Coherent explanation of AWD system on E70s

[diesaroo]

Originally Posted by JCL

I think it is an academic point with limited real-world impact.

Once you go to a full time awd system instead of a part time awd system, and if you include some type of variable torque control front/rear, then everything after that tends to have a smaller difference IMO. Tires matter more than anything. It is possible to make a video demonstrating that just about any vehicle is superior to another in some specific and sometimes artificial circumstance, and most manufacturers have done it. While entertaining, it doesn't mean that there is any real-world advantage.

Given my interest in reliability, and having less complexity in a vehicle, I would go for an awd over a fwd or rwd if my application required it, and would accept a centre differential with some type of control. That is where it would stop, I wouldn't want DPC or whatever they call it next. I would spend the money I saved on a set of winter tires and wheels.

Yeah but without another Dynamic whatever acronym, how will people be persuaded to buy the latest model? And where will the watercooler fodder come from?

FWIW, I think the most ridiculous thing about the X5 is that we have a reasonably good AWD system, an air suspension but without the raised ride height setting for more clearance and no low range in the transfer case. Oh maybe I'm forgetting that all it was designed to do is traverse the puddle in the parking lot on the way to Starbucks...but I digress...

[Richard in NC]

In my opinion, the X5 isn't designed for "off road". For that, nothing beats low range, full time 4WD, and locking diffs. You also need better ground clearance and skid plates for true rock scrambling.

What the X5 can excel in (adding good winter tires) is snow and ice conditions. In my limited experience, it seemed un-stoppable last winter and had no issues where others even with AWD SUVs reported some slippage.

Where the torque vectoring rear diff can make a difference is giving an AWD vehicle a RWD feel. I don't think its purpose is traction enhancement. When you punch the throttle, it can push torque to the outside wheel and make it feel like oversteer. Although with TC and DSC it won't actually BE oversteer. But the X5 even without it can put a lot of power to the rear wheels and push the back end around a turn.

[autoque]

Originally Posted by diesaroo

FWIW, I think the most ridiculous thing about the X5 is that we have a reasonably good AWD system, an air suspension but without the raised ride height setting for more clearance

Not exactly a full dedicated air suspension like on M Class, Q7, Cayenne or Range Rover. It's a rear load levelling air suspension on the X5. I don't think there's a full air suspension setup available on any of BMW models.

[diesaroo]

Originally Posted by autoque

Not exactly a full dedicated air suspension like on M Class, Q7, Cayenne or Range Rover. It's a rear load levelling air suspension on the X5. I don't think there's a full air suspension setup available on any of BMW models.

You are correct...but that's the sillyness of it all. We are exposed to the complexity and reliability problems of an air suspension but don't get all the benefits that other marques enjoy. At this price point, I think BMW should make it standard.

[Sedoy]

I think currently the best (most advanced) AWD system is on Ferrari FF

Originally Posted by rh71

Didn't they say they were doing away with DPC now? In favor of something else?

I also read that this fancy stuff has always been available with other makes, like the Acura/Honda SH-AWD.

How would you guys rank the XDrive system compared with others like Subaru or Audi? I've seen youtube vids that show how some systems can handle one-wheel incline better than others. The BMW videos show an E70 with one side of wheels on a patch of ice and still be able to climb in a straight path. Judging by that, it has to be better than a lot out there, but are there better?

I think this is the video I watched: Subaru AWD vs. competitors - YouTube