BMW M3 and M4 Competition, xDrive all-wheel-drive arrives

BMW M3 and M4 Competition, xDrive all-wheel-drive arrives

Thanks to the four-wheel drive, coupe and sedan are even more glued to the road and faster in 0-100 km/h by 0.4 seconds

So far, we had only seen them with rear-wheel drive. Now BMW M3 and M4, both in the more "bad" Competition versions, are also available with M xDrive all-wheel drive. The ingredients of the two super sports cars remain the same, but the final result changes to have an even more engaging driving experience.

How M xDrive works

From the start, the M xDrive system, first seen on the M5 in 2017, rests on the rear-wheel-drive but can also send power to the front wheels if necessary.

The torque is distributed electronically on the two axles, and, in the case of the rear wheels, it is the active M differential that manages the power. Both the M xDrive system and the M active differential are linked directly to the stability control to ensure responsiveness, agility, and effectiveness in managing understeer and oversteer.

The interior of the M xDrive can be customized in three ways. 4WD is the neutral setting in which the car favors balanced driving. In the 4WD Sport, more torque is sent to the rear axle for a more dynamic style, while in the 2WD, the power is managed only by the rear wheels for an even more exuberant car.

Burning shot

The better management of traction compared to a pure rear-wheel drive allows improving the already excellent acceleration. Both M3 and M4 Competition, while keeping their 510 HP intact, a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, or four-tenths less than the rear-wheel-drive versions.

The BMWs, therefore, do not feel the slightest weight increase of about 40 kg due to the M xDrive system. However, depending on the package equipped, the maximum speed can be 250 or 290 km/h.

Equipment and new colors

The Competition xDrive models are all equipped with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and 19" M light-alloy wheels (with 275/35 ZR19 tires) on the front axle and 20" on the rear (285/30 ZR20).

The essential equipment includes, among other accessories, the BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system, MSport seats, and the Driving Assistant Professional package with adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function and active lane-keeping.

The first M3 and M4 Competition xDrive will arrive in dealerships in August 2021. They can choose in the new colors San Paolo Yellow, Brooklyn Gray Metallic, Isle of Man Green Metallic, Individual Frozen Brilliant White Metallic, and Individual Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic. At the moment, BMW has not communicated the price lists of the two versions.