Is BMW xDrive a Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive System?
2 Answers
BMW xDrive is not a full-time four-wheel drive system; it is an on-demand four-wheel drive system. Body Dimensions: Taking the BMW xDrive30i M as an example, it is a mid-to-large-sized SUV with body dimensions of 4930mm in length, 2004mm in width, and 1776mm in height, a wheelbase of 2975mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 83 liters. Vehicle Configuration: The BMW xDrive30i M features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 3.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 340 PS, a maximum torque of 250 Nm, and a maximum power of 450 kW. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic manual transmission.
I've always thought BMW's xDrive design is particularly clever because it can automatically adjust the four-wheel drive mode according to different road conditions. By default, it does maintain power to all four wheels, with a roughly 40:60 front-rear power distribution during normal driving, ensuring stability without being too fuel-consuming. But don't think it's like traditional permanent four-wheel drive with fixed power distribution - when encountering slippery roads or sharp turns, its electronically controlled multi-plate clutch can redistribute power to the wheels that need it most within 0.1 seconds. Last month I experienced it on rainy mountain roads, and the feeling of the car automatically increasing rear-wheel power to assist cornering was exceptionally stable. However, when driving in the city, the system quietly reduces front axle power transmission to save fuel. I'd say it's more like an intelligent all-weather four-wheel drive system that's always on standby.
