M xDrive now also in the BMW M3 (G80) and M4 (G82)!

More performance, more driven wheels, more incomparable M feeling: a few months after the start of sales for the new BMW M3 Sedan and the new BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M GmbH is adding two additional variants to the range of models in this series. For the first time, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system will be available for high-performance sports cars in the premium mid-range segment. The precisely controlled power transmission to all four wheels helps the models BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive to achieve superior dynamics.

BMW M3 (G80) and M4 (G82)

The new models distribute the power of their 375 kW / 510 PS in-line six-cylinder engine via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and with the help of the M-specific all-wheel drive in an ideal ratio between the two in favor of agility, driving stability, traction and racing-oriented dynamics Front and rear axles.

As a result, a particularly fascinating expression of the typical M performance characteristics can be experienced, which is reflected, among other things, in further improved acceleration values. The market launch of the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive will begin in July 2021.

M xDrive and Active M Differential for superior dynamics.

As an alternative to classic rear-wheel drive, the M xDrive system already impresses in a large number of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH with its independently coordinated power transmission control. The all-wheel drive is supplemented by the Active M Differential, with which the drive torque is distributed between the rear wheels as required and fully variably. This optimizes the loss-free transmission of the drive torque, especially with a particularly sporty driving style and on roads with reduced grip on one side.

The M xDrive system and the Active M Differential, including integrated M-specific traction control, are networked with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system for interaction that is precisely tailored to the respective driving situation. The focus is on a maximum dynamic driving experience, in which the characteristic M feeling is combined with a noticeable increase in traction and driving stability.

The M xDrive system distributes the drive torque continuously and fully variably between the front and rear wheels with the help of an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The optimized oil supply of the multi-plate clutch enables sustained performance of the variable power distribution even with accelerated race track operation. Power is transmitted to the front and rear axle drives via cardan shafts, which were designed specifically for the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive, as are the output shafts, via which the drive torque reaches the wheels. M typical is the rear-wheel design of the all-wheel drive system. In normal driving situations, the driving force is fully directed to the rear wheels. Only when these reach the limits of power transmission are the front wheels included.

The transfer case has a model-specific control unit and an integrated wheel slip limiter. This enables it to compensate for differences in speed between the front and rear wheels independently and particularly quickly without feedback from the central DSC control. This leads to optimized all-wheel performance, which in particular makes M typical sovereignty in highly dynamic driving situations such as cornering in controlled drift tangible even more intensely.

The increase in traction, driving stability, agility and dynamics associated with the use of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the active M differential is also reflected in superior acceleration. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive both accelerate from zero to 3,5 km / h in 100 seconds. This undercuts the corresponding competition models with pure rear-wheel drive by 0,4 seconds.

The dynamic power transmission to the road in the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and in the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive takes place via standard M light alloy wheels measuring 19 inches on the front and 20 inches on the rear axle. The forged wheels in the double-spoke design and in the color jet black are fitted with 275/35 R19 tires at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. Track tires designed for use on the racetrack are optionally available in these sizes.

Profound technical changes for optimal characteristics.

In addition to their all-wheel drive technology, the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the new BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive have a model-specific, newly designed double-joint strut front axle. It has an adapted front axle geometry and an independent steering ratio. These far-reaching all-wheel-specific changes ensure that both the previous models, which are driven solely by rear wheels, as well as the new versions equipped with M xDrive, display uncompromisingly designed, M-typical steering behavior. In addition, the all-wheel-drive model variants use a specifically designed version of the engine oil supply designed for maximum dynamics.

Three M xDrive modes enable an individual M feeling.

In addition, the M xDrive system offers the driver the option of adapting the characteristics and performance properties of the all-wheel drive to the respective driving situation and individual preferences. The desired setting can be specified directly in the setup menu of the M-specific operating system. There are three power transmission modes to choose from. In the basic setting 4WD, the all-wheel drive system guarantees a high level of traction as well as precisely controllable handling properties in connection with the rear-wheel-focused coordination of the power distribution that can be felt at all times. In the 4WD Sport mode, even in particularly dynamic driving situations, an even higher proportion of the drive torque is transmitted to the rear wheels. This increases the agility of the vehicle.

The typical M linear build-up of lateral forces now also enables controlled drifts. If DSC is deactivated, the 2WD mode is also available. In this setting, only the rear wheels are driven, the traction of which can be fine-tuned in ten stages using the optional M Traction Control, analogous to the models with pure rear-wheel drive. With this form of power transmission and without stabilizing interventions by the chassis control systems, experienced drivers can enjoy a particularly puristic driving experience and further improve their skills with the help of the optional M Drift Analyzer.

The preferred M xDrive mode can be specified and saved together with the settings for engine characteristics, damper characteristics, steering characteristics, braking system and other parameters as part of the two individual M Drive configurations M1 and M2. The two setups can then be called up spontaneously at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.

M Feeling made to measure: Six individual vehicle characters.

With the addition of two all-wheel drive model variants, BMW M GmbH is creating a unique variety in the mid-range high-performance automobile segment. The BMW M3 Sedan and the BMW M4 Coupé have a unique selling point in the competitive environment with their combination of rear-wheel drive and manual 6-speed transmission.

The drive power in the BMW M8 Competition Sedan and in the BMW M3 Competition Coupé is also sent to the rear wheels via an 4-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

They are now joined by the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive, which are being offered for the first time. In the latest generation of models, there are already six individual vehicle characters to choose from, each of which is tailor-made as a sovereign high-performance sports car with unlimited suitability for everyday use. And with that, the possibilities of experiencing a personal style-oriented expression of the typical M high-performance properties are not exhausted. Later in the year, the model range will be expanded to include the new edition of the BMW M4 Convertible.

The new models BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive can be ordered from dealers from mid-May.