Supercar pace for first all-wheel drive BMW M3 and M4

In a first for the BMW 3 Series-based high-performance twins, the 2021 BMW M3 Competition sedan and M4 Competition coupe will be fitted with the M xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Output from the BMW M3 and M4 Competition’s S58 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six engine remains unchanged at 375kW/650Nm, but flipping from rear- to all-wheel drive sees the 0-100km/h time for each model plummet from 3.9 seconds to a supercar-like 3.5sec.

BMW M3’s arch-rival, the Mercedes-AMG C 63, will be running a plug-in hybrid four-cylinder powertrain for the next-gen model, which will get at least 480kW of power and offer sub-3.5sec 0-100km/h acceleration, according to sources.

Pricing has not been announced for the new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 Competition M xDrive models, which are set to arrive in Australia from November 2021.

However, they are likely to add in excess of $5000 to the price of the current BMW M3 and M4 Competition, which currently stand at $154,900 and $159,900 respectively, given similar premiums announced in overseas markets.

Apart from sending power to all four wheels for improved grip and acceleration, several new features are available in the stove-hot AWD-equipped M cars, including the ability to decouple the front diff and shuffle 100 per cent of engine torque to the rear axle.

As with the BMW M5, the M xDrive system has a trio of driver-selectable modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD, and there’s also a limited-slip Active M Differential at the rear axle that enables torque vectoring/splitting between the left and right rear wheels.

The BMW M3 and M4 Competition’s M xDrive system has a centre diff as well, which decides where to apportion torque in 4WD mode, depending on the circumstances, via several sensors and driver inputs through throttle position, steering angle etc.

BMW’s M division engineers have also reworked the front suspension, adding a double-joint spring strut front axle with new front axle geometry, not to mention a recalibrated steering ratio and a revised engine oil supply system.

All the upgrades add weight, however, to the tune of around 50kg, taking total kerb mass to almost 1800kg.

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 Michelin rubber on the menu too.

BMW’s M division isn’t done with the current-generation M3 and M4 models just yet, either.

The BMW M4 Convertible is also coming later this year, while an M3 Touring is scheduled to launch 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.

Stay tuned for pricing and specifications on the new all-wheel drive BMW M3 and M4 Competition models, and watch this space for further details of even faster, lighter versions of the popular 3 Series and 4 Series cars.