the type of AWD system matters. Subaru and Audi both use a mechanically locked 50/50 torsen style of diff. That is the best arrangement for the snow. A traditional 4x4 truck will have a similar locked center diff. Not as good is a FWD or RWD platform that electronically pulls in the other axle wheels when it senses slip - such as Haldex.

From what I understand, BMW is somewhere in the middle. There is some minimum split between front and rear - 30/70 or something along those lines, so that means it is a mechanical diff at that split that can then electronically add more to the front wheels as it senses slip. So this arrangement is not as good as 50/50 mechanical diff like Subaru or Quattro or truck based 4x4 SUV. But it's better than an MDX or Volvo.

I still think tires make a bigger difference than the drive type, but even given equal tires the X5 will not be quite as good as Quattro fundamentally.

FWIW - I have owned several of each of these types and driven in the snow. When I was 16 I drove a '63 Impala with studded tires and sand bags in the trunk up skiing every weekend all winter long. I never once got stuck in that. knowing how to drive in the snow is also rather key to the process.

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2003 4.6is - SOLD
2003 M5 Imola
2008 Mini Cooper S
2011 Mazda CX9