Quote:
Originally Posted by E36toF30
I would argue that xDrive doesn't really give you more safety margin. It does nothing to help you stop better, whereas snow tires make a huge difference for that.
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+1.
In serious snow and ice, we all drive conservatively and more cautiously, the speed and the maneuverability are practically non-issues. It's the stopping that is the crux of the matter and no AWD helps you there. Here's a guide to winter traction from my experience with all the technologies and tires being questioned here:
Snow Tires + AWD = The best solution.
Snow tires + RWD = 90% of that.
All Seasons + AWD = 70% of that.
All Seasons + RWD = 40% of that.
XDrive is just savvy marketing for lazy Americans who don't want to have to be inconvenienced having their tires changed each year. It's a nice concept on paper; doesn't work in the real world. It's all about the tires. Save the $3000 on XDrive, get $1000 worth of snow tires, spend the $200 to have them swapped 2x a year, done. Better traction, better safety, saves you money.
BJ