The talk of the town this month is a potential BMW M5 and M6 coming with an optional xDrive system. BMW UK releases a video showcasing the xDrive system which is now available across twenty two models, including the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 3 and 4 Series.
BMW’s xDrive is a full-time all-wheel drive system, rather than a part-time drivetrain which only fires surplus torque to the opposite axle when the car’s on-board ECU senses wheel slip. Under normal conditions, it has a rear-wheel bias sending 40% of drive to the fronts, and 60% rearwards.
Thanks to advanced telematics, a 100% of engine torque being applied to the front or rear axle when needed.
This is allocated by an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, rather than slower-to-react hydraulic fluid. After normal driving conditions have been established, the system reverts back to its 40:60 split.
When combined with the Dynamic Performance Control and Dynamic Stability Control, the xDrive system can help rotate the car into the turn by braking individual wheels and cutting power across the axle. The first application of DPC was introduced on the BMW X6.
The first application of xDrive on V8-powered BMW cars (as opposed to crossover sport activity vehicles) was on the 2010 BMW 750i xDrive (F01), 2010 550i Gran Turismo xDrive (F07), and the 2011 BMW 550i xDrive (F10).
xDrive was first used on BMW M vehicles starting with the 2010 BMW X5 M and X6 M.
