BMW Cars with All-Wheel Drive (23 Models: Full List)
BMW has established a reputation for crafting premium vehicles, emphasizing an expert mix of performance and luxury.
While its higher-performance cars have rear-wheel drive (RWD) for sportier acceleration, BMW now offers many all-wheel-drive (AWD) models as optional or standard through its xDrive technology.
Are All BMWs All-Wheel Drive?
RWD had been car manufacturers’ preferred drivetrain for sporty driving machines due to the rear-biased power delivery providing stronger acceleration.
Although many mid and higher-end range models have rear-wheel drive, most BMW cars and SUVs now have all-wheel drive if the all-wheels propulsion isn’t already standard.
Car buyers will likely find an AWD BMW regardless of their chosen model.
BMW Sedans with AWD
#1 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Trim Levels with AWD: 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive.
Slightly larger than the 2 Series, the Gran Coupe is a coupe-like, four-door sedan, resulting in below-average headroom for rear passengers.
Still, the small size lends the Gran Coupe athletic handling.
This all-wheel-drive BMW comes with an eight-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The 2 Series Gran Coupe is also available with front-wheel drive.
#2 BMW 3 Series
Trim Levels with AWD: 330i xDrive, 330e xDrive phev, M340i xDrive phev.
This compact sports sedan has a modern interior with roomy front seating, although the rear seat is best for two than three.
Although RWD is standard, roughly half of the 3 Series trim levels have AWD.
The 3 Series is available with a gasoline-only or plug-in-hybrid powertrain and in the sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon body styles.
#3 BMW 5 Series
Trim Levels with AWD: 530i xDrive, 530e xDrive phev, M550i xDrive.
The BMW 5 Series has been a compelling pick for a midsize luxury sedan, with top-notch performance, excellent ride comfort, and leading-edge technology features.
Although rear-wheel drive has been standard for countless BMW 5 Series model years, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system offers drivers added grip in cold and wet weather.
The 5 Series also has a plug-in-hybrid version for higher fuel economy, capable of over 60 MPGe and 21 miles on electric-only power.
#4 BMW 7 Series
Trim Levels with AWD: 740i xDrive, 750i xDrive, 745e xDrive phev, M760i xDrive.
The large luxury sedan segment has two top dogs that offer superior levels of performance and comfort: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (one of Merc AWD cars) and the BMW 7 Series.
Both the 7 Series’ gasoline-only and plug-in-hybrid powertrains deliver massive power, and the all-wheel drive will suit drivers in colder regions better than rear-wheel drive.
If you want a value-for-money large luxury sedan for a cool $10k less than the 7 Series, the Genesis G90 is worth considering.
#5 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
Trim Levels with AWD: 840i sedan, Gran Coupe M850i sedan.
While the regular 8 Series is a large coupe or convertible, those wanting a sedan will be pleased with the four-door Gran Coupe.
It handles surprisingly nimbly for such a large automobile, and the all-wheel drive provides the 8 Series Gran Coupe marginally better handling still.
The Gran Coupe has more AWD trims than RWD ones.
#6 BMW M3
Trim Levels with AWD: Competition xDrive.
The M in BMW car names stands for ‘Motorsports,’ and the M3 is the smallest in this lineup.
While the standard 3 Series is a strong little car, the M3 is the favorite among enthusiasts.
It has explosive acceleration given its relative size and weight, and while rear-wheel power delivery is standard, buyers can opt for an all-wheel-drive BMW M3 for changing-weather peace of mind.
2022 marks the first year in over three decades that the M3 has AWD.
#7 BMW M5
Trim Levels with AWD: Base trim, CS.
Like most standard BMW models, the German marque took the regular 5 Series, gave it prodigious power through a V8, and affixed an M to its name.
It offers near-supercar-like performance in a supportive and commanding cockpit.
All-wheel drive is standard for the BMW M5, ideal given the amount of power on tap.
#8 BMW M8 Gran Coupe
Trim Levels with AWD: Gran Coupe Competition.
The M8s are mostly coupes or convertibles, but the Gran Coupe, with a longer body (for more interior space) and two extra doors for enhanced utility, make it a good luxury car for small families.
The M8 Gran Coupe has standard all-wheel drive and a potent V8.
Strong acceleration complements the solidly built cabin with premium interior materials.
BMW SUVs with AWD
#9 BMW X1
Trim Levels with AWD: xDrive28i.
Though it’s the smallest in the BMW SUV stable, the X1 is a frontrunner in the subcompact luxury SUV class.
The X1 provides excellent interior space despite the small package and confident handling, thanks to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
You can have the X1 with all-wheel drive or the less-expensive front-wheel drive.
#10 BMW X2
Trim Levels with AWD: xDrive28i, M35i.
Although slightly larger than the X1, the X2 is still an extra-small BMW SUV with a responsive engine and fun-to-drive character among its pluses.
However, its ride comfort is mediocre, making rival AWD-equipped Audi and Mercedes-Benz models more appealing.
BMW X2s are mostly AWD SUVs, with FWD available in the regular model.
#11 BMW X3
Trim Levels with AWD: xDrive30i, M40i hybrid, xDrive30e phev, X3 M.
Moving up BMW’s pecking order in size, the X3 is a solid all-rounder in the small luxury SUV class.
It has roomy seating in both rows, a strong yet efficient engine, and a comfortable ride for five.
While the base model has RWD, most BMW X3 trim levels have AWD, including the ones with mild hybrid and plug-in-hybrid powertrains.
#12 BMW X4
Trim Levels with AWD: xDrive30i, M40i hybrid, X4 M.
