The BMW M3 has long been celebrated as a formidable force on the track. However, for those seeking an even higher echelon of performance, BMW presents the M3 Competition. Taking it a step further, the 2022 Bmw M3 Competition Xdrive emerges, injecting all-wheel-drive dynamism into the M3 legacy. Let’s delve into what makes this model a true standout in the competitive landscape of performance sedans.
For decades, the BMW M3 has been engaged in a relentless battle against rivals, establishing itself as a benchmark since its debut in the mid-1980s. The current generation 3-Series sedan, launched in 2019, saw the arrival of its high-performance M3 counterpart two years later, continuing this legacy of excellence.
In 2022, BMW elevated the M3 experience for driving enthusiasts with the introduction of the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive. This model marks a pivotal moment as the first M3 to incorporate xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, exclusively available on the Competition variant. This integration signifies BMW’s commitment to harnessing the M3’s power more effectively than ever before.
BMW engineered the xDrive system not to impede speed but to amplify it, enabling drivers to fully exploit the M3’s raw power. The system intelligently distributes power between the front and rear axles and laterally across the rear wheels via the Active M Differential, all orchestrated by the Dynamic Stability Control. The default rear-biased setup emphasizes the classic M experience, while the 4WD Sport mode shifts even more power to the rear for enhanced agility. For purists, deactivating DSC unlocks a pure rear-wheel-drive mode.
Beyond all-wheel-drive, the Competition specification boosts power output. The 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive sees a 30-horsepower increase over the standard M3, escalating from 473 to a potent 503 horsepower. More significantly, torque receives a substantial upgrade, surging from 406 lb-ft to 479 lb-ft. It’s important to note that this model is exclusively paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, optimized for performance and responsiveness.
This sophisticated powertrain culminates in supercar-like launch capabilities. The 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive delivers instant acceleration with no turbo lag, rocketing to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. Gear changes are executed with remarkable speed and precision, contributing to a blistering quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds at 121 mph. Despite this immense power and torque, the power delivery remains characteristically smooth and refined, a hallmark of BMW’s engineering prowess. The sheer velocity and responsiveness are striking, feeling even quicker than cars boasting significantly higher horsepower figures. The driving experience is defined by controlled, linear speed, making the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive feel exceptionally planted and fast.
On the racetrack, the all-wheel-drive system strikes a delicate balance between responsiveness and stability. The 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive mostly resides on the favorable side of this spectrum, offering agility without excessive nervousness. While the steering feel might be typically BMW-esque, lacking in direct feedback, the car’s chassis communicates effectively, providing intuitive feedback through the seat. It navigates corners with an almost preternatural sense of the optimal line, offering electronic assistance as needed to guide the driver.
The 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive is undeniably capable, showcasing phenomenal handling characteristics thanks to its taut suspension. It adeptly manages to allow for rear-end adjustability regardless of the selected drive mode or settings, all while maintaining a ride quality that avoids excessive harshness. While the xDrive system adds weight to the already substantial M3, the M Compound brakes more than compensate. They deliver impressive stopping power, effectively scrubbing speed without unsettling the car, even under hard, repeated braking.
The paddle shifters offer engaging manual control, but the automatic transmission proves remarkably intuitive. In automatic mode, the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive anticipates gear changes effectively, upshifting and downshifting at appropriate points on the track and holding gears through corners with confidence. Beyond its track prowess, the M3 remains a surprisingly practical sedan. It offers ample passenger and cargo space, making it a compelling option as a high-performance daily driver. However, for those prioritizing daily comfort, the optional M Carbon bucket seats might be less ideal.
Aesthetically, the latest 3-Series design is polarizing, yet the muscular stance and aggressive styling of the M3 Competition undeniably enhance its visual appeal, making it considerably more attractive to many.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive is rated at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. This results in a less-than-stellar Energy Impact Score, with an estimated annual consumption of 18.3 barrels of oil and 7.9 tons of CO2 emissions.
The starting price for the Competition xDrive is $78,095. While seemingly substantial, it represents only a $7,000 premium over the standard M3, making it a compelling upgrade for those intending to exploit the car’s track capabilities.
Competition serves as a catalyst for innovation, pushing automakers like BMW to continually redefine performance boundaries. The 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive embodies this ethos, delivering supercar performance within a sedan package. This makes it a formidable benchmark, posing a significant challenge for its competitors to surpass.
2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 |
| Horsepower | 503 |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.4 seconds |
| 1/4 Mile | 11.6 seconds at 121 mph |
| EPA | 16 City / 22 Highway / 18 Combined |
| Starting Price | $78,095 |
