First introduced here at the tail end of 2020, BMW Malaysia today updated its M3 and M4 Competition offerings with the availability of the optional M xDrive all-wheel drive variants, following its global launch last year.
The BMW M3 Competition with M xDrive starts at RM797,860 (or RM827,800 with five-year extended warranty and service package), while the M4 Competition with M xDrive starts at RM818,860 (or RM848,800 with five-year extended warranty and service package), making them both over RM100k dearer than the standard rear-wheel drive counterparts.
Both figures are on the road and without insurance, although they do include the sales and service tax (SST) as deliveries are only expected to begin after the current exemptions period ends on the 30th of June this year.
The models mark the first time that a BMW M3 and M4 are offered with all-wheel drive propulsion, and features a system derived from the M5 and M8 consisting of an electronic multi-plate clutch for variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles.
This is further complemented by na Active M Differential on the rear axle that further splits the engine’s power between the two rear wheels to provide even better traction, agility, and directional stability on roads with differing levels of grip.
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Drivers can choose from three different modes – 4WD for maximum traction, 4WD Sport which provides a greater rear torque bias, and 2WD for, well, hooning. However, it’s important to note that even in the most-extreme 4WD mode, the system is still deliberately rear-wheel biased.
To fit the M xDrive all-wheel drive system into the M3 and M4 Competition, BMW also had to design a bespoke transfer case control unit and wheel slip control system, plus a rework to the car’s suspension geometry and steering ratio.
Despite the new driveline, the heart of the two new variants remain unchanged, with power coming from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine making 510 hp and 650 Nm of torque. Paired to the eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox and the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the new models sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds – 0.4 seconds quicker than the standard RWD cars.
Top speed is limited at 250 km/h, but can be raised to 290 km/h if you tick the box for the M Drivers Package during your order.
BMW Malaysia did not release any detail on the new variants’ equipment list, although we are not expecting anything too drastically different from thei regular RWD counterparts. As before, both the exterior and interior equipment can be customised to your liking with items such as the M Performance Parts package.