If you like the X3 but want a sportier-looking SUV, the fastback-style X4 will appeal.
Impressive handling complements the exterior styling and standard all-wheel drive for all BMW X4 models, including the mild hybrid variant and the more-powerful M version.
It rides firmly but comfortably, with supportive seats for long-distance driving.
#13 BMW X5
Trim Levels with AWD: xDrive40i hybrid, xDrive45e phev, M50i, X5 M.
The X5 is a strong pick in the midsize luxury SUV segment, performing well in various driving and comfort metrics.
Most BMW X5 models are all-wheel drives, including the hybrid and plug-in-hybrid versions, although the rear-wheel drive is available in the base trim.
Those desiring more capability when pushed will find plenty of appeal in the V8-shod X5 M model.
#14 BMW X6
Trim Levels with AWD: xDrive40i hybrid, M50i, X6 M.
The X6 is one of the earliest SUVs to spot a coupe-like, sloping roof form for a sportier outlook.
Although back seat room and rear visibility suffer as a result, the BMW X6 is a capable yet comfortable midsize SUV, with all-wheel drive as standard equipment across all trim levels.
The X6 also has hybrid and higher-performance M variants.
#15 BMW X7
Trim Levels with AWD: xDrive40i hybrid, M50i, M60i hybrid.
Drivers with larger families wanting a BMW SUV will find the full-size X7 a compelling pick.
It’s appropriately big in interior space, bold in styling, and has heaps of power to haul seven occupants smoothly and comfortably.
All BMW X7s are all-wheel drives, including the ones with hybrid powertrains, the xDrivee40i, and M60i.
BMW Coupes & Convertibles with AWD
#16 BMW 2 Series
Trim Levels with AWD: 230i xDrive coupe & convertible, M240i xDrive coupe & convertible.
Coupes and convertibles were predominantly rear-wheel-powered automobiles. To broaden their accessibility to a wider audience, manufacturers have offered AWD variants to meet all-weather demands.
The BMW 2 Series coupes and convertibles have standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive for extra grip when traction is at a premium.
The coupe and convertible are expectedly agile due to their size, although the stiff ride will suit spirited weekend drives better than everyday commutes.
#17 BMW 4 Series
Trim Levels with AWD: 430i xDrive coupe & convertible, M440i xDrive hybrid coupes & convertibles.
BMW 4 Series models are available in coupes and convertibles, with an equal split of RWD and AWD versions.
More crucially, the 4 Series’ sporty handling does not compromise ride comfort like sporty coupes and convertibles tend to do.
#18 BMW 8 Series
Trim Levels with AWD: 840i coupe & convertible, M850i coupe & convertible.
Due to its longer-than-average wheelbase for coupes and convertibles, the 8 Series is a superior highway cruiser.
Although the BMW 8 Series is surprisingly agile on the twisty bits given its size, the comfortable ride with the xDrive system’s all-weather capability makes it the ultimate coupe or convertible to cover long distances.
RWD is a standard provision, but more trim levels have AWD.
#19 BMW M4
Trim Levels with AWD: Competition xDrive coupe & convertible.
The M4 feels like a thoroughbred track-focused machine, available in coupes and convertibles.
BMW M4s have rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter a more suitable pick for leisurely drives given the car’s muscular character.
Its handling is appropriately grippy, and the carbon-ceramic brakes are virtually fade-free.
#20 BMW M8
Trim Levels with AWD: Competition coupe & convertible.
Like its midsize and large BMW siblings, the M8 is exceptionally comfortable, with superior acceleration and a confidence-inspiring cornering grip.
The standard all-wheel-drive system does an excellent job of providing the BMW M8’s hefty body with more balanced driving dynamics.
Still, few coupes and convertibles are as comfortable as the M8.
BMW Electric Vehicles with AWD
#21 BMW i4
Trim Levels with AWD: M50 (sedan).
Think of the i4 as the electric version of the 4 Series Gran Coupe (listed earlier in this post).
While their exterior stylings look similar, the i4 has a completely new architecture, with different components to meet the all-electric powertrain.
Buyers can choose either RWD or AWD for their i4.
#22 BMW i7
Trim Levels with AWD: xDrive60 (sedan).
The i7 is essentially an electrified version of the regular 7 Series sedan.
Despite the batteries’ extra weight, the electric motor’s higher torque helps the car to pull smoothly and strongly.
All-wheel drive is standard for the BMW i7, the xDrive60 the sole model.
#23 BMW iX
Trim Levels with AWD: xDrive50 (SUV).
The iX is the German automaker’s first electric SUV, and an outstanding one.
It is abundantly spacious and comfortable for a midsize SUV and a champ through the corners.
All BMW iX model years are all-wheel drives, simplifying the choice for the over-500 horsepower electric powertrain.
Is BMW All-Wheel Drive Good?
BMW’s all-wheel-drive system is ideal for drivers in regions with poor weather, especially given the performance-oriented DNA of the German marque’s vehicles.
While BMWs have suffered from mediocre reliability in the past, including the all-wheel-drive ones, the automaker is now one of the more-reliable luxury manufacturers, according to Consumer Reports.
The organization ranks the following as BMW’s more durable models:
- BMW 3 Series.
- BMW 4 Series.
- BMW X3.
- BMW X5.
- BMW X7.
Is BMW xDrive Any Good in Snow?
All-wheel propulsion is crucial in slippery conditions, so the system can adjust and vary the amount of grip each wheel gets to prevent breaking traction.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system works best in snowy conditions with appropriate winter tires for grip and safety.
Generally, the system offers greater stability and control in tricky conditions when traction is suboptimal.
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