xDrive (Deutsch, English, Polski, Русский)

bmw's xdrive all wheel drive system(Edit)

Proactive automatic all wheel drive system. The rear wheels are powered at all times. Torque can be transferred to the front wheels via electronically controlled multi plate clutch that is located in the transfer case. XDrive does not have a center differential. Most of the time, the clutch is partially locked and power is transferred to both axles in proportion 40/60 front to rear. The power distribution can be altered to continuously variable levels (from 50/50 to 0/100). For example, when driving at high speed, or when parking, the clutch is disengaged and all power goes to the rear wheels.

XDrive is linked to DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) - when the vehicle understeers{f}, the clutch is disengaged thus transferring more torque to the rear wheels (10/90^{citation needed} torque split). When oversteering is detected, the clutch locks fully transferring more power to the front wheels (50/50 torque split).

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) also brakes wheels individually to regain traction and to help cornering.

XDrive intervenes before the car becomes unstable and is unnoticeable by the driver.

Figure: bmw 5 series xdrive

Figure: bmw xdrive transfer case

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