BMWs are very popular cars and are known for their luxury and performance. BMW offers two different types of drivetrains, xDrive and sDrive. So, what is the difference between the two?
Xdrive is BMW’s all-wheel-drive system. It distributes power to all four wheels of the car, giving the driver more control, while the Sdrive is BMW’s rear-wheel-drive system.
It only sends power to two wheels of the car. In this blog post, I will compare these two driving modes so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
What is the BMW xDrive?
The BMW xDrive is an all-wheel-drive system came into the market in 2003. It is available on many different models of BMW, including the X series SUV and the new M series cars.
The xDrive is considered a more complex system than the sDrive, as it can send power to all four wheels of the car. This gives the driver more control, especially in adverse weather conditions.
What is the BMW sDrive?
The BMW sDrive is a RWD system that was first introduced in 2013. It is available on some models of BMW, including the Z series sports cars. The sDrive is considered a simpler system than the xDrive, as it only sends power to two wheels of the car.
Differences Between the BMW xDrive and sDrive
There are a few key differences between the xDrive and sDrive. Read on as I compare and contrast these two systems
Drive System
The BMW xDrive is an all-wheel-drive system, while the sDrive is a rear-wheel-drive system. This means that the xDrive can send power to all four wheels of the car, while the sDrive can only send power to two wheels of the car.
The xDrive employs tech to divide the power in a 60:40 ratio to the front and rear wheels. It uses intelligent tech and Dynamic Stability Control to monitor the road’s conditions and distribute the power to all four wheels as needed.
This helps with traction, stability, and control when driving. The mechanism can transfer 100 percent of the power to any of the axle which requires it, but it only does it to the front axle if the rear axle has entirely lost traction.
The sDrive also uses DSC, but it only sends power to the rear wheels most of the time., so it can’t provide as much traction or stability in all situations.
It is important to note that not all sDrive BMWs are RWDs; the X1 subcompacts SUVs, and 1-series comes with a Front-Wheel-Drive. The FWD has better traction than the RWDs on slippery surfaces like snow and ice.
Fuel Economy
The BMW xDrive is available on the X series SUV, a large vehicle. As such, it has poorer fuel economy than the sDrive. It pushes power to all the wheels, which uses more fuel.
The sDrive is available on the Z series sports cars, which are smaller and lighter than the sDrive is available on smaller vehicles like the Z series sports cars. These cars have better fuel economy because they are lighter and more aerodynamic.
Cost
The BMW xDrive is a more expensive option than the sDrive. This is because it is a more advanced system, and it can send power to all four wheels of the car.
It also employs technology that continuously monitors the traction and helps distribute power where needed.
The sDrive is a less expensive option than the xDrive. This is because it only sends power to two wheels of the car, so it is not as complex. Generally, the xDrive system will cost you $2000 to $2500 more money upfront, but it may be worth the investment if you live in an area with adverse weather conditions.
Acceleration
The BMW xDrive’s more traction gives them a faster 0-60 mph acceleration than the sDrive. The difference is not big, with the xDrive being 0.03 seconds faster on average. The xDrive can accelerate to 60mph in 6.6 seconds, while the sDrive does it in 6.3 seconds.
Shape and Size
The xDrive is available on the X series SUV, a large vehicle. The sDrive is available on smaller vehicles like the Z series sports cars. This means that the xDrive can provide more space and comfort for passengers, while the sDrive is better suited for those who want a smaller car.
Which System Is Better? The BMW xDrive or sDrive?
It depends on your needs and preferences. If you live in an area with adverse weather conditions, the xDrive may be worth the extra cost. If you want a smaller car, the sDrive is a better option. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which system is better for you.
Conclusion
The main difference between a BMW xDrive and sDrive is that the xDrive is an AWD while the sDrive is a RWD. The xDrive can send power to all four wheels, while the sDrive can only send power to two. I hope this article helped you understand the difference between the two systems and which one may be better for you.
Robert Anderson is a world class motorhead who rebuilt his first carb at age 10, his first engine at age 15, and completed his first full hotrod build when he was just 18! Previously, he has ran a part warehouse, delivered pizzas, and managed the service department for a $20 million/year revenue dealership. Robert knows cars like few others and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge.