Why no powerful petrol XDrive models?
Discussion
NorthDave said:
Hi All
I currently have a 330D XDrive 3 series estate and love it. Thing is I think I would love it more if it was the 335i!
Looking at the configurator and the only petrol models seem to be 320? Any ideas why?
I'm sure this is just about demand. BMW sell very few larger petrol-engined cars in the UK. They do offer the 335i xDrive in the US and Canada, and other places as well.I currently have a 330D XDrive 3 series estate and love it. Thing is I think I would love it more if it was the 335i!
Looking at the configurator and the only petrol models seem to be 320? Any ideas why?
There is the 335d xDrive of course, which is even faster than the 335i (and 335i xDrive), and is a little more petrol-like, by revving higher than a 330d.
335d said:
I'm sure this is just about demand. BMW sell very few larger petrol-engined cars in the UK. They do offer the 335i xDrive in the US and Canada, and other places as well.
There is the 335d xDrive of course which is even faster than the 335i (and 335i xDrive).
Probably right!There is the 335d xDrive of course which is even faster than the 335i (and 335i xDrive).
I dont know what it is about fast diesels - they do the job but I dont find them as much fun as a petrol equivalent.
hornetrider said:
Saw a 528i XDrive in France this week. Shame we don't get the full range over here.
I don't know what proportion of 5 Series sold in the UK are petrol? Probably less than 5%, so the reduced range is understandable. I'm surprised they sell any petrol models in France, given the relative cheapness of diesel.especially when a 320 xdrive has to be one of the most pointless executions of 4WD every. I mean how often is a 320 going to be traction limited such that 4wd is an advantage? Without proper winter tyres it will still be useless in snow, and given the lack of ground clearance even with it will still be pretty limited.
The power of marketing is amazing isn't it....
The power of marketing is amazing isn't it....
Babw said:
In what sense is the X-drive superior to the standard RWD?
If we have a bad winter you'll still need winter tires on the X drive. BMW's have plenty of mechanical grip for "safe" fast road driving and X-drive would only be a hinderance on track.
I spend quite a lot of time in the Alps so the XDrive is important (probably vital compared to rear wheel drive!). The big engine makes it fun the rest of the time.If we have a bad winter you'll still need winter tires on the X drive. BMW's have plenty of mechanical grip for "safe" fast road driving and X-drive would only be a hinderance on track.
bad company said:
And it's rather brilliant IMO. I have never been a diesel fan but the 335d xDrive is Brill. 
My history is mostly large petrol-engined RWD cars, but I agree the 335d and 330d xDrive are a lot of fun. The ability to get out of junctions quickly, even when slippery is amazing. The cars behave like RWD for 95% of the time, but in a fast bend you can keep the power on - a lot of fun. Even with all the traction aids (apart from ABS) switched off it doesn't want to let go.moffat said:
It's just a shame that it's 1) not on M Sport suspension 2) looks like it is on stilts and 3) not offered as RWD with M Sport suspension
The AC Schnitzer springs at around £600 fitted are significantly better than M Sport suspension according to those that have tried both. That also reduces the height, although that is so marginal anyway (1-1.5cm) that few would notice. They should probably have offered RWD as well, although I would opt for xDrive. Fox- said:
The XDrive is a knee-jerk product aimed at people who think we live in Austria, these people generally buy diesels because they think every petrol does 10mpg, therefore no demand for the xDrive petrol ones 
That is just plain nonsense.Most people that have bought diesel cars, including me, have probably owned a petrol car in the recent past, so we have a fair idea of what fuel economy to expect. Sites like Fuelly and Honest John are increasingly popular and give real mpg figures. Most of us probably bought a diesel with our eyes open. I have had 4 previous petrol BMWs and one diesel.
Similarly with xDrive, most of us have probably owned a wide range of cars and have some idea what it can and can't do. I have had 4 RWD BMWs and one other xDrive. It does add 85kg to the 3 Series, which is a shame, but there are plenty of benefits in the wet or slippery conditions found in the UK. It was also the only option for the fastest F30.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff