Yahoo Autos The 2022 BMW M3 and M4 Competition xDrive Are Rear-Wheel Drive Until You Need More Traction
BMW today released new details of the new all-wheel-drive variants of the M3 and M4. Available only on Competition-trimmed models from August 2021 onward, xDrive M3s and M4s will use an advanced drivetrain similar to the system found in the M5, and cost $4500 more than the equivalent rear-wheel-drive models.
The xDrive system in the new M3 and M4 is centralized around an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the center that distributes torque between the front and rear axles. According to BMW, torque is sent only to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. Only when the car senses a loss of traction will it redirect torque to the front. The aim is to retain "the classic rear-wheel-drive experience," says the company. Out back there's an electronically controlled active limited-slip differential to distribute power to the rear wheels.
Like the xDrive system in the M5 and M8, the one in the M3 and M4 will feature three modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD. 4WD is the default mode that biases torque to the rear based on traction, meant for everyday use and casual backroad carving. 4WD Sport sends more power to the rear "during dynamic driving," according to BMW. It's the mode you'll use if you want to set the quickest lap time. 2WD, as you've probably guessed, cuts off power to the front axle altogether, and sends everything to the rear. It's particularly useful for going drifting or doing donuts.
BMW says it's adjusted to the engine's oiling system to compensate for the increased lateral traction, shortened the steering ratio, and redesigned the front axle geometry to handle all of the new drivetrain equipment up front. The company says both cars can sprint to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than their rear-drive counterparts. Top speed is 155 mph or 180 mph if you option the M Driver's Package.
The xDrive option is only available on the M3 Competition and the M4 Competition. That means to get all-wheel drive, you'll have to drop the extra $2500 to upgrade from the base model. One benefit of that is the extra thrust: The twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six under the hood is rated at 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque—an extra 30 hp and 73 lb-ft over the standard cars. You also get 19-inch forged alloy wheels up front and 20s in the back, and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. Yep, that's right: You can't pair the six-speed manual to to either of these xDrive models.
Pricing for the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive starts at $76,900, while the M4 starts at $78,800. Tack on another $995 for destination.
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