04/19/2021
BMW
August 2021 will see the arrival of the new M xDrive-equipped M3 and M4 Competition models, for the first time ever. The additional traction will enable the full 479 lb.-ft. of torque to be used to a greater extent during both acceleration and dynamic driving.
The fully-variable, rear-biased system distributes torque between the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. An Active M differential takes care of torque distribution at the rear axle. Torque is directed to the rear wheels during normal driving, providing the classic rear-wheel drive experience. Only when additional traction is required, is torque sent to the front axle.
Both the M xDrive and Active M differential are connected directly to the Dynamic Stability Control System ensuring quicker responses in improving agility and controlling both understeer and oversteer. The transfer case also features a unique control unit and integrated traction control. This enables it to compensate for any differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels quickly, without having to involve the central DSC computer. This results in enhanced all-wheel-drive performance in highly dynamic driving situations, such as powering through corners in a controlled drift.
The M xDrive system also offers a choice of three drive modes: 4WD - the default setting with rear-wheel biased torque distribution focused on traction and precisely controlled handling. 4WD Sport - directs greater percentage of torque to the rear during dynamic driving and is designed to work particularly well on track environments. 2WD - requires DCS to be turned off and affords experienced drivers a pure rear-wheel drive experience without any system intervention.
The improvements in traction, handling stability and agility delivered by the combination of M xDrive and Active M Differential also translate into improved acceleration. The BMW M3 Competition xDrive Sedan and BMW M4 Competition xDrive Coupe both need just 3.4 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill, making them 0.4 seconds quicker here than their rear-wheel-drive counterparts. Depending on the specification, the top speed is 155 mph or 180 mph.
The Competition xDrive models are equipped with forged M light-alloy 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels shod with 275/35ZR19 and 285/30ZR20 non-runflat performance tires. The redesigned front axle geometry and a retuned steering ratio - from 15.0:1 to 14.6:1 - ensure that the all-wheel drive variants deliver the agility that the BMW M driver expects. The oil system has been adapted to handle the increased traction and performance.
Exterior colors
The 2021 M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe feature two non-metallic colors, eight metallic colors (seven for M4) and two frozen matt colors to choose from.
Alpine White
Sao Paolo Yellow (new)
Black Sapphire Metallic
Brooklyn Grey Metallic (new)
Isle of Man Green Metallic (new)
Oxide Grey Metallic (new, for M3 core model only)
Portimao Blue Metallic
Toronto Red Metallic
Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Individual Dravit Grey Metallic
Individual Frozen Brilliant White Metallic (new)
Individual Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic (new)
Interior Upholstery and Trim
A choice of four standard Extended Merino Leather and four optional Full Merino Leather interiors is available.
Yas Marina Blue / Black Extended Merino Leather
Silverstone / Black Extended Merino Leather
Kyalami Orange / Black Extended Merino Leather
Black Extended Merino Leather
Yas Marina Blue / Black Full Merino Leather
Silverstone / Black Full Merino Leather
Kyalami Orange / Black Full Merino Leather
Black Full merino Leather
Aluminum Tetragon interior trim is standard.
Carbon Fiber trim or Individual Piano Black Finish trim are optional.
Standard Equipment
503 hp / 479 lb-ft of torque
19-inch / 20-inch Bi-color alloy wheels
8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission
M xDrive all-wheel drive
M Sport rear differential
Adaptive M Suspension
M Drive modes
Power, heated front M Sport seats with lumbar support
Rear view camera
Ambient interior lighting
M Seat belts
Anthracite headliner
Aluminum Tetragon interior trim
Park distance control
Automatic high beams
Automatic climate control
Dynamic cruise control
Extended Shadowline exterior trim
Tire pressure monitor
Mobility tire inflator kit
Alarm system
Comfort access keyless entry
Auto dimming exterior and interior mirrors
Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7
Harman-Kardon surround sound audio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
SiriusXM with 360L and 1-year all-access subscription
Connected Package Pro
ConnectedDrive Services
Active Protection
Automatic front seat belt tensioning
Automatic closing of windows and moonroof
Fatigue and Focus Alert
Post-crash braking
Active Driving Assistant
Lane Departure Warning
Speed limit Information
Active Blind Spot Detection
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Rear Collision Preparation
Packages and Optional Equipment
Packages include:
Parking Assistance Package
Parking Assistance Package Plus
Drive Recorder
Executive Package
Heated Steering Wheel
Power trunk lid
Icon Adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight
Head-Up Display
Wireless Charging for compatible mobile devices
Gesture Control
WiFi Hotspot with 3 GB or 3-month trial
Driving Assistance Professional Package
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways
Active Lane Keeping Assistant
Active Blind Spot Protection
Evasion Aid
Front and rear cross-traffic alert
Stand-alone options include:
M Drive Professional
19-inch / 20-inch Jet Black alloy wheels
M Carbon Ceramic brakes
M Compound brakes with red calipers
M Compound brakes with black calipers
BMW Performance Design elements deletion
Individual Shadowline lights
Moonroof (no-cost, replaces CFRP roof with steel roof)
Front ventilated seats
M Carbon bucket seats
Carbon Fiber trim
Individual Piano Black Finish trim
M Carbon Exterior Package
M Driver's Package - Voucher for BMW driver training and increased top speed limiter of 180 mph.