2022 BMW M3 and M4 Competition xDrive AWD First Look: x(Drive) Marks the M Spot

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"BMW's not done tweaking its latest M3 sedan and M4 coupe, as the German automaker announced the forthcoming arrival of the all-wheel-drive 2022 M3 Competition xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive (xDrive is BMW-speak for AWD). As the ""Competition"" in the two cars' names imply, both of these 2022 models build on today's rear-drive M3 Competition and M4 Competition trims by literally throwing in an extra driven axle. "

In other words, this means these AWD additions offer a mighty 503-hp from the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 that resides under each models' hood. It also means an eight-speed automatic serves as the sole gearbox on offer. Want to row your own gears? Then you'll have to forgo all-wheel-drive and stick with the 473-hp engine that powers run-of-the-mill (non-Competition) iterations of the 2021 M3 and M4. 

BMW, however, fits both the M3 Competition and M4 Competition with a set of paddle shifters in order to afford some control of the self-shifting transmission. 

Opting for all-wheel-drive noticeably improves these two BMWs' straight-line performance, too. Whereas the rear-drive M3 Competition and M4 Competition need a manufacturer-estimated 3.8 seconds to scoot to 60 mph, the xDrive cars require just 3.4 seconds, per BMW (likely due to their extra traction off the line). 

Nor should these AWD Bimmers be any less fun to hoon than their RWD counterparts. Credit the rear-biased nature of the AWD system. The setup offers three drive modes: the default 4WD setting, the racier 4WD Sport option, and the drift-friendly 2WD mode (which is only available when stability control is off). 

Additionally, BMW equips the M3 Competition xDrive and M4 Competition xDrive with standard, staggered 19- and 20-inch front and rear wheels and tires (this setup is currently optional on the rear-drive cars), as well as a quicker 14.6:1 steering ratio in place of the two-wheel-drive models' 15.0:1 gear. BMW also notes it's fiddled with the geometry of the vehicles' front axles, as well as the cars' oil systems, in order to accommodate the addition of AWD. 

Look for the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive and 2022 BMW M4 Competition xDrive to arrive in August with starting sums of $77,895 and $79,795, respectively, or $4,100 more than the base prices of the 2021 M3 Competition and 2021 M4 Competition.