first sports car of another enthusiast… or a daily driver of someone who already has a heavy hitter for their weekends.

Anyway, coming back to the BMW M340i xDrive, it has been pure ecstasy ever since we had it in the xBhp Garage. It was the object of affection even for a lot of our two-wheel enthusiast ts who joined us for the unveiling. It is still new for us and despite having driven it before for a short review and a jaunt on NATRAX, we believe there is still a lot to talk about.

We may have to spend more time with it for a more comprehensive review of sorts. Still, there are a few things that we can talk about. BMW has done enough to distinguish the M240i xDrive from its 3-Series counterparts. The front and rear bumpers are designed with more sportiness in mind and the added grey accents further accentuate that. The mirrors and the grille surround also get a similar treatment.

The Hollyland Lark M2S is one of the best offerings from Hollyland at the moment. It is the brand’s first microphone that features a titanium alloy design. It is deceptively small in size and its logo-free design is a boon for creators. Once worn, it is almost invisible and despite its diminutive size, it offers high-quality audio recording. In fact, the quality rivals some of the beefier units we have seen. Moreover, it offers 300m of wireless range and 30 hour battery life. Finally, the noise cancellation is simply awe-inspiring considering the size of the Lark M2S. We believe that it is going to become a mainstay in our arsenal and deservedly so.

The grille itself has a significantly different pattern and it also does its bit to enhance the sportiness being portrayed visually. Then there are the headlamps which now have BMW-signature Laserlight and bigger DRLs as well. Finally, the exhaust housing is now trapezoidal. The wheels are the same 18-inchers as the 330i but you have an option of bigger 19” wheels.

The biggest and clearest differentiator though is the engine. A 3-litre inline-six with M TwinPower Turbo tech. 387 bhp of power arrives at 5,800 rpm and it makes sure that you get proper entertainment when you put your foot down. Also, the 500 Nm of torque that the engine provides you with between 1,850 rpm and 5,000 rpm has a part to play in the urgent acceleration and the fantastic 0-100 km/h number.

You can feel the M-ness of this car in the handling department as well. With the M Sport rear differential and the M Sport suspension, the BMW M340i xDrive feels like it is on rails when you rush through a bend. Then the bigger brakes with M callipers make for a precise and sporty braking setup that does not lose its sheen even on a highspeed or highly technical racetrack.

We would like to thank CPG for providing us with the Thule rooftop box in case we ever feel like the boot space isn’t enough. Not to mention, it looks quite badass too!

Overall, the BMW M340i xDrive has been nothing but a revelation. The fact that it is a part of the xBhp Garage and a shining example of India’s manufacturing acumen, makes it even better. We cannot wait to do more with this car and let you know all about it. That though, will have to wait a little longer.

2025 TVS Apache RR 310

We still remember when the first iteration of the TVS Apache RR 310 came out. It instantly swept us off our feet. The design was world-class and it had the performance to back it up. As soon as we laid our eyes on it, we knew it had to be a part of the xBhp Garage. So not too long after its launch, we got one for ourselves. Moreover, it became a part of the xBhp Garage close to xBhp’s 17th anniversary and so, it was a prominent part of the celebration.

Then came the #roadTripUnited 2021 and the RR 310 was a part of that pan-India roadtrip as well. What was an already impressive motorcycle was updated further by TVS and this time, it was a technological powerhouse as well. The 10,000 km we did on it proved its mettle once and for all.

Then came another one of our ambitious projects. We took the TVS Apache RR 310 to India’s ultimate automotive proving ground- NATRAX. TVS had made it a point to inculcate all of their racing experience into the Apache RR 310 and it showed. It managed an impressive 171 km/h top speed on the high-speed track and proved why the Apache RR 310 has been TVS’ flagship.

The next big one in our story with the TVS Apache RR 310 was #roadTripUnited 2022. Another pan-India roadtrip and one of the most well-equipped machines in its class proved itself once again. The Apache RR 310 took everything the roadtrip could throw at it in its stride and performed flawlessly.

After all that, it was obvious that the Apache RR 310 became a mainstay in the xBhp Garage. Despite all that and despite it being one of the best motorcycles in its class, TVS decided to bestow their flagship with another shot in the arm. The latest iteration of the TVS Apache RR 310 extracts even more performance out of its engine and has some pretty racy additions to make it stand out even more.

First of all, the new Bomber Grey colour is a stunner. Then there are the winglets. Finally, the showstopper for us was the transparent clutch cover. The Apache RR 310 never felt particularly low on power but it is something that one can never have enough of. So TVS worked on the engine extensively to extract more power and torque from the existing engine.

The boost in power is a result of TVS’ continuing racing exploits. TVS has a racing heritage spanning over 4 decades and the new Apache RR 310 is based on the motorcycle that hit a top speed of 215.9 km/h at the Asia Road Racing Championship. For those hungry for numbers, it now makes ~38 bhp which is ~4 more than before. The torque is now 29 Nm which is 1.7 more than before.

This bump in power and torque is beyond impressive considering how the old engine already felt highly strung. TVS explained the changes that helped them achieve this feat; the modified air intake system increases the volumetric efficiency by 13% and the 10% lighter aluminium forged piston helps the engine rev more freely producing more power.

Out in the real world as well, the new TVS Apache RR 310 felt impressive. The difference in the engine performance was palpable. It is not a difference between night and day but the fact that it is significant enough to be felt profoundly is impressive. The revs felt quicker, the acceleration more urgent, and overall, the new Apache RR 310 felt like a quicker and faster motorcycle.

