Bespoke M xDrive all-wheel drive system for new generation of midsize M models • Enhanced traction enables both models to sprint from 0-62 mph in 3.5 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the rear-wheel drive models • Delivers track-focused performance with impeccable everyday usability • BMW M3 Competition Saloon M xDrive priced from £77,015 OTR • BMW M4 Competition Coupé M xDrive priced from £78,315 OTR • Production commencing in July 2021
Only weeks after launching the new BMW M3 Competition Saloon and BMW M4 Competition Coupé in the UK, BMW M GmbH is set to add another two variants to the model line-up by offering the M xDrive all-wheel drive system for the high-performance sports cars in the premium midsize segment for the first time.
With more driven wheels, the new BMW M3 Competition Saloon M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé M xDrive take the exclusive M feeling to an even higher level. The improvements in traction, handling stability and agility enable both models to reach 62mph from standstill in only 3.5 seconds, making them 0.4 seconds quicker on the sprint than their rear-wheel drive counterparts.
The power from the 510hp straight-six engine fitted in the new models is directed via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The M-specific all-wheel drive system then divides it between the front and rear wheels as required to enhance agility, directional stability, traction and track-focused dynamics. The all-wheel drive system has a rear-biased setup in classic M style. This system allows the driver to experience even more of the hallmark M performance characteristics reflected, among other things, in even quicker acceleration.
Model
Max Power (hp)
Peak Torque (Nm)
Acceleration (0-62mph)
Top Speed (mph) **
Fuel economy (mpg)*
CO2 emissions (g/km)*
OTR Price***
M3 Competition Saloon M xDrive
510
650
3.5
155
28.0-28.2
231–228
£77,015
M4 Competition Coupé M xDrive
510
650
3.5
155
28.0-28.2
230-227
£78,315
**Electronically governed. *** Preliminary on-the-road pricing, subject to confirmation of VED bands.
By introducing the M xDrive versions to the range, BMW M GmbH now offers an unrivalled variety of high-performance midsize models. All four versions of the latest model generation provide their own individual recipe for an exhilarating high-performance sports car that offers unrestricted everyday usability.
The production of the BMW M3 Competition Saloon M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé M xDrive will get underway in July 2021.
Customers will enjoy even more choice later in the year when these new models will be joined by the latest version of the BMW M4 Convertible.
M xDrive and Active M Differential for superior handling dynamics
The M xDrive system’s specially tuned power transmission control already provides an entertaining alternative to rear-wheel drive for a host of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. Teaming up with the all-wheel drive system is the Active M Differential that also ensures fully variable distribution of drive torque between the rear wheels as the situation demands. This helps to transfer the torque to the road without any loss of power, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side. The M xDrive system and the Active M Differential – complete with its integrated M-specific traction control – link up with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to ensure precisely judged interaction for the driving situation at hand. The clear aim is to produce a supremely dynamic driving experience that blends the customary M feeling with noticeably enhanced traction and directional stability.
The M xDrive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case for smoothly adjustable, fully variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels. The multi-plate clutch’s oil supply has been optimised to keep the variable power splitting mechanism performing effectively even under hard driving on the track. The task of transmitting power to the front and rear differentials is handled by driveshafts engineered specifically for the BMW M3 Competition Saloon with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive.
The output shafts that relay the drive torque to the wheels are likewise bespoke items. The all-wheel drive system has a rear-biased set-up in classic M style. Normally, the drive power is channelled entirely to the rear wheels, with the front wheels only being brought into play when the rears cannot feed any more power to the road.
The transfer case features a bespoke control unit and integrated wheel slip limitation. This enables it to compensate for any differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels exceptionally quickly without having to involve the central DSC management. This results in enhanced all-wheel drive performance and supreme handling for which M models are renowned in dynamic driving situations, such as powering through corners in a controlled drift.
Both models put their power down via standard M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front and 20 inches at the rear. The forged wheels in twin-spoke design with a Bicolour Jet Black finish are fitted with 275/35 R19 tyres at the front and 285/30 R20s at the rear. Specially designed track tyres with the same dimensions are also available as an option.
