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AWDReport.com - A Buyer's Guide to All Wheel Drive Cars, Wagons and Crossovers
Under $20,000 | $19 - $21,000 | $20 - $23,000 | $22 - $25,000 | $24 - $27,000 | $26 - $29,000 |
      $28 - $30,000 | $29 - $31,000 | $30 - $33,000 | $31 - $34,000 | $32 - $35,000 | $34 - $38,000 |
           $36 - $40,000 | $39 - $42,000 | $41 - $44,000 | $42 - $45,000 | $44 - $47,000 | $45 - $48,000 |
               $46 - $51,000 | $49 - $53,000 | $51 - $57,000 | $55 - $60,000 | $60 - $69,000 |
                        $66 - $73,000 | $69 - $79,000 | $78 - $92,000 | $88 - $125,000 | More than $120,000 |

  All Wheel Drive Report

CarsDirect.com
2008 X6 SAC

BMW

For 2011, BMW is still mad for flash. So, if you want an AWD BMW, go to the dealer. You have too much money anyway.

BMW's xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive system is unlike other all-wheel-drive systems. It's built with rear wheel bias for surefooted grip on slick roads, without sacrificing the feel of rear wheel drive. It sends power to the wheel or wheels with the surest footing - and it does so in milliseconds. That means under normal conditions, drive forces are spread out with a rear-wheel bias. But the moment the system senses excessive wheel slip, it subtly shifts torque to meet the changing conditions, offering maximum available traction and superior handling on all surfaces.

BMW AWD Choices

For 17 years in a row, Car and Driver has named the BMW 3 Series as one of its 10 Best Cars. Within this series, you have a choice of coupe , sedan or sport wagon. You can opt for more power by going to the 335 series but the Sport Wagon is not available with that 300hp mill. If you want the 300hp in a wagon, you'll have to step up to the 5 series.
The larger BMW "5" series can be had as either a sedan or a sport wagon, with the added option of upgrading the base 215hp 528xi to the more powerful twin turbo 300hp inline 6, called the 535xi. The sport wagon is only available in the 535xi configuration.
The X3 SAV (Sport ACTIVITY Vehicle) provides ample cargo space, without getting carried away and used the proven 3 series drivetrain.
The X5 SAV is available as either the 3.0si or the more powerful 4.8i V8 powered version.
The X6 SAC design comes standard with BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control for variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles. Featured for the first time as standard in the BMW X6, Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels. DPC incorporates an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential w/2 planetary gearsets and 2 clutch packs, enabling the system to multiply torque on an individual rear wheel. The result is that DPC can help steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of the rear wheels. Unique the world over, this cutting-edge technology is effective whether the driver is accelerating or decelerating and significantly enhances steering precision. As a result, the agility of the vehicle at any speed is improved.
2008 328xi Sedan The BMW 3 Series w/AWD is available as a coupe, sedan or sport wagon. There is a 230hp version inline 6 cyl. in the 328xi series, and a 300hp version in the 335xi series. Both are equipped with 6 speed manual gearboxes, with automatic transmissions available as an option. Prices on the 328xi sedan start at $34,300
2008 528xi sedan

The BMW 5 Series Sedan w/AWD has two powerplants available; the 528xi has a 3.0-liter DOHC, 24-valve inline 230-horsepower 6-cylinder engine and the 535xi come with a turbocharged 300-horsepower 3.0 liter engine with twin-turbo technology. The extra oomph will cost you more than $5,000. Prices for the 528xi start at $46,500
2008 535xi Sport Wagon

The AWD BMW 535xi Sport Wagon offers no powerplant option. An auto-levelling rear suspension is standard on this 300hp sport wagon, as is the 6 speed manual transmission from the sedan. Oddly, the BM web site says the wagon has slightly LESS cargo capacity compared to the 528xi. Huh? Running your pack to the vet in style will set you back
$54,000
2008 X3 The BMW X3 3.0si has a 110.1 inch wheelbase; a bit longer than other mini-suv's. Powered by a gutsy 260hp in-line 3.0 liter 6 cylinder, it also gets good mileage. Equipment levels are much the same as its 3 series siblings. The Steptronic automatic transmission is standard. Prices for the X3 start at
$38,000
2008 X5

The BMW X5 Series has a longish 115.5 inch wheelbase that helps this luxo-ute ride demurely, and allows for vestigial third row seating. But you're not buying an X5 for passenger comfort, are you? It is heavy at over 5,000 lbs, and will appeal to those used to driving trucks since BMW has spent a lot of energy on improving the driving dynamics of such a large vehicle. Looks like BMW will be skipping the 2008 model year on this one. While the 4.8i version will run you $54,500, prices for the X5 3.0si start at $45,900
2008 X6 The BMW X6 will be available in two engine variants: the xDrive50i (4.4 V8 engine, 400 hp, 450lb.-ft torque) and the xDrive35i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb.-ft torque), both with Twin Turbo. No pricing information or ship dates...

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