The BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition Coupé can now be equipped with M xDrive all-wheel drive

Only a few days ago the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition Coupé went on sale in our country, with prices announced, and a couple of weeks later the German brand tells us that the family of its two mid-size sports cars is now being expanded with versions featuring xDrive all-wheel drive, which will go on sale next July.

Mechanically, both the BMW M3 Competition and the M4 Competition Coupé will continue to be powered by the six-cylinder inline engine with M TwinPower Turbo and 3,000 cc, delivering 510 CV together with 650 Nm of torque, paired with an M Steptronic automatic gearbox with Drivelogic and 8 speeds. For the first time on both models, this setup can send its power to all four wheels thanks to the intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system.

The M xDrive all-wheel drive system has been specifically tuned for the M3 Competition and the M4 Competition Coupé, using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case, which achieves a smooth and variable distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels. Its configuration prioritises sending power to the rear axle and, when necessary, the M xDrive system engages to send power to the front axle.

In this way, the transfer case features a dedicated control unit and an integrated limited-slip differential, allowing it to compensate for rotational differences between the rear and front axles without having to rely on central DSC intervention. As a result, both the M3 Competition and the M4 Competition Coupé improve in agility, dynamism and performance, as shown by their acceleration figures compared with the pure rear-wheel-drive versions: these are 0.4 seconds slower than their M xDrive siblings, which need just 3.5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.

It is worth noting that with the arrival of M xDrive all-wheel drive, both models have also received other mechanical modifications, such as a double-joint front axle with specifically adapted geometry and steering ratio. In addition, they feature an engine oil supply system that has also been redesigned, ensuring perfect lubrication for two vehicles with an extremely dynamic performance.

Another point to consider about the M xDrive system for the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition Coupé is that it allows the driver to adjust its characteristics and performance according to driving conditions or personal preference. The default setting is 4WD mode, offering maximum traction while prioritising the rear axle whenever conditions allow; the following 4WD Sport mode delivers greater torque to the rear axle even in aggressive driving situations, allowing controlled drifts; if DSC is switched off, 2WD mode is activated, transmitting power to the rear axle only. Furthermore, as with the pure rear-wheel-drive versions, the M traction control can be adjusted across up to 10 levels.