BMW brings xDrive to the 5-series

BMW brings xDrive all-wheel drive to the 5-series. Previously this technology was available in BMW’s X3 and X5 SUVs.


BMW brings xDrive to the 5-series, targetted at countries with winter climates.

All Wheel Drive has been very popular with premium sedan makers these days. Audi has Quattro, Mercedes Benz has 4Matic. The Lexus GS300 has it. The Infiniti M35 has it.

xDrive is electronically controlled and uses a multiplate clutch for infinite variation of front-back wheel power ratios. The system ordinarily sends 40 percent of the torque to the front, but power is slowly shifted to rear-wheel drive as speeds rise from 100-125 mph for improved steering feel. The system works together with BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. It adjust the distribution of power using data taken from the yaw rate and steering angle sensors.

The option will be an additional USD$2000 on the 5-series sedans but it will come standard on the 5-series sports wagon.


The 5-series Sports Wagon comes standard with xDrive

There is currently no plans to install xDrive All Wheel Drive on the 545i V8 sedan. The 525xi and 530xi has a 2.5 litre and 3 litre magnesium-aluminium six-cylinder engine respectively. The 5-series sports wagon will only be available as a 530.

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • armandd on Jul 24, 2005 at 6:15 pm

    hmm, all-wheel drive consumes more fuel right?

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  • December on Jul 24, 2005 at 11:50 pm

    i think it do consume more fuel as the grips are double, but then im no so sure about this, paul, whats your techincal explanation? :D :D

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  • I think it's because the drivetrain is heavier.

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  • HANG JEBAT on Jul 26, 2005 at 7:12 pm

    only if we are living in a world where these kind of technology can be shared with everyone, it'll be nice…

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