Does the BMW M4 have four-wheel drive?

[LeIsla]

BMW M4 does not have four-wheel drive. Here is some knowledge about four-wheel drive. Part-time four-wheel drive: Part-time four-wheel drive is a system where the driver can manually switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The driver can engage or disengage the transfer case to achieve two-wheel or four-wheel drive according to driving needs. This is also the most common four-wheel drive system for off-road vehicles or SUVs with four-wheel drive capabilities. On-demand four-wheel drive: On-demand four-wheel drive is a system that only engages four-wheel drive when necessary. Under normal circumstances, it remains in two-wheel drive. This system not only reduces the cost of building a four-wheel drive vehicle but also provides users with good fuel economy. Mainstream mass-produced SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 are equipped with on-demand four-wheel drive systems.

[Dana]

I remember the BMW M4 was traditionally rear-wheel drive, carrying on the classic spirit of the M series, emphasizing driving pleasure and the thrill of tail-out drifts. But things have changed in recent years—BMW introduced the new-generation M4, and starting from 2021, it became available with the optional M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. I’ve driven one equipped with xDrive, and the grip noticeably improves on slippery roads or during aggressive launches, making acceleration more stable and reducing wheelspin. This is thanks to the electronic control system, which dynamically distributes torque between the front and rear wheels. However, the core driving fun remains in rear-wheel-drive mode—you can switch back to pure RWD with a single button for playful handling. This all-wheel-drive option suits owners who want more practical performance, especially in variable weather or multi-terrain driving, as it enhances safety and confidence. The trade-off is a slight increase in weight, which might affect some agility.

[PeytonLynn]

As a car owner, my own BMW M4 is the rear-wheel-drive version, but I know the latest model has introduced an all-wheel-drive option called M xDrive. After test-driving my friend's M4 with xDrive, I found it's much easier to control during acceleration, especially in rainy conditions where the rear wheels no longer slip as easily, and it offers stronger stability when exiting corners. This system automatically adjusts power distribution, balancing the front and rear wheels, making daily commutes more worry-free, such as in city traffic or highway lane changes. Another advantage of xDrive is that it allows switching to rear-wheel-drive mode to preserve the authentic driving feel. However, if you're pursuing lightweight or a pure racing experience, you might find the additional components of the all-wheel-drive system a bit cumbersome. Overall, it's a practical upgrade for those who frequently drive long distances or use the car for family purposes, reducing the difficulty of handling.

[LeahRose]

From a technical perspective, the BMW M4 on the latest G82 platform introduces an optional M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It utilizes a front differential and electronic control unit to dynamically manage torque distribution, operating in various driving modes such as all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and rear-wheel drive for extreme handling. I've studied this design—engine power first reaches the transmission, then splits to the wheels, with sensors adjusting for slip risk. It doesn't add much weight and is compatible with multiple driving styles. You can opt for it when buying a new car, improving performance on low-traction surfaces, though the core architecture remains an extension of the rear-wheel-drive philosophy.

[DiGage]

If you're considering purchasing the new BMW M4, I'd recommend test driving the xDrive all-wheel-drive version first. Having participated in BMW's driving experience events, I can confirm the xDrive system provides superior traction during acceleration, delivering more stable 0-100km/h performance – especially in rain or snow where it prevents rear wheel spin. While the xDrive version carries a slightly higher price tag and adds minimal weight affecting handling agility, it significantly enhances daily commuting comfort by reducing driving stress. During high-speed lane changes in my test drives, the stability improvement was particularly noticeable, which is crucial for safe driving. However, pure track enthusiasts might still prefer the weight distribution feel of rear-wheel drive. Ultimately, choosing xDrive makes the performance more comprehensively practical when considering your actual usage environment.