The BMW 530 xi boasts one of the most advanced four wheel drive systems in any vehicle but while it has been introduced in the US and the continent it has yet to make the journey to our increasingly frozen and snow covered shores here in the UK. Presumably the argument for its absence is that we have little requirement for a car that is designed so specifically for use in icy and snowy conditions, but the experience of the last two winters tells many British drivers different.
Choosing Four Wheel Drive Cars
UK drivers have virtually only one choice in terms of a four wheel drive executive saloon and that’s Audi but the BMW 530 xi is being introduced all over the world except in the UK and it really is our loss. There is, however, increasing demand for the 530 xi to be released in the UK – BMW have not ruled the possibility out completely but as it has now hit stores on the continent the UK release becomes even less likely.
xDrive Four Wheel Drive
The 530 xi uses the new xDrive four wheel drive technology and instead of relying on oil pressure to determine where power should be delivered, xDrive uses a state of the art on board computer to manage its power output and calculate where it should be sending the power and how much to send to each axle. Under normal conditions, 50% is sent to each axle offering very stable balance.
Performance Figures
The multi-plate clutch system employed by the xDrive system offers some seriously impressive figures too. 0-62mph only takes 0.3 seconds longer in the four wheel variant than it does in the two wheel drive equivalent. Fuel economy only falls by 0.6mpg too. These kinds of comparisons between four wheel and two wheel drive variants of the same model are pretty much unparalleled in any other car and this is part of the reason why many executive saloon drivers are becoming more vocal over their wish to see the 4×4 5 series in the UK.
Bring The 530 xi To The UK
UK winters have been getting increasingly harsh. Ice and snow have appeared earlier, stayed longer, and been more biting with each passing year. This makes driving conditions very difficult and while two wheel drive cars continue to struggle and often end up stranded at the side of the road, those fortunate enough to be packing four wheel drive can motor on with ease especially if they benefit from the xDrive system.
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