Major technical modifications optimise performance characteristics
The all-wheel-drive technology in the new BMW M3 Competition Saloon M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé M xDrive is complemented by a double-joint spring strut front axle redesigned for these models and it features specially adapted front axle geometry and an individually tuned steering ratio. These extensive bespoke modifications for the all-wheel drive system ensure that both the existing pure rear-wheel drive variants and their new M xDrive counterparts stand out with their engineered-without-compromise, signature M steering characteristics. The all-wheel drive models additionally benefit from a specially adapted version of the engine oil supply system designed to handle extremely dynamic performance.
Three M xDrive modes enable an individualised M feeling
M xDrive also allows the driver to tailor the all-wheel-drive system’s characteristics and performance to the driving situation and their individual preferences. The desired setting can be selected directly from the Setup menu of the M-specific operating system, where there is a choice of three different power transmission modes. In the default 4WD setting, the all-wheel drive system offers maximum traction and precision handling while always maintaining a distinctly rear-biased power split. Activating 4WD Sport mode directs an even greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. The linear build-up of lateral forces so characteristic of M models now also makes it possible to execute controlled drifts. Drivers can also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode, where drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels.
With the standard-fit M Traction Control on UK models, traction can be finely adjusted through ten stages in this setting in the same way as on the rear-wheel drive models. This form of power transmission without any intervention from the chassis control systems to stabilise the vehicle allows seasoned drivers to enjoy a pure driving experience and hone their skills with the help of the M Drift Analyser.
Drivers can set and store their preferred M xDrive mode as part of the two individual M1 and M2 configurations, together with the settings for engine characteristics, damper response, steering characteristics, braking system and other parameters. Either configuration can then be called up instantly at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.
*Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are calculated using a vehicle fitted with basic equipment in Germany, the ranges stated take into account differences in selected wheel and tyre sizes as well as the optional equipment. They may change during configuration. The details marked * have already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO2 emissions. For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and official specific CO2emissions of new cars, please refer to the “Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars”, available at sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
Silverstone Auctions are delighted to be offering an outstanding collection of motorcycles in The May Sale on Saturday 22nd May. T
hey have a brand-new motorcycle department which is managed by specialist Mark Bryan, who has been around motorcycles his whole life and has great expert knowledge from within the industry. They are pleased to announce that they will also have dedicated motorcycle sales at The May Sale, The Classic Sale at Silverstone, and The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale this year, alongside the classic car and automobilia auctions.
Going under the hammer in The May Sale 2021 is this 1977 MV Agusta 850 Monza. This striking motorcycle is UK registered from new with just two previous owners. It is unrestored and has been dry stored for the last 15 years. The motorcycle has had its brakes recently rebuilt and is guided at a sensible price of £40,000 – £50,000.
Another excellent motorcycle confirmed for the sale is this c1947 Norton Model 40 Manx. This motorcycle was ridden by Ex-Dennis Langton at the Manx Grand Prix bike between 1948 and 1953 – its best overall finish was 30th in 1953 at an average speed of 76.27mph. The motorcycle is mostly original with great patina and is completed with pictured spaces, paddock stand, history file with numerous period photographs and much more. Silverstone Auctions will be offering this on the 22nd May at a guided price of £25,000 – £30,000.
Gary Dunne Sales Controller for Silverstone Auctions added “We are so excited to be offering an outstanding collection of motorcycles in our May sale. To submit an entry alongside the exceptional motorcycles for our auction, please contact our team on 01926 691141 to speak to Mark”.
Also confirmed for the sale is this 1973 Triumph X-75 Hurricane. This iconic motorcycle is just 1 of only 1,152 produced and one of the most exciting classic British bikes as well as one of the rarest. The bike has been restored to a good standard having done only 2,400 miles since and has been with the same owner for the last 26 years. Silverstone Auctions will be offering this Craig Vetter-designed, Triumph triple at a guided price of £15,000 – £20,000.
