xDrive increases its lead over the competition

[B]Munich[/B] - In 2008 BMW has once again asserted its status as the world's most successful supplier of all-wheel drive automobiles and has once more moved significantly ahead of its main competitors. 323, 293 vehicles fitted with the intelligent all-wheel drive system xDrive were sold throughout the world. This means that the market leader was able to increase sales of all-wheel drive automobiles by around one per cent in spite of tough market conditions. This positive development shows that customers are becoming increasingly aware of the system's superior qualities as compared to the competition. xDrive's lead over the manufacturer in second place in the segment was almost doubled as compared to 2007.

The share of vehicles fitted with xDrive in relation to total sales of the brand BMW increased to 27 per cent in 2008. This ongoing success is the result of the consistent further development of the range of BMW X models and of a further extended selection of all-wheel drive vehicles within the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series. All in all, BMW currently offers 37 models in which the electronically controlled variable power distribution between the front and rear wheels ensures optimised driving dynamics on the road and supreme traction over rough terrain. The latest addition is the BMW 320d xDrive, so there are now three petrol engines and two diesel engines which now be combined with xDrive in the Sedan, Touring and Coupe models of the BMW 3 Series. In the BMW 5 Series, there are two petrol and two diesel engines available for both the Sedan and Touring fitted with the all-wheel drive system. The BMW X3 is available in six versions, the BMW X5 and the BMW X6 are each available in four engine variations.

Steps have already been taken to ensure that the system will progress even further. In the course of 2009 xDrive will be introduced to additional vehicle segments. The BMW X1, which will bring the characteristic features of a BMW X model to the segment of premium compact vehicles for the first time, will soon be ready for serial production, as will the first BMW 7 Series with xDrive and the first all-wheel drive models by BMW M GmbH.

[B]Pioneer and pace-setter for superior all-wheel technology: 10 years of the BMW X5[/B]

All-wheel drive vehicles have been part of the BMW model range since 1985, when the BMW 325ix was first launched. However, power transmission via all four wheels received its most powerful growth stimulus ten years ago in 1999, when the BMW X5 was launched - the world's first ever Sporty Activity Vehicle. The BMW X5 provided an enrichment of the off-road vehicle market with its unsurpassed sporty driving qualities on the road, which clearly set it apart from the competition.

This concept has since inspired other manufacturers to produce imitations, but in transferring the idea to other segments BMW continues to occupy the leading position. All in all over 1.3 million BMW X models have been sold since 1999, including over 243,000 in 2008 alone. The best-seller is the BMW X5, now in its second model generation. But the BMW X3, launched in 2003, has also been sold more than 500,000 times. The BMW X6, which got off to a successful start in 2008, is the first and only Sports Activity Coupe in the world. And like all BMW X models before it, the BMW X1 will be a pioneer in its vehicle category without any competition in the premium segment at its launch.

[B]BMW X models as trend-setters and innovation leaders[/B]

In addition to these attractive vehicle concepts, the unique functionality of the all-wheel system developed by BMW contributes to its ongoing success. With BMW xDrive, power transmission is controlled permanently by a distributor gear with an electronically regulated multi-disc clutch. In this way, drive power is distributed variably between the front and rear axle and is always available wherever it can be converted most effectively into movement. In the BMW X6, Dynamic Performance Control is also used for the first time, likewise providing spontaneous distribution of drive power, in this case between the right and left rear wheels. The stabilising function of Dynamic Performance Control is even applied in response to sudden load changes and when coasting.

The two systems are networked with one another via the central Integrated Chassis Management (ICM), which also controls Dynamic Stability Control, active steering (if fitted) and the chassis regulation system Adaptive Drive. This unique technology enables drive and chassis functions to be harmonised within a fraction of a second in such a way that agility, steering precision, driving stability and traction are optimised to deal with every situation on the road. For example, any tendency of the vehicle to oversteer or understeer is suppressed by means of selective intervention before it is even noticed by the driver.

Precision when steering round bends and directional stability when braking and setting off on slippery surfaces are all tangibly enhanced. In extreme traction conditions in particular, xDrive - networked with ICM - is considerably faster and more effective than conventional all-wheel drive systems.

The innovative strength on which the development of the current BMW X models is based is not only reflected in power transmission but also in the exemplary efficiency in the generation of drive energy. Due to their state-of-the-art engine technology and BMW EfficientDynamics measures fitted as standard, BMW X models demonstrate a relationship between driving dynamics and fuel consumption which is unsurpassed in all engine output categories. Impressive examples of this are provided by the following average fuel consumption levels based on the EU test cycle: 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the BMW X3 xDrive 20d with 177 bhp, and 8.2 litres in the BMW X6 xDrive with 235 bhp.

A BMW X model will also be the focus of attention at the launch of BMW ActiveHybrid Technology. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid will be ready for serial production in the course of 2009: it combines an 8-cylinder engine and an electric motor using an innovative Two-Mode Active Transmission. This model will also reflect the progress in the combination of driving pleasure and economy which is so characteristic of BMW and its development strategy BMW EfficientDynamics. Its innovative technology gives the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid a level of driving dynamics which has not been achieved by any other conventional hybrid vehicle to date, providing a fuel consumption bonus of up to 20 per cent as compared to a comparable vehicle with combustion engine only.

Credits: JRC