Testing the Capabilities of the X5 on Snow | BMW

BMW X5 xDrive35d | BMW X5 xDrive35d

Testing the X5's Capabilities on Snow

It feels far more agile than its size would suggest, like driving a rear-wheel-drive sports car. That was my honest impression after gripping the steering wheel of the X5 xDrive35d on snow.The third-generation new X5, which also launched in Japan on October 31st last year,has a slightly larger body than the second generation, but it delivered a nimble feel that belied its dimensions.

Text by SAKURAI KenichiPhotographs by TSUKAHARA Takaaki

xDrive Offers More Than Just Off-Road Capability

The "intelligent all-wheel-drive system"BMWcalls itsX5is a system that adds a torque-variable full-time 4WD to the rear-wheel-drive chassis layout, which BMW has meticulously refined, as evidenced by its longitudinal engine mounting.

Under normal driving conditions, 40 percent of the engine torque is distributed to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear. Even as a 4WD, it offers responsive steering and allows the driver to linearly feel the road information, delivering the characteristic BMW driving feel that everyone imagines. Furthermore, on packed snow or wet surfaces, as experienced on this occasion, it variably adjusts to the road conditions, demonstrating excellent traction.

The xDrive effortlessly climbs winding, sloped roads, undeterred by the alternating dry and packed snow surfaces. While other 4WD models tend to have steering that becomes unexpectedly light when driving on snow, the xDrive, despite these snow-specific tendencies, allows you to firmly feel the changing road conditions through the steering wheel as you drive.

This feeling of driving with the conscious grip of all four wheels is incredibly reassuring, even on unfamiliar snowy roads for the first time. Even when entering a corner slightly too fast due to insufficient braking on a straight, the DSC controlled the vehicle, preventing a spin. While the car ultimately assists you, proper technique is still essential on snow. On low-mu surfaces, smooth steering inputs and careful acceleration and deceleration are key.

On public roads, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is always engaged for safety. However, this time, on a wide, closed course, we deliberately turned DSC off to test the 4WD's performance.

With DSC engaged during normal driving, the system detects tire slip, naturally reduces throttle input, and the ABS intervenes, allowing the X5 to regain tire grip. This is incredibly reassuring on snow-covered roads where conditions change moment by moment, and it clearly contributes to peace of mind on public roads.

BMW X5 xDrive35d | BMW X5 xDrive35d

Testing the X5's Capabilities on Snow (2)

The Appeal of xDrive That Changes Your Criteria for Choosing a Car

With DSC off, all four wheels respond faithfully to the accelerator. When we deliberately stomped on the accelerator, we could feel the immense torque of the turbo diesel, 540 Nm (55.1 kgm), powerfully pushing the car forward.

However, even with studless tires, the tires couldn't secure sufficient grip and began to spin. The moment this was felt, traction was applied to the front wheels, and the X5 began to accelerate smoothly.

While it sounds complicated to describe, the xDrive accomplishes this instantaneously. In the X5, the center differential that distributes torque between the front and rear axles now uses an electric motor instead of the previous hydraulic clutch, electronically controlling torque distribution. Consequently, it achieves more responsive traction than ever before.

Once acceleration begins and the tire grip links with speed, the X5 allows for effortless counter-drift driving in a steady circle, unhindered by its 2.2-ton weight. This off-road capability and controllable handling are unique advantages of xDrive, not found in FR models.

The pleasant sensation of controlling the vehicle while gauging the tire grip confirms that the X5 is undoubtedly aBMW. This enjoyment (of drifting on snow) is addictive once experienced. Of course, we strongly advise against turning off DSC on public roads under any circumstances, so please don't forget that.

For those who wish to experience the performance of xDrive models, including the X5, on snow, there is indeed good news.

BMW is holding a public event titled "BMW xDrive Snow Driving Experience" at Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture until Sunday, February 16th. The event offers test drives of the BMW 320i xDrive, X3 xDrive20i, X3 xDrive20d, X1 xDrive20i, and the X5 xDrive35d, which OPENERS test-drove, all free of charge (all models are right-hand drive).

If you plan to enjoy winter sports at the ski slopes, we highly recommend visiting Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort to experience the performance of xDrive. This valuable opportunity to test xDrive on both public roads and a special course on snow might just change your criteria for choosing a car; it's that impactful.

BMW xDrive Snow Driving Experience
Location | Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, Nagano Prefecture, Meiyama Slope Base, Special Venue
Dates | Until February 16, 2014 (Daily, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but including holidays)
Hours | 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:30 (Reception from 9:30)
Test Drive Courses | Public roads and special course
Reception Location | Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, Meiyama Slope Base, Special Venue
Reception Method | On-site reception the day before or on the day
Test Cars | BMW 320i xDrive, X3 xDrive20i, X3 xDrive20d, X1 xDrive20i, and X5 xDrive35d (all right-hand drive specifications)

BMW Customer Interaction Center