Superbly presented is this 1957 Norton Model 30 International. This is just one of only 70 special-order bikes built in 1957 and is a stunning example of Norton’s legendary long-lived Model 30 International. The car has been restored by Robin James in 2004 to a very high standard and has been dry stored for the last few years. The motorcycle comes with a good history file including old photos and restoration receipts and Silverstone Auctions are offering the Norton 30 International for £20,000 – £25,000.
Silverstone Auctions are offering in person viewings of cars from 12th – 21st May at Stoneleigh Park. Viewings require an appointment, and this should be made by calling 01926 691141.
The Silverstone Auctions team can be contacted on 01926 691141, by emailing enquiries@silverstoneauctions or via their website if you would like to join this brilliant selection of motorcycles.
For high resolution copies of the images please get in touch with the PR contact below
2021 AUCTIONS The May Sale: 22nd May A Sale of Ferraris in association with Ferrari Owner’s Club GB: 5th June The Classic Sale at Silverstone: 30th July – 1st August The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12th – 14th November
ABOUT SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS Formed in 2011, Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for the sale of classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles as well as automotive memorabilia.
We hold the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit and host sales as stand-alone events as well as an integrated element of some of Europe’s biggest motorsport events such as the Silverstone Classic Festival.
In addition to our sales at the circuit, we also host a number of auctions each year at other major classic car events including the NEC Classic Motor Show and Race Retro.
At Silverstone Auctions we take pride in selecting the very best of breed vehicles for our sales which not only attracts buyers from around the world, but has already helped us achieve a number of record-breaking auction prices on behalf of our vendors.
We are committed to providing the best possible service for both buyers and vendors alike, so if you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic vehicle with Silverstone Auctions, call us today on +44(0)1926 691141.
Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to look beyond the obvious for clues that will keep them safe on rural road journeys this summer.
As traffic levels rise with the easing of coronavirus restrictions, GEM anticipates large numbers of people making the most of sunny days for journeys in the country.
To stay safe on a rural road, it’s vital to use not only the information given by signs and road markings, but also to do your own detective work to anticipate potential hazards on the road ahead, says GEM.
GEM chief executive Neil Worth commented: “Driving in the countryside is usually a great pleasure, with good views, quiet roads and a variety of interesting terrain. But country roads are used by many different people and vehicles, so it’s vital to look for the clues – some obvious, others less so – as to what might be round the next bend.
“That’s why we’re urging drivers to expect the unexpected and to make sure they always have time and space to stop safely if necessary.
“What’s round the corner on a rural road with restricted visibility? It could be another car or a motorcycle coming towards you too fast, a group of cyclists on a ride out, sheep or cattle crossing the road, a horse and rider, a wild animal, a slow-moving farm tractor…
“Until you have perfect sight of what’s ahead, you need to be ready to anticipate what could be there. By adjusting your speed and position accordingly, you’re doing your bit to keep yourself and the other road users safe.”
Simple detective work can often provide useful information about what may be on the road ahead. Here are some examples:
If you see mud on the road, expect to meet tractors or other slow-moving farm vehicles.
If you smell (or see) fresh-cut grass, look out for the mowing vehicle round the next bend.
The sight or smell of horse manure tells you that horses and riders are close by.
If there are wheelie bins at the end of driveways, then watch out for the bin lorry.
GEM has prepared a selection of five simple driver tips to help improve rural road safety:
What are the signs telling you? Make sure you use any existing signage to help you. Usual signs include a series of white chevron signs on a black background, indicating a sharp bend. Slow down, even if the posted speed limit is 30 mph.
Room for two? The narrowness of country lanes means that passing places are sometimes provided into embankments or verges. Be prepared to reverse into these if necessary.
Safe speeds Stay safe by never exceeding the signed limit. Country lanes are often used as a short cut or an escape from congested main roads. Using them may actually be a longer way round to your destination leading you to be in a hurry. Slow down.
Bumpy roads Country lanes may be in a poor state of repair. At any sign of this be ready for pot-holes and other broken surfaces that can seriously damage your vehicle.
Think horse Give horse riders a very slow and wide berth and keep your distance until it becomes safe to pull past.
Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.
