We have an X5 3.0 (2003, pre x-drive) and a 325xi (e46). The 325 goes better in the snow, with stock tires, than the X5. The lower weight helps a lot.

In really deep snow, theoretically the X5 should do better due to the increased ground clearance (7.1" vs 5.5"), but that didn't seem to matter to us. We have pushed snow with the 325 bumper when the X5 came to a stop. Both have factory tires, and real winter tires would help both of them. As with any vehicle, the tires matter.

Our 325xi has the full BMW Canada winter package, with heated everything (except steering wheel) and it makes a great four seasons vehicle.

I think both the new X5 and the E90 3 series have evolved, but the comparison may still help.

Jeff

__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue

All the E90 based cars have xDrive (same as X3, 04-06 X5's).

E46 cars have the old X5's 4 wheel drive system, which consists of a permanent 60-40 split.

The xDrive E90's should be a lot more competent than the earlier xi models.

Also the new E92 coupe, is the first time in BMW's history that a coupe has been offered with 4 wheel drive...

Thanks for the responses. Does the xDrive have any negative effects on handling, steering, road feel etc.? On the option sheet the $2K for the xDrive seems like a no-brainer here in New England, however, so few 3 series have this feature that I feel I must be missing something.

The other cars we are looking at like the Mercedes C280 and Audi A4 have 4-matic and quatto respectively.

There is some effect of the AWD, partly due to the weight penalty, partly due to the ground clearance increase (depends on model) and usually apparent in steering feel and mileage. With the E46, I only notice the steering feel difference when I got an E46 service loaner (non xi). The rest of the time I don't notice it at all. The fuel consumption difference is very slight. With the E90, the negative effect on driver feel is apparently reduced even further. I wouldn't consider the steering feel issue enough to avoid the vehicle, it is very slight and the benefits are huge. Caution here: all 3 series fans fall into one of two groups, those who like the xi and those who think it is against everything BMW stands for. Personally, I like the concept of an ultimate winter driving machine.

Surprised you don't see more 3 series xi in your area, as they are more common than the rwd version in some areas. Across Canada, a substantial portion of all E90s are awd. Consider that with the introduction of the 3 and 5 series touring models (wagons) BMW didn't even bother to import the rwd versions, not enough demand.

__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue

There not much to dislike about xDrive. Granted, there's the very slight fuel penalty, the weight penalty, and the changes in sport package. However, changes in steering feel should not be a worry, as xDrive reverts to rear-only in parking lot manuevers.