The 2022 BMW M3 and M4 xDrive just broke cover with a brand-new all-wheel-drive system and even greater speed than the standard models. While these BMWs feature aesthetic elements that remain as striking as ever, there are tons of performance-oriented ingredients on offer. As you might expect, the added system commands a sizable premium over the standard model.

According to BMW’s press release, you can only get all-wheel drive on the top Competition models. Additionally, you can’t have the all-wheel-drive variants with the model’s base six-speed manual transmission. Thankfully, what you give up in engagement, you get back in outright speed.

What are the 2022 BMW M3 and M4 xDrive?

Looks aside, the 2022 BMW M3 and M4 xDrive carry some notable changes to their respective powertrains. As with the standard models, these all-wheel-drive variants are mechanically identical. The only main difference comes in the form two extra doors and greater interior space in the M3.

Despite sending power to the front wheels, this brand-new system remains rear-biased, just like in the larger M5. As a result, these models should still be able to pull off some massive powerslides. A multi-plate clutch distributes the available power between the front wheels, while an active differential takes care of the rear wheels.

In most cases, these cars send most of their power to the rear wheels. The front wheels get power only when it is necessary for extra performance. If you want a rear-wheel-drive experience, you can opt to send all of the available power to the 2022 BMW M3 and M4 xDrive’s rear wheels.

How much faster are these all-wheel-drive variants?

As you might imagine, giving the 2022 BMW M3 and M4 xDrive extra traction also results in extra weight. In the case of the M3 Competition, we see an increase of 100 lb and 99 lb for the M4 Competition. As a result, these new models tip the scales at 3,990 lb and 3,979 lb, respectively.

Despite adding a couple of extra pounds, you get a massive bump in performance. Under the hood, you’ll still find the same 3.0-liter straight-six engine as in the standard model. The 503-hp and 479 lb-ft power output of the Competition models also remain unchanged.

The only transmission option available is an eight-speed automatic. However, the added traction now allows these cars to reach 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. That is an improvement of 0.4 seconds.

How much do the 2022 BMW M3 and M4 cost?

As mentioned earlier, the 2022 BMW M3 and M4 xDrive carry a sizable premium over the standard rear-wheel-drive models. Previously the standard M3 and M4 Competition models started at $72,800 and $74,700, respectively. However, these new models come in at $76,900 for the M3 and $78,800 for the M4, marking an even price bump of $4,100.

While it is easy to get wrapped up in the latest and greatest release, it is also worth noting that the base models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission cost less, weigh less, and still hit 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.