Premiere of M xDrive in the BMW M3 and BMW M4

M xDrive is a special all-wheel drive system for the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and BMW M4 Competition Coupe that delivers even more dynamics, agility and precision. Commercialization of additional versions of the model will begin in July 2021.

Premiere M xDrive

More power, more drive wheels, more unmistakable M feel: just a few months after the launch of the new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M GmbH is expanding its range with two additional versions. For the first time, M xDrive all-wheel drive will be available on high-performance sports cars in the premium mid-range segment. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive (combined fuel consumption: 10.1-10.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 231-228 g/km) and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé provide precise control of the all-wheel drive transmission. (fuel consumption combined: 10.1-10.0 l/100 km CO2 emissions combined: 230-227 g/km) for excellent driving dynamics.

In the new models, the power of the 375 kW (510 hp) 6-cylinder in-line engine is transmitted through an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and special M all-wheel drive. , driving stability, traction and racing dynamics. This allows you to experience the performance characteristics typical of M, which are manifested, among other things, in even better acceleration. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive will be launched in July 2021.

M xDrive and Active M Differential provide excellent driving dynamics

As an alternative to classic rear-wheel drive, the M xDrive system impresses on many BMW M GmbH sports models with its independent gearbox control. All-wheel drive is complemented by an active M differential, which smoothly distributes torque between the rear wheels as needed. This optimizes the transmission of torque without loss, especially in very sporty driving and on roads with reduced grip on one side. To ensure interoperability in any driving situation, the M xDrive system and the M active differential, together with the special M traction control system, are linked to DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). The goal is an extremely dynamic driving experience that combines the characteristic M experience with a noticeable improvement in traction and road holding.

The M xDrive system distributes torque continuously and fully adaptively between the front and rear wheels via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The optimized lubrication of the multi-plate clutch keeps the adaptive power distribution stable even during intense driving on the race track. Power is transmitted to the front and rear differentials via driveshafts that have been specially developed for the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive, as are the output shafts that transmit the torque to the wheels. Typical of the M is the larger rear-wheel drive. In normal driving, all power is sent to the rear wheels. Only when they reach the limits of grip do the front wheels join.

The transfer box has a model-specific controller and a wheel slip limitation function. As a result, the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels is smoothed out independently and very quickly, without feedback, using the central DSC controller. This results in an optimized performance of the all-wheel drive, which in particular makes it possible to perceive the typical independence of the M even more intensely in very dynamic driving situations, such as cornering in controlled skidding.

The improved traction, driving stability, agility and dynamics associated with the M xDrive all-wheel drive and active M differential also improve driving performance. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Thus, they are only 0.4 seconds ahead of the equivalent Competition models with rear-wheel drive.

The dynamic drivetrain of the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive is provided by standard 19" M light alloy wheels at the front and 20" at the rear. The double-spoke forged wheels in Jet Black are fitted with 275/35 R19 tires at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. These sizes also include optional race track tires.

Deep technical changes for optimal properties

In addition to the all-wheel drive technology, the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the new BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive feature a front axle specially developed for this model with double-jointed suspension struts. It has a modified front axle geometry and an independent steering ratio. With these far-reaching all-wheel drive modifications, both the previous pure rear-wheel drive models and the new M xDrive-equipped versions exhibit the uncompromising steering behavior typical of M. In addition, the all-wheel drive versions have a specially developed engine oil supply option for maximum dynamics.

Three M xDrive modes provide a customized M.

In addition, the M xDrive system allows the driver to adapt all-wheel drive performance to the driving situation and individual preferences. The selected setting can be specified directly in the M operating system menu. Three transmission modes are available for the drive to choose from. In its base setting, 4WD all-wheel drive provides maximum traction and precise ride control, combined with a noticeable advantage in transferring power to the rear wheels. In 4WD Sport mode, even more torque is transferred to the rear wheels in extremely dynamic driving situations. This increases the maneuverability of the vehicle.

The linear increase in lateral forces typical of the M now also allows sliding to be controlled. In addition, 2WD mode is available when the DSC system is off. In this setting, only the rear wheels are driven, whose traction, as with pure rear wheel drive models, can be finely adjusted up to 10 degrees using the optional M traction control. Enjoy a particularly clean driving experience and keep improving your skills. with optional M Drift Analyzer.

The preferred M xDrive mode can be defined and saved with settings for engine characteristics, damper maps, steering characteristics, braking system and other parameters in two separate M Drive configurations M1 and M2. The settings can be spontaneously activated at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.

M individual experience: six models and six different characters

By introducing two model variants with all-wheel drive, BMW M GmbH creates a unique variety in the high-performance middle class segment. The combination of rear-wheel drive and 6-speed manual transmission gives the BMW M3 Sedan an edge (fuel consumption combined: 10.2-9.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 231-226 g/km) and BMW M4 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 10.2 - 9.9 l/100 km combined CO2 emissions: 231 - 226 g/km) is unbeatable. The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic also sends rear-wheel drive to the BMW M3 Competition Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 9.8-9.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 224-219 g/ km) and the BMW M4 Competition. Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 9.8-9.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 224-219 g/km).

They were joined for the first time by the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and the BMW M4 Competition Coupe with M xDrive. Thus, the latest generation of models already offers six separate models, each of which is an ideal sports car with high performance and unlimited functionality in everyday use. And that's not all it takes to experience the performance of the M in a version tailored to your personal style. Later this year, the range will be expanded with a new version of the BMW M4 Convertible.

Photo: BMW