BMW Aus details M3 and M4 Competition xDrives

BMW AUSTRALIA has started detailing the looming xDrive versions of its new-generation M3 and M4 Competition, with the dynamic duo due to arrive Down Under in the final quarter of this year.

As previously reported by GoAuto, the M xDrive system is being reserved exclusively for the Competition versions of the M3 and M4 with the rear-wheel-drive versions having touched down in February.

Sporting the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder engine as the regular Competition, the xDrive twins develop an identical 375kW/650Nm with the only major mechanical difference being their all-paw traction.

As a result of that newfound traction, the new flagships will reportedly stop the clock from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds – 0.4s faster than the RWDs – making them the most potent BMW mid-sizers to date.

The xDrives are so quick off the mark in fact that even M5 Competition drivers would have to stay on their toes as just 0.2s separates the performance hero from its smaller siblings in the race from 0-100km/h (3.3s vs 3.5s).

While changes under the bonnet are far from abundant, the BMW M engineers have set about optimising the xDrives’ underpinnings, adding a double-joint spring strut front axle, adapting the front-axle geometry, and speccing an individually tuned steering ratio and revised oil supply system.

Taking a leaf out of arch-rival Mercedes-AMG’s book, the M xDrive system fitted to the new M3 and M4 can essentially be switched off, resulting in a purely rear-wheel-drive experience.

When all is said and done, the system has three main driving modes – ‘4WD’, ‘4WD Sport’ and ‘2WD’ – with each channelling different amounts of power between the front and rear axles.

In all settings, there is a “distinct” rear biased with the name of the game for ‘4WD’ being to maximise traction.

4WD Sport ramps up the rear bias while 2WD does exactly what it says.

Whatever the drive mode, the AWD system is supplemented and supported by a 10-stage traction control system with drivers able to store their preferred set-up via either of the M1 or M2 individual functions.

“The objective is to produce a supremely dynamic driving experience that blends the customary M feeling with noticeably enhanced traction and directional stability,” BMW said in a statement.

The Competition xDrive arrival in Australia will blow the local M3/M4 line-up out to six variants, a number that will tick up again to at least seven when the M4 Convertible also touches down before the year is out.

The line-up could well be expanded yet again in 2022 if BMW Australia manages to secure the M3 Touring a local launch – a spokesperson confirmed to GoAuto its hand is firmly in air – and that’s before we mention the expected CS and/or CSL versions emerge.

830 new 3 Series’ were delivered in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the 790 examples shifted over the same period last year, marking a sales increase of 5.1 per cent.

While not seeing the same sorts of volume, 4 Series sales are up 205.6 per cent year to date with 217 units shifted compared to the 71 sold in the first quarter of 2020.