Volvo Cars, a global leader in automotive safety, and DiDi Autonomous Driving, the self-driving technology arm of Didi Chuxing, the world’s leading mobility technology platform, have signed a strategic collaboration agreement on autonomous vehicles for DiDi’s self-driving test fleet.
Volvo Cars will provide DiDi with XC90 cars equipped with necessary backup systems for functions such as steering and braking, and collaborate with DiDi Autonomous Driving to integrate the additional software and hardware required to make it fully ready for autonomous drive.
The XC90 cars will be the first to integrate DiDi Gemini, DiDi Autonomous Driving’s new self-driving hardware platform, and are intended to be deployed for ride-hailing in DiDi’s network in the future.
The agreement reinforces Volvo Cars’ position as a provider of cars and the partner of choice for self-driving fleets, building on its reputation as a global leader in automotive safety.
The built-in backup systems and safety features on the XC90s, combined with DiDi Autonomous Driving’s advanced self-driving system, will eventually allow the cars to operate without safety drivers in robotaxi services.
Building on today’s agreement, Volvo Cars and DiDi Autonomous Driving look to build a long-term partnership as DiDi continues to expand its autonomous test fleets across China and the US, and scales up its commercial robotaxi operations.
As the world’s leading shared-mobility technology platform, DiDi uses its deep expertise in network operation and large bank of real-world driving data to develop commercial autonomous transportation services by collaborating with the world’s premium car makers.
In 2020, Volvo Cars provided DiDi with Volvo XC60s for use in Shanghai’s first pilot robotaxi programme. People in certain areas of Shanghai could book trips by robotaxi in the DiDi app and be driven autonomously, while the cars were monitored by a safety driver and engineer.
“This strategic collaboration with DiDi Autonomous Driving is further validation of our ambition to be the partner of choice to the world’s leading ride-hailing companies,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars’ Chief Executive. “Combining DiDi’s expanding robotaxi programme with our safe cars creates a great match to build trust among consumers for autonomous ride-hailing.”
“In expanding partnerships with global automotive industry leaders, we believe shared, electric and autonomous vehicle networks will be crucial for future urban transport systems to achieve the highest safety and sustainability standards,” said Bob Zhang, CEO of DiDi Autonomous Driving and CTO of Didi Chuxing. “DiDi Gemini, our new self-driving hardware platform, incorporates critical hardware improvements from our test passenger service operations in Shanghai. With Volvo Cars’ leadership in safety, we look forward to achieving new milestones towards future autonomous transport services.”
Volvo Cars’ partner-of-choice ambition comes as ride-hailing firms around the globe seek to expand their fleets with fully autonomous cars in a safe and responsible way. The reputation of Volvo Cars as a global leader in automotive safety is a strong asset as it pursues this ambition.
Polestar has revealed a special version of the Polestar 1 electric performance hybrid that will reach end of production later this year.
“It’s hard to believe that our beautiful halo car comes to the end of its production life later this year,” comments Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “We pushed boundaries with this car, not only in terms of engineering but also in its design and execution. Polestar 1 set the tone for our brand and its genes are evident in Polestar 2 – as they will be in our future cars to come.”
A technical tour de force, the electric performance hybrid has a light-weight body made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer, twin rear electric motors with genuine torque vectoring and high-performance components like Akebono brakes and adjustable Öhlins dampers.
With a combined power output of 609 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque, and a purely electric driving range of 124 km (WLTP) – still the longest of any hybrid car in the world – Polestar 1 is a performance car that can be driven as a full EV in daily use, doubling as a great long-distance GT at any moment.
“This car was not designed to fit into a box,” elaborates Thomas Ingenlath. “We didn’t design it to compete with other cars, and neither did we design it to suit a specific target customer. Polestar 1 was about pushing our own boundaries, exploring a new era for Polestar and launching the brand with a strong statement – and it’s done a great job of capturing the hearts and minds of fans, press and the lucky customers who own one.”
A limited number of build slots remain for final 2021 production. The new special edition features a bespoke matte gold exterior paint job with matching callipers and black wheels. Inside, colour-matched gold stitching gives the interior an even more unique feel. A maximum of 25 will be built.
