BMW is famous for producing rear-wheel-drive family saloons with exceptional handling and fun. With BMW premium models including M5 extensively adopting all-wheel-drive, let's look at some mostly ignored history of BMW applying all-wheel-drive technologies to its vehicles, since the mid-80s.

BMW’s first ever all-wheel-drive production model, the BMW 325i "Allrad", was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1985, which was followed in 1988 by the BMW 325iX touring, both offering superior traction and handling characteristics over slippery and uneven surface. Power was delivered in a ratio of 37 to 63 between the front and rear axles, visco in the transfer box and rear differential can provide virtually rigid connection between the axles to improve traction and stability.


1985 BMW 325i Allrad


1988 BMW 325iX Touring

The first 5 series equipped with all-wheel-drive technolgy was the electronically controlled 1991 BMW 525iX, the multi-plate clutch allowed the default 36 to 64 split ratio of power being adjusted seamlessly according to driving condition. That was followed by the BMW 525iX touring introduced in 1992, with the same technology.


1991 BMW 525iX

The 1999 BMW X5 was a sensation. With standard-fit all-wheel drive X5 immediately gathered significant amount of following, and still is among the best products in the SUV segment today. A planetary gear system split the drive power in a ratio of 38:62 between front and rear wheels, while electronic stability control systems such as the DSC, ADB-X and HDC ensured the new X5 was exceptionally sporty.


1999 BMW X5

In 2003, following the success of the X5, BMW introduced a compact SAV the X3, with roughly the same formula, and added the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. At the time, it was the first system of its kind in the world that proactively monitors the driving situation and automatically adjust driving characteristics of the car dynamically at real-time.


2003 BMW X3

From 2005, BMW started offering model-specific xDrive version Sedan and Touring 3 Series and 5 Series. xDrive BMW 3 Series Coupe followed.


2005 BMW 330i


2005 BMW 3 Series Touring


2005 BMW 5 Series


2005 BMW 5 Series Touring

The second generation BMW X5 introduced in 2006 debuted the Integrated Chassis Management system (ICM), which integrates all the vehicle dynamics control systems, including xDrive.


BMW X5

In 2007, BMW presented the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC), the BMW X6 with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). At the same time,
Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) marked its debut in the premium segment.


2007 BMW X6

2009 saw BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive introduced into the BMW 7 Series, and in 2010, BMW ActiveHybrid X6 combined all-wheel-drive with a hybrid powertrain for the first time.

BMW launched the first two all-wheel-drive models in the BMW 6 Series in 2012, the BMW 6 Series Coupe and BMW 6 Series Convertible.


2012 BMW AWD 6 Series

The BMW 4 Series introduced in 2013 offered all-wheel drive versions. It was followed in 2014 by the 4 Series Convertible and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. 2013 also saw BMW xDrive making its debut in the 1 Series.


2013 BMW 1 Series

In 2014, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer that combines BMW xDrive with an all-new front-wheel-drive setup was introduced, and the new BMW X4 with xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive adopted the successful Sports Activity Coupe concept of the X6 into the premium mid-sized segment.

And from 2014, BMW started speeding up the development of EVs and hybrid vechiles, the electric i8 is equipped with a special form of all-wheel drive that the 2+2-seater sports model’s plug-in hybrid drive system was was paired with an internal combustion engine driving the rear wheels with an electric motor driving the front wheels.

In 2015, the plug-in-hybrid BMW X5 xDrive40e combined BMW xDrive with BMW eDrive. BMW 225xe was offered in the form of full electrified all-wheel drive.


2015 BMW X5 M


BMW X7

Today, more than 110 BMW models are offered with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, and more than a third of new BMWs sold are xDrive models. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is biased towards rear-wheel-drive characteristics, offering precise and fun yet stable handling with no torque steer.