BMW has debuted its new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe models with M xDrive a few weekends after the RWD models went on sale.
The new models are powered by the same S58 twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 375 kW and 650 Nm of torque. The difference here is that all that amount of grunt is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
Teaming up with the all-wheel-drive system is the Active M Differential, which also ensures fully variable distribution of drive torque between the rear wheels. This helps to transfer the drive torque to the road without any loss of power, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side.
The M xDrive system and the Active M Differential – complete with its integrated M-specific traction control – link up with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to ensure precisely judged interaction for the driving situation at hand.
The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive both need just 3.5 seconds to reach the 100 km/h mark from a standstill, making them 0.4 seconds quicker here than their rear-wheel-drive equivalents.
The dynamic transmission of power to the road in the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive takes place via standard M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear.
The forged wheels in twin-spoke design with a Jet Black finish are fitted with tyres measuring 275/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. Specially designed track tyres with the same dimensions are also available as an option.
Drivers can set and store their preferred M xDrive mode as part of the two individual M1 and M2 configurations, together with the settings for engine characteristics, damper response, steering characteristics, braking system and other parameters.
Either configuration can then be called up instantly at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
