BMW tends to throw M3 curved balls, as I explained, and here’s the last effort – albeit less surprisingly -. This is the new BMW M3 (and M4) with all-wheel drive that offers what can be described with sensitivity as … amazing rhythm.
Officially called the M3 Competition xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive, each car is equipped with the same 503 hp, 3.0-liter, turbocharged as a standard six coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, suitable here with a specific 4WD configuration M3 and M4.
BMW tells us that there is a trend behind the system – “in the classic M style” – although each car is comfortably faster than its rear-wheel drive counterpart. BMW drops 0-62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds faster. Three point five.
There is a multi-plate clutch in the transfer case with an “optimized” oil source, which, BMW assures us, means that the configuration works “even in difficult running conditions on the track”. The drive shafts and output shafts are, of course, customized to 4WD models.
The set-up is paired with an active M dif and DSC (stability control), again – says BMW – to make it extremely sharp and fun, only with a higher load. Other oil improvements for 4WD cars cover some changes to the suspension geometry and a new steering ratio, while there is also a new engine oil supply system.
Now, under normal conditions, both cars are essentially rear-wheel drive, the front difference only wakes up when things get lighter. But there are ways to play, one of which is actually a 2WD mode that – once the traction control is turned off – makes it drive only in the back.
Then come ten traction control settings and, of course, M Drift Analyzer. You’ve probably thought about the latter feature. Prices for the M3 xDrive start at £ 77,015 – a few thousand more than the RWD version – while the M4 xDrive starts at £ 78,315, a premium of two thousand.
It is suspected that the new grip of M3 and M4 and the tiring pace would cope with the curve of its existence, but is it worth the extra expense?