New BMW X Models Tested In Borneo Jungle

BMW Asia, in collaboration with BMW Malaysia, demonstrated the driving prowess of its BMW X models at the BMW xDrive Experience in Borneo, East Malaysia from 15-18 October 2012. The full range of BMW X1, X3, X5 and X6 were put through the challenge via varying driving conditions and road surfaces across a distance of 240km.

The BMW xDrive system is an intelligent all-wheel drive system that monitors the driving situation constantly and distributes drive power smoothly between the axles. The xDrive system splits drive variably to the front and rear axles to suit the driving situation and the surface. Under normal circumstances, it distributes driver power between the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio, and changes this figure variably when the road surface or overall driving conditions change.

Acting almost instantaneously and in a manner so subtle, the xDrive system operates virtually unnoticed by the vehicle's passengers and can direct up to 100% of drive forces to one axle. Enabling the driver to start up effortlessly even on slippery surfaces or steep hills, the xDrive system routes all power to the axles with the greatest traction. When parking, the system reacts to the need for high maneuverability at low speed by opening the clutch completely so the powertrain functions optimally.

At the first sign of understeering, drive power to the front axle is reduced. If oversteering is detected, the xDrive system directs more power to the front axle. Thanks to this dynamic redistribution of power, vehicle stability returns to normal even before the driver notices anything amiss.

Driving on a winding road or taking a fast bend in dynamic style is particularly enjoyable with the BMW xDrive: the driver feels as if the vehicle is being guided along the curve. The xDrive system ensures that no drive power is wasted on a loss of traction, and that every kilowatt of power is effectively used on the road.


“The BMW xDrive thinks ahead. As one drives, the xDrive analyses data from the on-board electronics systems such as speed, steering angle, torque output and other key factors – and calculates whether the vehicle can follow the driver‟s wish or if it threatens to oversteer or understeer, thereby preventing the vehicle from swerving,” remarked Mr Anutarasoti.

Unlike conventional all-wheel drive systems that are widely used in the industry today to make up for the shortfall in traction suffered by front-wheel-drive vehicles, BMW tunes its xDrive system to provide handling typical of rear-wheel drive. Even in normal situations on the road, all-wheel-drive BMW models send the majority of the drive to the rear wheels.

Credits: wilswong