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New BMW M3 and M4 gain four-wheel-drive xDrive options
BACK TO ALL NEWS Currently reading: New BMW M3 and M4 gain four-wheel-drive xDrive options UP NEXT Official: New Volvo EX60 is 'game-changer' with 503-mile range New BMW M3 and M4 gain four-wheel-drive xDrive options
Optional 4WD system - a first for the M3 - gives quicker acceleration and enhanced dynamics, from £77,015
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Close News by Felix Page2 mins read 18 April 2021 Follow @felix_page_ Share
For the first time in its 35- year history, the BMW M3 is now optionally available with four-wheel drive, in addition to the standard rear-wheel-drive format.
The new M3 Competition M xDrive enters production in July alongside a mechanically identical four-wheel-drive version of its M4 coupé sibling. Prices start from £77,015 and £78,315 respectively, each some £2260 more than the standard Competition variants.
The addition of a powered front axle should add around 50kg to the weight of the regular M3 and M4 Competition models (which weigh 1730kg and 1725kg respectively), but it delivers, according to BMW, “track-focused performance with impeccable usability”.
While outright outputs from the duo’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engines are unchanged at 503bhp and 479lb ft, the improved traction cuts the 0-62mph time from 3.9sec to 3.5sec, making the new arrivals slightly quicker than a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.
Crucially, though, it will be the shift in dynamic character that most obviously marks the M xDrive cars out.
Power is sent to the road through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with a rear-biased set-up programmed “in classic M style”, while the active differential distributes power variably across the rear axle as required. The xDrive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to smooth out the power transfer process, while an “optimised” oil supply system ensures a constant level of performance even under consistent hard driving.
A bespoke control unit and wheel-slip limitation function allow for quick responses to any loss in traction, enhancing dynamic performance and making the M3 and M4 capable of “powering through corners in a controlled drift”.
In standard 4WD mode, the system maintains a mostly rear-wheel bias, while Sport mode relies more heavily on the back wheels and 2WD mode disconnects the front driveshafts entirely.
The reconfigured drivetrain is accompanied by a tweaked chassis set-up, with a bespoke steering ratio, redesigned front struts and retuned front axle geometry.
The xDrive cars arrive a few months ahead of the M4 Convertible’s debut, while the long-awaited, first-ever M3 Touring launches next year.
READ MORE
New BMW M3 and M4 Competition on sale from £74,755​
BMW M3 Competition review
BMW M4 Competition 2021 UK review​
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Felix Page
Title:Deputy editorFollow:
Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.
He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years.
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BMW M3 3.0 BiTurbo Competition Steptronic M XDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr £69,990 BMW M3 3.0 BiTurbo DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr £27,995 BMW M3 4.0 IV8 Limited Edition 500 DCT Euro 5 2dr £35,989 BMW M3 3.0 BiTurbo Competition DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr £29,490 BMW M3 3.0 BiTurbo Competition DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr £39,999 BMW M3 3.0 BiTurbo Competition DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr £34,950 BMW M3 3.0 BiTurbo Competition Steptronic M XDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr £65,495 BMW M3 Competition 3.0 BiTurbo Competition Steptronic M XDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr £69,000 BMW M3 3.0 BiTurbo Competition Steptronic M XDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr £65,990 View all 399 cars
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Log in or register to post comments Peter Cavellini 19 April 2021
Four doors, a decent boot, who cares how far it goes , it's how you get there!
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Title: Deputy editor Follow: 
£69,990 BMW M3 3.0 BiTurbo DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr 