xDrive tagged posts

We use to think BMW is a brand only makes sports-oriented cars with rear-wheel-drive layout. However, it seems quite a lot of “normal” consumers just do not care whether it is RWD or FWD at all (they may even do not know these terms). Therefore to expand the sales, it is logical to produce some models which are using FWD platform: better interior space efficiency, less cost (better profit margin) etc. This is exactly the case for the all-new 2nd-generation 2016 BMW X1 (code name: F48), unveiled today.

As mentioned above, the 2016 X1 is based on the FWD platform (shared with the MINI Countryman)...

Following last month’s announcement that Rolls-Royce is going to build a SUV model, the British auto maker’s CEO Mueller-Oetvoes spilled out more details on this SUV in a recent interview.

Major news is that the Rolls-Royce SUV will use an all-new design of aluminum spaceframe in the body construction, and this design is not to be shared with the rumored BMW X7. The Rolls-Royce SUV will use aluminum extensively for the body and exterior panels, which should save a lot of weight than using steels.

In addition to this, Mueller-Oetvoes also mentioned the aluminum spaceframe design will be used in all future Rolls-Royce vehicles.

Talking about the off-road capability of the ...

For US market luxury brands, most of their upscale sedans offer the AWD option nowadays. However, not all AWD systems are created equal. Before our review, let’s look at what goes into a luxury sedan AWD system.

Differential: this is a device to let both sides of output rotate at a different speed, and still obtain torque. For example in your front-wheel-drive car, your front wheels are connected with a differential.

Open differential: when one side of output loses traction, there will be no torque available at another side at all...