Bye-Bye Rear-Wheel-Drive! The Evolution of the BMW M4 into an xDrive Exclusive Beast
BMW UK's latest announcement signals a seismic shift in the automotive landscape, particularly for enthusiasts of the iconic M4 coupé. At the heart of this transition is the 2024 BMW 5 Series Touring, a pioneer with its plug-in hybrid and electric-only powertrains, sidelining models powered purely by fossil fuels. This approach extends to the M4 LCI portfolio, which has been streamlined to redefine performance dynamics.
Future buyers seeking the thrill of driving the M4 will encounter a significant change: the absence of a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant. This pivot to a strictly xDrive setup, mirroring the global strategy with the G83 M4 Convertible, marks a bold move for BMW UK. From the get-go, the base M4 was off the table for enthusiasts, signifying a shift towards more exclusive, competition-oriented offerings. Consequently, the dream of manipulating a six-speed manual gearbox, paralleling the elusive M3, remains just that—a dream.
The intrigue deepens with the updated G82 M4’s transition to xDrive exclusivity. BMW UK’s choice hikes the starting price of the M4 Coupe to £87,375, a significant uptick from the pre-LCI model priced at £83,810. Despite the disappearance of the RWD variant, it’s not all doom and gloom. The xDrive system harbors a secret weapon—a selectable pure RWD mode—offering a nod to purists craving that tail-happy driving experience.
Underlying this strategic realignment is a boost in performance for the M4 Competition xDrive, which now flaunts an exhilarating 523 hp in the UK and globally. Anticipation buzzes for the forthcoming M4 CS, promising an astounding 543 hp. This revelation, extracted from an internal BMW database, indicates a relentless pursuit of power and precision. Already, the UK configurator for the M4 Competition xDrive whets the appetites of prospective owners.
BMW has slated production of the M4 facelift to commence in March, with deliveries to eager UK customers beginning in April. Among the upgrades, laser taillights—first debuted on the M4 CSL—stand as a testament to BMW's commitment to innovation, available exclusively with the adaptive matrix LED headlights.
In the evolving world of performance coupes, the M4's step into an xDrive-only realm represents a bold reimagining of what it means to drive an M4. It’s a world where power meets precision, where technology reigns supreme, and where the thrill of driving evolves with the times.