In CEAT SportRad, we found the perfect tyres for our new TVS Apache RR 310. With a balance between impressive longevity and dependable grip, our TVS Apache RR 310 is now ready for all sorts of adventures… even the racetrack if we so wish!

When we thought about the increase in power, we had our concerns about refinement. Thankfully, they were unfounded. Despite the increase in output, the engine felt as refined as before, if not more. In fact, it felt a little smoother than the previous iteration which was quite a surprise.

Technically too, the Apache RR 310 received an even more extensive electronics suite. In addition to the bi-directional quick shifter which is a stellar unit, the new Apache RR 310 also gets the RTDSC or Race-Tuned Dynamic Stability Control. It monitors various parameters to prevent wheel slip and loss of traction. It has all been possible thanks to the new 6D IMU which is unheard of in the class and at the price point.

The SmartXonnect system has always been awesome and paired with the flawless display, it is something that the Apache RR 310 can boast of. The Apache RR 310 has always been a heck of a handler and the same can be said for the latest iteration. Finally, the Apache RR 310 still comes with BTO options including the Dynamic and Dynamic Pro kit along with the Race Replica livery.

We have had a great time with the Apache RR 310 and we are sure that the latest one is going to be better than ever. We look forward to some amazing projects with it.

Aprilia RS 457

A few years ago, a made-in-India Aprilia was nothing more than a fantasy. Today, it is a reality and what a delightful reality that is. When it was revealed that Aprilia was working on an entry-level sportbike (not the 125s), it had us really excited. We had to wait a while but it came to fruition. Moreover, the fact that it was going to be manufactured in India, made it even more exciting. While it is a matter of immense pride, it was also not surprising considering India was already manufacturing world-class motorcycles.

Anyway, the motorcycle was finally launched and we got to ride it on the Kari Motor Speedway. It was a revelation. Simply because it was a small Aprilia did not make it any less, well, Aprilia. The RS 457 was a stunner. It looked like a million bucks, sounded like a billion, and went like a trillion. At that very moment, it was decided that the Aprilia RS 457 would be a part of the xBhp Garage and now, that too is a reality… a delightful reality!

As you can probably tell from the pictures, we got a white one. All three colourways are pretty because the RS 457 is a thing of beauty when it comes to design. But the white just had something more, at least to us. The xBhp Garage has been home to some amazing machines but they have all had a point to it. The Hayabusa is a legend. The Ninja H2 was a marvel. The Rocket is in a class of its own. And so on. So, what’s so special about the RS 457? Let us get to that.

Simply put, the RS 457 is one of the most wholesome motorcycles out there regardless of the class. It is a complete motorcycle that has everything going for it… even the price which is difficult to nail. But since it is being made in India, it is more bang for the buck than most motorcycles out there.

Starting with the looks, it looks stunning, like an Aprilia should. The DRLs are awesome and so are the integrated winglets. The aluminium frame is a segment-first which adds to the premiumness. The layered fairing design is a delight to look at and the slim rear adds weight to the front-bias language. More than anything, it is lithe. It is so tightly and neatly put together that coherence becomes it.

We did not want to mess with our RS 457 a lot but still, there are some things that we wanted to deck it up with. In that pursuit, we found just the right winglets and lever protectors and we have PGX Auto Accessories to thank for that.

Then there’s the crown jewel– the 457cc parallel-twin. It makes 47.6 bhp of power but to us, the highlight is the 43.5 Nm of torque. It makes the engine feel omnipotent. It has grunt everywhere in the rev range. Even in a gear or two higher, it pulls like there’s no tomorrow. Find it in the right gear and revs and it just blows you away. More than anything though, it is the soundtrack that adds to the magic. We have come to expect smaller engines to sound meh but the RS 457 does not. The engine is full of character in the way it sounds and in the way it goes.

Aprilia’s tagline is ‘Be A Racer’ and the RS 457 is all of that and then some. The power-to-weight ratio is spot-on thanks to the 175 kg kerb weight. The weight not only aids intoxicating acceleration but razor-sharp handling as well. On the Kari Motor Speedway, the RS 457 felt almost too quick for the racetrack. The geometry of the motorcycle makes it seem like it is connected to the rider in some way. You look where you want to go and before you know it, you’re there. That is how good it is.

Bikeaholic has a wide range of accessories for all kinds of motorcycles and we got our motorcycle protection essentials from them for our RS 457. The list includes frame sliders, fork protectors, swingarm spool, radiator protector, master cylinder guard, and rear axle protector.

It has been a very long time since we got to ride a small-capacity motorcycle that felt the way the RS 457 does. When it comes to motorcycles in the same class and price range, there are some great handlers out there. Against them though, the RS 457 is a gun in a knife-fight. But then again, this is Aprilia we are talking about. If an Aprilia doesn’t handle like a dream, we don’t know what else would.

In terms of technology too, it offers a comprehensive suite with riding modes, traction control, and so on. So it is a very impressive motorcycle. What makes it stand out is the price. At 4.1 lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Aprilia RS 457 is almost too good for the price. You have a motorcycle that looks stellar, handles like a dream, and has an engine to die for with comprehensive electronics to go with it.

After the first ride at the racetrack, we were left wanting more of it. Now that we have it in the xBhp Garage, we can have as much of it as we want… and we will. So stay tuned as we bring to you more stories from our adventures with the Aprilia RS 457.