The BMW G80 M3 Competition xDrive can switch between 4WD and 2WD, so I put this to the test in heavy winter snow. Doing launches, 0-100 km/h test, and a slippery hill start! SUBSCRIBE! Winter tires: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
I am no expert but I'd try to not start with full gas on snow. Once tires start slipping they actually grip much less than when not slipping, that applies to any surface. That's why starting in 2nd gear is recommended in snowy conditions to lessen torque and decerease likelihood of tires starting to slip
On my F30 xDrive the traction mode also chances the launching in the snow completely. So I feel like it's not exactly a comprehensive comparison, it's not only the number of wheels that's important. I do love those 4wd donuts though - I remember how ecstatic I was when I learned the car can practically lock itself in the perpetual rotation around its own center axis! Awesome feeling!
Cool test! The incremental gain is way bigger than what other journalists lead us to believe! I’ll not be pulling the trigger on that i4 e40 and keep my 440 x drive. Thanks!
Great comparison video. So many people say RWD is perfectly good in snow with winter tires... and it "can be" depending on the circumstances, but this really shows how superior AWD is overall. And once you mod the G8X platform, the first two gears become worthless unless it's 100 degrees out with sticky tires and you roll into the throttle.
How do you like those Alpin 5? I can't decide between Michelin X-Ice Snow and Michelin Alpin 5 for my 2024 X3M. I downsized from 21 OEM wheels and bought a set of OEM X5 wheels 20x9 to fit my winter tires.
I have an M550i with X-Drive and have never got stuck in snow. I didn't know I could switch from 2 to 4. Is X-Drive the same as 4 wheel drive? Very good video, thanks.
Those tires must suck. I drove in the same amount of snow in my Michelin Pilot sport all season 4’s and they seemed just as good if not better. I also have an M3C Xdrive
All wheel drive, not 4 wheel drive. Big difference and it's important that people don't confuse the two. I see it confused the most in the UK where actual 4 wheel drive vehicles must be a rarity (other than Land Rovers, I guess.) Maybe the Brits don't do much off-roading? Because the difference is profound once the terrain gets rough.
2wd is good enough 9 out of 10 times and it more fun to drift imo. 4wd is only for the practical needs. I have driven only rwd for 18 years now here in norway with zero problems. its more about the driver than anything. a little momentum and u get up almost anywhere you need.
100% agree. I am now with my rwd M140i in Lapland in Finland and I am really surprised how capable it is. I haven’t been stuck once and there is a lot of snow here. I run Hankook Icept 3 winter tyres and have a LSD.
Looks like fun! I have driven RWD cars in light to moderate snow with winter tires for many years (E46 M3-> 1st gen Cadillac CTS-V-> E90 M3). Works OK much of the time but it's not ideal. I just moved to a '24 G80 M3 X-drive myself and decided not to get winter wheels and tires (est. $5000) and to drive it only when the streets are salt free. While I'm sure it would perform quite well as you've demonstrated, I have another winter vehicle that I'm more comfortable subjecting to the harsh conditions. I just want to point out that driving this car in 2WD mode for comparison doesn't necessarily equate to driving an M3-competition non-X-drive unless you are particularly careful about the traction and stability control settings which may need to be off or partially off to put it in that mode and then may compromise snow performance compared with other RWD cars.
Thanks for the comment. Nice move you made :) And you are right about the 2WD. I can't enable traction control in that mode. It's not a 100% fair comparison, but seemed like a fun video to make. I always wonder why don't people just buy the winter tires and swap them on your wheels? Been doing that for all my cars. Costs like $50-60 to swap all 4.
I've always had dedicated winter wheels + tires which I've swapped myself 12/1 and 4/1 each season (usually in a square setup 1" smaller than stock rims). For my past vehicles I've found that winter tires were not available for stock rims so there wasn't an option to just change the tires. Also, I've been told that mounting/unmounting isn't good for the tires when done repeatedly and they may scratch your rims each time they do it. I'm impressed you can get it done for that price. I've been charged $30 for each when I mount new tires. @@thebimmerbros
New M models has changed the range , they are more capable able can do lots of things . Go on track days , drift around , do winter hillclimbs , change to 2WD or 4WD use it in winter they are crazy . new M3 Touring is also incredible saloon model doesn't have any difference while driving . comparing to G80 . M'2 G87 is also very fun in steering/size factors. Gxx Are pretty much all rounders......
@@minigiant8998 i know, but i like the pre LCI more. I already had a hard time getting to like the big screen instead of the regular tachometer and idrive screen.
Congrats :) I have the valvetronic equal lenght midpipe installed. It removed 2 cats and OPF. I daily drive this, so it can't be too crazy loud for me. No drones or annoying noises on the highway, but amazing sound on the sportiest setting.
I guess when the car is in RWD mode the traction control action is intentionally diminished to make the car sportier. That’s the reason why BMW would put a RWD option in a AWD car, so it gets easier for you to do things like drifting. That’s why the performance in snow is so worse with RWD mode. If you want the best traction possible go for AWD.
even if I really like BMW, it's ridiculous to have the choice in the vehicle between 2wd and 4wd because when you are in 4wd you no longer want to go back to 2wd. And in the turns there is almost no need to brake so you go faster by staying on the trajectory and you save fuel because in general with a 2wd you often brake like all cars when entering turns or of certain roundabouts to then reaccelerate. but be careful because on BMW there are still many problems with the xdrive. It’s still a nice video, thank you.
maybe also learn how to drive in snow ;) way to much revs, you make the wheels spin when totally not wanted, do the same test with as low revs as possible, there will still be a huge difference, but this is just showing off with sounds... I'm more of a Quattro man :) BUT great vid! and i love the sound hahaha thanx for sharing!!!
