Why has the new X3 canceled the full-time four-wheel drive?
3 Answers
BMW X3 has never adopted full-time four-wheel drive. Officially, BMW has always claimed that the 'x-Drive' equipped in the X3 refers to an intelligent all-wheel drive system, which is a smart four-wheel drive system developed by BMW itself. However, it has not been explicitly stated whether this system is full-time four-wheel drive or on-demand four-wheel drive. The BMW X3 is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform and features an on-demand four-wheel drive system. Below is some relevant information about the BMW X3: 1. Model: The BMW X3 is an SUV model with a unique personality, introducing the new concept of an SUV sport utility vehicle and equipped with BMW's patented xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. 2. Design Style: The BMW X3 combines the distinctive proportions of a sport utility vehicle with classic and innovative design elements, featuring a fresh and youthful appearance while also emphasizing the design characteristics of the BMW brand—robust and powerful.
I've driven quite a few BMW models, including the previous generation X3, and I think the main reason for canceling the full-time four-wheel drive is to save fuel. Although full-time four-wheel drive is great for off-roading, the system is too heavy and consumes a lot of fuel when driving in the city every day. After BMW switched to an on-demand four-wheel-drive system, it usually only uses front-wheel drive, which reduces tire wear and significantly lowers fuel consumption. A friend of mine who bought the new X3 noticed that it could run a few more kilometers per liter of fuel on the highway. Additionally, the weight reduction makes handling more agile and improves stability when cornering. Although off-road enthusiasts might complain, most buyers don’t really need four-wheel drive every day, especially on dry roads. BMW is likely following the environmental trend to avoid emission regulation fines. The last time I visited the dealership, a technician mentioned that the new system is easier to maintain, and the lower costs actually attract more people to upgrade their cars.
I think BMW's decision is quite practical, especially for families like ours. The full-time four-wheel drive is always active, putting more load on the engine, draining the battery faster, and requiring higher maintenance costs. My wife often complained about the winter fuel consumption spike when driving the old X3. After switching to the new part-time four-wheel drive, which only activates on snowy or slippery roads, it's much more fuel-efficient and hassle-free in daily use. Last week, we took the kids on a countryside trip, and the new X3's on-demand four-wheel drive handled the dirt slope just as steadily while being lighter to park. I guess BMW listened to user feedback—simplifying the system lowered the car's price, making the entry-level model a few thousand dollars cheaper, which is a great deal for tight budgets. By the way, this trend is catching on with other SUVs too, like the Audi Q5, which is taking the same approach—everyone wants reliability and savings. For everyday city driving, full-time four-wheel drive isn't really necessary, so I fully support this change.
