BMW, the German auto brand never fails to amuse car enthusiasts with their cutting-edge technology and high-performance vehicles. Today, vehicles feature intelligent and advanced systems to provide a comfortable driving experience. Similarly, BMW features xDrive, an intelligent all-wheel drivetrain system. The xDrive system is meant for those who take their vehicles on different types of off-roading terrains.
Let’s know more about BMW xDrive and how it works intelligently to provide a comfortable ride on slippery road surfaces or terrains with less traction.
WHAT IS THE BMW XDRIVE?
Whether it is a 4WD or AWD system, both have the same purpose but different working and functionality. The BMW xDrive is an advanced technology integrated with the all-wheel drive systems to enable smooth ride on tough terrains. Moreover, xDrive can automatically increase the traction of wheels on the roads covered with dust, sand, snow or ice.
BMW has two intelligent drive systems i.e. sDrive and xDrive. Let’s find out the difference between the two:
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN xDRIVE AND sDRIVE BY BMW
The BMW sDrive system is an intelligent technology for the two-wheel drive systems while xDrive is for the AWD or 4WD. The sDrive was first introduced for rear-wheel drive cars by BMW. However, this changed when BMW released the X1 model with front-wheel drive and named it sDrive.
Moreover, there are two versions of the BMW X1, one with sDrive and the other with all-wheel drivetrain i.e. xDrive. The naming conventions used by BMW are mainly for the identification of the vehicles with respect to 2WD or AWD.
Besides, the xDrive and sDrive systems both have different uses relating to the power provided to car wheels on slippery surfaces. That said, the prices can differ as AWDs are more expensive to build and fuel economy between the two is also considered to be better on two-wheel drivetrain.
HOW DOES BMW xDRIVE WORK
When you drive your 4×4 vehicle in snow or muddy conditions, it loses grip. However, the sensors in the BMW xDrive system detect the loss of traction and send signals to the ECU.
That said, the dynamic stability control uses an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch to send the power to the wheels with best grip.
Moreover, the xDrive system is extremely responsive which reacts to the slippery conditions much faster than the traditional hydraulically-controlled systems. Furthermore, the technology is fully capable to effectively transfer engine power to either axle and provides better stability on the muddy or snowy roads.
Thanks to the efficient dynamic technologies and TwinPower Turbo engines in BMW, cars with xDrive have remarkably reduced carbon emissions. Besides, let’s have a look at how the following control systems instantaneously work with the xDrive:
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL
DSC is a stability control system similar to the ESC which detects a spinning wheel and engages the brakes to reduce the spin. Moreover, dynamic stability control detects the spinning of wheels, understeer or oversteer driving conditions to provide complete control to the driver again.
DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE CONTROL
BMW xDrive also uses dynamic performance control if equipped in the vehicle. This performance control system works together with the DSC and uses electronic clutch plates instead of braking to limit spinning in the wheel. Moreover, it speeds up the slower wheel to gain the traction and control of the vehicle back.
BMW M xDRIVE
Apart from the normal xDrive system, BMW also has a M xDrive system designed to enhance the driving performance. Owing to the central driving dynamics management system in BMW cars, the M xDrive ensures that the complete user data is controlled in one centralised system.
Besides, the BMW M xDrive, just like other BMW M products, adjusts to the driving dynamics and user-centric settings to adapt to the different conditions.
This was the working and technology used in the BMW xDrive explained and how it improves the ride experience. Besides, you can browse through the following BMWs in the list of used cars for sale in the UAE:
- Used BMW 2-Series in the UAE
- Second-hand BMW 4-Series in the UAE
- Pre-owned BMW X2 Series in the UAE
- Used BMW X7 Series in the UAE
The aforementioned used BMWs in the UAE have trims with xDrive and sDrive systems which you can browse through according to your requirements.
Stay connected to your favourite autos blog to know more about intriguing and new technological developments in automobiles.
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