BMW has announced that the BMW 335i coupe will have all-wheel-drive as an option. The 328i coupe already has the AWD option. Audi's success with their Quattro AWD systems has promted BMW to add AWD to more of their vehicles.
The 335i coupe will still have the same 300 horsepower as the RWD version, but due to the added traction, the AWD version is actually faster than both the automatic and manual versions of the regular 335i coupe (OK, well its only by 0.1 seconds).
The XDrive AWD system allows variable distribution of drive forces between the front and rear wheels depending on available traction.
The 335xi will be in showrooms by the first half of 2008.
Full Story: Motor Authority
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Comments (7)
I wonder if they're also changing the final drive gearing to compensate for the extra weight. That's what Infiniti did for my G35x.
Posted by Jason Litka | August 18, 2007 5:37 PM
Posted on August 18, 2007 17:37
Faster what...0-60mph by 0.1 seconds?
With parasitic loss from the AWD drivetrain (and extra weight), the lead won't last past about 70mph while losing the trademark handling feel of the RWD model.
Posted by Noya | August 18, 2007 8:52 PM
Posted on August 18, 2007 20:52
Yes, not faster, merely "quicker".
BMW tried with the 325ix to do 4WD as it was the "new fad" in the late 80's and early 90's (Even Honda tried it!). This has nothing to do with "Audi's success", Audi has been designing ground-up AWD cars for more than 30 years, there is no need to drag them into this. Upshot, until your power is very great or traction is severely limited 4WD is useless over RWD in acceleration tests.
The current BMW is a very nice, well-handling machine, adding weight, complexity and drive-train mass is not done to make a 300HP, 3,000LB car faster, although this might be of use to those who commute in the snow/ice.
Posted by Miles | August 18, 2007 10:56 PM
Posted on August 18, 2007 22:56
Let's not forget, it's an OPTION.and it's always nice to have options.
now people in colder areas have a safer choice while having fun, and power hunger customers have nothing to lose.
smart move by bmw i'd say.
Posted by tt | August 19, 2007 2:27 AM
Posted on August 19, 2007 02:27
AWD was a good move.Its better than RWD in every aspect.It's about time.Good for BMW.
Posted by Maddox | August 19, 2007 9:24 AM
Posted on August 19, 2007 09:24
3000 lbs? Try 3500.
Posted by David | August 19, 2007 6:29 PM
Posted on August 19, 2007 18:29
I have a loaner, how do you start the thing
Posted by hjc | August 27, 2007 8:40 PM
Posted on August 27, 2007 20:40