M xDRIVE TO DELIVER ALL-PAW TRACTION FOR BMW M3 AND M4 COMPETITION, ARRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND Q4, 2021.

• Celebrated BMW M xDrive system offered for the first time on BMW M3 and M4 Competition models
• Local deliveries in New Zealand to commence in Q4, 2021
• BMW M-specific all-wheel-drive system divides power between front and rear wheels as required to enhance agility, directional stability and traction
• Standard 0-100km/h sprint time reduced from 3.9 to just 3.5 seconds
• Other revisions include addition of double-joint spring strut front axle, revised front axle geometry, individually tuned steering ratio and revised oil supply system
• M xDrive models to bring M3 and M4 line-up to four variants
• Pricing and specification to be announced ahead of local launch

BMW M has expanded the line-up of its sixth-generation BMW M3 and M4 models with the addition of variants featuring the celebrated M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

This marks the first time M xDrive has been offered on the iconic M3 and M4 models and will further elevate the performance characteristics of the M3 and M4 with enhanced traction and faster acceleration.

The new M xDrive models will arrive in New Zealand for local deliveries by the end of 2021.

M xDrive and Active M Differential for superior handling dynamics

The M xDrive system has long been known for delivering a sure-footed, yet smile-inducing alternative to the classic rear-wheel-drive layout for a host of BMW M models such as the M5 Competition and M8 Competition.

M xDrive teams up with an Active M Differential to ensure fully variable distribution of drive torque between the rear wheels as the situation demands.

This intelligent all-wheel drive system aids torque transfer from wheels to road without any loss of power, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side.

When integrated the car’s onboard M-specific traction control, the system judges driving situations at hand precisely to send power to where it is needed most.

The objective is to produce a supremely dynamic driving experience that blends the customary M feeling with noticeably enhanced traction and directional stability.

The M xDrive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case for smoothly adjustable, fully variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels.

The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply is also optimised to keep the variable power splitting mechanism performing effectively even under hard driving on the track.

The task of transmitting power to the front and rear differentials is handled by driveshafts engineered specifically for the BMW M3 Competition Sedan and BMW M4 Competition Coupé xDrive models. The output shafts that relay the drive torque to the wheels are likewise bespoke elements.

The all-wheel-drive system has a rear-biased setup in classic M style. Typically, drive power is channelled entirely to the rear, with the front wheels only being brought into play when the system detects that the rear has run out of grip.

The transfer case features a bespoke control unit and integrated wheel slip limitation. This enables it to compensate for any differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels exceptionally quickly without having to involve the central DSC management.

This results in enhanced all-wheel-drive performance whose principal effect is to further intensify the sense of unshakable poise M models are renowned for in highly dynamic driving situations, such as powering through corners in a controlled drift.

The improvements in traction, handling stability, agility and dynamism brought about by the combination of M xDrive and Active M Differential also translate into superior sprinting ability.

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 100km/h mark from standstill, making them 0.4 seconds quicker than their rear-wheel-drive equivalents.

Major technical modifications optimise performance characteristics

The all-wheel-drive technology in the new variants is complemented by a double-joint spring strut front axle redesigned for these models and featuring specially adapted front axle geometry and an individually tuned steering ratio.

These extensive bespoke modifications for the all-wheel-drive system ensure that both the existing pure rear-wheel-drive variants and their new M xDrive siblings stand out with their engineered-without-compromise, signature M steering characteristics.

The all-wheel-drive models additionally benefit from a specially adapted version of the engine oil supply system designed to handle extremely dynamic performance.

Three M xDrive modes enable customised M experience

M xDrive also allows the driver to tailor the car’s all-wheel-drive system to the driving situation and their individual preferences.

The desired setting can be selected directly from the Setup menu of the M-specific operating system, with a choice of three different power transmission modes.

In the default 4WD setting, the all-wheel-drive system offers maximum traction and precisely controllable handling while maintaining a distinctly rear-biased power split.

Activating 4WD Sport mode directs an even greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, even in extremely dynamic driving situations.

The linear build-up of lateral forces characteristic of M models also makes it possible to execute controlled drifts. Drivers can also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode, where drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels.

Traction can be finely adjusted through 10 stages via the M Traction Control in the same way as on the rear-wheel-drive models.

This form of power transmission without any intervention from the chassis control systems to stabilise the vehicle allows seasoned drivers to enjoy a driving experience of remarkable purity and hone their skills with help of the M Drift Analyser.

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.

Individual M feeling: four models each with their own character

With the addition of all-wheel-drive model variants to the range, BMW M now offers an unrivalled variety of high-performance mid-size models in New Zealand.

The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé offer a unique selling point over their rivals with their combination of rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Drive power in the BMW M3 Competition Sedan and BMW M4 Competition Coupé is likewise directed to the rear wheels, though on these models via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

This pair will shortly be joined by the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive.

Later in 2022, M customers in New Zealand will find even greater scope for high performance variety when the all-new BMW M4 Convertible joins the line-up.

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