BMW M3 and M4 AWD pricing revealed

BMW Australia has announced pricing and specification details for the first-ever all-wheel drive BMW M3 and M4 performance cars ahead of their arrival in the final quarter of this year.

Taking the total number of MY22 BMW M3 and M4 variants to three and four respectively, the addition of xDrive AWD power will increase pricing by $6000 over their equivalent rear-drive siblings but will drop the M3 and M4’s all-important acceleration times significantly.

There are three all-wheel drive variants to choose from: the BMW M3 Competition xDrive sedan (priced from $160,900 plus on-road costs), BMW M4 Competition xDrive coupe (from $165,900) and BMW M4 Competition xDrive convertible (from $176,900).

The three all-paw models employ the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six petrol engine as their rear-drive siblings introduced earlier this year, offering a Competition-spec 375kW/650Nm and paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The M3 and M4 coupe can both notch triple figures from rest in a claimed 3.5 seconds, while the M4 convertible does so in 3.7sec. That compares with 3.9sec for the existing rear-drive M3 sedan and M4 coupe.

Apart from sending power to all four wheels for improved grip and acceleration, the AWD-equipped M cars have the ability to decouple the front diff and send 100 per cent of engine torque to the rear axle.

There are three selectable modes – 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD – as well as a limited-slip Active M Differential at the rear axle. There’s also a centre diff that decides where to apportion torque in 4WD mode, depending on the circumstances, via several sensors and driver inputs through throttle position, steering angle, etc.

Other changes include a double-joint spring strut front axle with new front axle geometry, a recalibrated steering ratio and revised engine oil supply system.

Running gear includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloy wheels, shod with 275/35 front and 285/30 rear tyres, with optional up-spec $2000 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero Corsa track rubber on the menu too.

While we’re on the subject of options, buyers can further tailor their ride with carbon-ceramic brakes ($16,500), an M carbon exterior package ($9500) and lightweight M carbon seats which shed 9.6kg ($7500). Or you can combine all three for a grand sum of $26,000.

Over regular M3 and M4 models, xDrive variants also add an interior and exterior mirror package, carbon-fibre roof (coupe and sedan only) and an air collar (convertible only).

BMW’s M division isn’t done with the current-generation M3 and M4 just yet, either, with an M3 Touring wagon set to launch later in 2022.

Recent spy shots from Germany also show what appears to be a track-honed BMW M4 CS model, or potentially even the long-awaited BMW M4 CSL.

How much does the 2022 BMW M3 and M4 cost?
M3 sedan manual – $144,900
M3 Competition sedan auto – $154,900
M3 Competition sedan xDrive auto – $160,900

M4 coupe manual – $149,900
M4 Competition coupe auto – $159,900
M4 Competition coupe xDrive auto – $165,900
M4 Competition convertible xDrive auto – $176,900
* Prices exclude on-road costs