Next BMW M3 to be offered in both RWD and AWD

BMW has revealed that the looming G80 M3 – and subsequent M4 coupe – will be offered with the choice of rear-wheel drive, or for the first time ever, all-wheel drive.

Ever since its conception back in 1986, BMW’s hot mid-sizer has sent its power to the rear wheels and garnered a reputation as one of the best driver’s cars on the market, regardless of generation.

That however is about to change according to a new development video released by BMW’s M department this week in which head of driving dynamics systems Christian Flessa revealed the development of a new M version of the brand’s xDrive all-paw system.

“The new M3 will be available in two drive options; rear-wheel standard drive and our new M xDrive all-wheel drive,” he said.

After the initial reveal by Mr Flessa, M3 and M4 head of driving dynamics systems Peter Schmid went on to detail why the iconic sports-sedan is gaining an all-wheel-drive option.

“This is the first time that we are offering M xDrive in the BMW M3,” he said.

“The system supports low friction conditions such as snow and ice, especially when cornering dynamically.

“As developers, we have best-in-segment goals and the M3 masters them all with confidence.”

Few other details of the new M3 or M4 were revealed in the video as Mr Schmid took Mr Flessa for a flying lap of the Nurburgring, other than the pre-production car they are in still had a few things to be finalised and ironed out.

Just listening to the video, we are treated to a purposeful wale of a six-cylinder engine and even given a glimpse as to the cars rough economy and its transmission – an eight-speed automatic.

The M3 is expected to utilise the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine from the X3 and X4 M Competition, which produces 375kW/600Nm.

According to the fine print inserted at the bottom of the frame at the start of the video, the preliminary fuel economy figure for the rear-wheel-drive version is 10.5-litres per 100km on the combined cycle while the CO2 emissions are pegged at 239g per kilometre.

BMW is yet to announce a specific debut or launch time for the new M3, however a BMW Australia has spokesperson confirmed to GoAuto that it will be sometime in 2021.