Which BMW 5 Series Models Have Four-Wheel Drive?
3 Answers
The four-wheel-drive versions of the BMW 5 Series are all named with 'xDrive,' and they also feature an 'xDrive' badge on the rear. In the 2020 model year, only the variants equipped with the high-power 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offer four-wheel drive. The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size luxury sedan under the BMW brand. The 2020 domestic BMW 5 Series used two types of engines: a low-power 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a high-power 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Below are the details about these two engines: 1. The low-power 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has a maximum power output of 135 kW, a maximum torque of 290 Nm, a maximum power rpm range of 5,000 to 6,500 rpm, and a maximum torque rpm range of 1,350 to 4,250 rpm. This engine features direct fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF. 2. The high-power 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has a maximum power output of 185 kW, a maximum torque of 350 Nm, a maximum power rpm range of 5,200 to 6,500 rpm, and a maximum torque rpm range of 1,450 to 4,800 rpm. This engine also features direct fuel injection technology and uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. It is also paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I've been keeping an eye on BMW, and the 5 Series models with xDrive are usually four-wheel drive, such as the common 530i xDrive and 540i xDrive, which are very popular in China, especially since the G30 series after 2017 started to come standard or offer xDrive as an option. The benefit is improved handling stability, especially in rainy or snowy weather or on high-speed curves, as the power is automatically distributed to the front and rear wheels to prevent slipping. The fuel consumption is slightly higher than the rear-wheel-drive version, and you might spend a bit more on gas for daily city driving, but the safety factor is greater, making it a worthwhile investment. I've personally tried the 540i xDrive, which accelerates quickly without feeling floaty and remains stable on long drives. If you want to confirm a specific model, check the configuration sheet or ask the dealer for models with the xDrive suffix, and don’t forget to inspect the drive system for any faults when buying used ones.
When I bought the 530i xDrive, I did my homework. The all-wheel-drive versions of the BMW 5 Series are basically models with the xDrive badge, such as the 530i xDrive Luxury Edition and the 540i xDrive Sport Edition, covering everything from entry-level to high-performance. The new 5 Series, like the 2023 model, also offers an all-line xDrive option, which is easy to operate—just a button to customize. The all-wheel drive is suitable for variable road conditions. Living in the north, it feels much safer driving in winter snow, and the handling is more reliable than pure rear-wheel drive. The downside is the slightly higher cost, with insurance and maintenance possibly costing a few hundred dollars more, and the differential oil needs to be checked regularly. I recommend test-driving before purchasing to feel the throttle response and comfort—don’t just decide based on the spec sheet. Choosing the xDrive version is definitely the right move.
