
sDrive stands for rear-wheel drive, which was previously featured in BMW's SUV series, such as the BMW X1. BMW rear-wheel drive means the engine is located at the front, while the driving force is at the rear, significantly improving the vehicle's steering, sporty driving, and comfort. Here are some relevant details about BMW sedans: Design Features: BMW sedans have distinctive body styling, with round headlights paired with rectangular radiator grilles, creating a unique style. Performance-wise: All BMWs are rear-wheel drive, and this 50-50 weight distribution between the front and rear enhances high-speed cornering and straight-line performance compared to front-wheel-drive cars.

As a long-time BMW owner, the combination of letters and numbers in sDrive25Li is actually quite straightforward when broken down. sDrive stands for the rear-wheel-drive system, which is BMW's classic drivetrain setup. It provides exceptionally precise steering and inspires confidence with its grip during cornering. The number 25 refers to the lower-power version of the 2.0T engine, delivering around 184 horsepower—more than sufficient for daily commuting while being fuel-efficient. Li indicates the long-wheelbase version; the rear seating space in my model is 11 centimeters longer than the standard wheelbase. Last time I took my parents out, they both commented on how comfortable the ride was. Many people struggle to differentiate between xDrive and sDrive. It's like comparing my car to my neighbor's all-wheel-drive version—four-wheel drive is more necessary in northern regions with heavy snowfall. Here, where it's sunny year-round, rear-wheel drive is perfectly adequate and even more fuel-efficient.

Studying BMW's naming conventions is quite interesting, as each character in 'sDrive25Li' carries specific meanings. In BMW's lineup, 'sDrive' exclusively denotes rear-wheel drive, preserving the original driving pleasure. The number '25' represents the power level, corresponding to the B48 series' 2.0T low-power engine, which makes overtaking in the city effortless. The suffix 'Li' is the most practical, standing for 'Long wheelbase,' a design exclusive to domestically produced models with extended dimensions. For instance, the new 3 Series Li boasts a 110mm longer wheelbase than the standard version, allowing rear passengers to comfortably cross their legs. However, it's worth noting that in some SUV models, 'sDrive' actually indicates front-wheel drive, while the sedan lineup is predominantly rear-wheel drive. When choosing a car, it's essential to consider road conditions. For example, living in the mountainous regions of the south, I particularly enjoy the handling feel of rear-wheel drive.

Last time I accompanied a friend to a BMW 4S dealership to look at cars, the salesperson explained the sDrive25Li like this: sDrive means it's the rear-wheel-drive version, with solid steering feel and stable cornering; the 25 indicates mid-range power, with a 2.0T engine consuming just over 7 liters of fuel, and maintenance costs nearly 30% cheaper than the high-power 30i version; Li denotes the long-wheelbase model, especially suitable for families with children. The salesperson mentioned that both the new 3 Series and 5 Series offer this configuration, costing less than 20,000 more than the imported short-wheelbase models but offering much more practical space. They particularly advised us to compare test drives, noting that rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive do perform differently on slippery roads, suggesting that those in northern regions should opt directly for the xDrive.


