The all-wheel drive BMW M3 and M4 Competition xDrive variants have been priced for the local market as flagship variants of the range, for the time being. Revealed just three months ago, the two models are aimed at consumers that wish to extract the full potential of the car’s dynamic capabilities.
For the BMW M3 and M4 Competition xDrive, the local arm is asking R1 937 812 and R2 017 812 respectively; this equates to a R58 630 premium over the rear-wheel driven derivatives. Where standard spec is concerned, both examples will offer the same standard Competition kit.
This includes key standard features such as the adaptive M suspension, the M Sport differential, an M Carbon roof, the LCD display key, park assist plus, adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, a head-up display among other goodies.
Where performance is concerned, both the BMW M3 and M4 Competition xDrive retain the S58 twin-turbocharged 3,0-litre straight-six engine with a power output of 375 kW and 750 N.m of torque which results into an improved 0-100 km/h time of 3,5 seconds; 0,4 seconds faster than the rear-wheel drive models. Top speed remains unchanged at 290 km/h.
However, both the BMW M3 and M4 Competition xDrive boast a claimed kerb mass of 1 855 kg and 1 850 kg respectively which, based on our measurements, makes them close to 150 kg heavier. Furthermore, the claimed combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for both models sees an increase of 0,8 L/100 km (to 10,2 L/100 km) and 11 g/km (to 232 g/km).
The BMW M3 and M4 Competition xDrive don’t just get a driveline added to the front axle. The performance arm has also adapted the suspension geometry as well as the steering ratio to suit the new AWD configuration. The xDrive models roll on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, featuring a twin-spoke design and Jet Black Finish.
If you want the best of both worlds, the xDrive duo comes with an Active M Differential, which allows for fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels as needed.
