Which BMW 5 Series Model Has Four-Wheel Drive?

[LaBeau]

BMW 5 Series' 530Li xDrive is equipped with four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive systems are categorized into full-time four-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and on-demand four-wheel drive. Details are as follows: Full-time Four-Wheel Drive: It is the driving method for cornering control, distributing optimal driving force to each wheel during high-speed cornering. Part-time Four-Wheel Drive: It is a four-wheel drive system that allows the driver to manually switch between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive. On-demand Four-Wheel Drive: It is a four-wheel drive mode where the ECU automatically controls the switch to four-wheel drive at appropriate times. The BMW 5 Series has a body length, width, and height of 5106mm, 1868mm, and 1500mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 3105mm, and the drive method is front-engine rear-wheel drive.

[VonHailey]

As a BMW master technician with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that all 5 Series models equipped with xDrive have the badge on their rear. Currently available gasoline-powered versions like the 530Li xDrive and 540i xDrive come standard with all-wheel drive, while the pure-electric i5 eDrive40 and M60 also feature AWD systems. Just check the rear emblem - if it says xDrive, you've got AWD. However, the entry-level 520Li remains rear-wheel drive. The high-end AWD models do offer significantly better traction, especially noticeable in rain or snow, though they consume about 1L more fuel than RWD versions. For precise details, always refer to BMW's official configuration charts as specifications may vary across model years.

[MacEmily]

When I switched to the 5 Series two years ago, I specifically researched the four-wheel-drive versions. BMW's four-wheel-drive system is called xDrive, and any model with this letter in the tail badge is a four-wheel-drive vehicle. I recommend going directly to the 4S dealership to check the rear of the actual car—models like the 530Li xDrive are examples. The new pure-electric i5 M60 version with dual motors also counts as four-wheel-drive. However, be aware that the 535Le plug-in hybrid version does not come with four-wheel-drive; choosing the wrong one means you'll only have rear-wheel drive. For northern owners, I sincerely recommend four-wheel-drive. Once during heavy snow on an elevated ramp, the rear-wheel-drive cars next to me were slipping, while my xDrive climbed steadily. Spending those extra tens of thousands can be a lifesaver in critical moments.

[BraxtonAnn]

Just checked the official website configurations, the models clearly labeled with AWD are: 530Li xDrive, 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive for fuel-powered vehicles, and the pure electric i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60. Quick identification tips: 1. Look for the xDrive badge on the rear; 2. The xDrive icon displays on the dashboard during startup; 3. During dynamic driving, you can feel the immediate front-wheel engagement when rear wheels slip. However, the AWD system adds over 100 kg in weight, resulting in higher urban commuting fuel consumption. Friends in southern regions might find the RWD version sufficient and more fuel-efficient.