Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 320i xDrive vs rivals

We try five different four-wheel-drive systems to find out which tackles UK winter driving best

Increasingly cold and frosty winters have made car buyers keen to invest in the security of all-wheel drive – and car makers have been happy to cater to this trend.

BMW has sold four-wheel-drive versions of its cars for many years, but from this year it will be offering the system in the UK, on the 1 Series and 3 Series.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Due to the demands of the US market, the first model to arrive is a 2.0-litre petrol, but the technology will soon be rolled out across the range.

This is a big step for a brand that’s revered for its thrilling rear-drive handling, so for the 4WD 3 Series’ first test, we decided to look at the different 4x4 systems on the market and examine in detail how they work on and off-road.

The cars we’ve assembled represent varied approaches to the same job. Audi has a rich four-wheel-drive heritage, and the A6 Allroad’s quattro set-up offers sporty dynamics and plenty of grip.

Another brand with 4WD in its blood is Subaru. Its XV crossover is the only car in its class to feature permanent 50:50 split 4WD.

Completing the line-up are two opposites: the Ford Ranger is a tough pick-up for the most extreme off-road conditions, while the Lexus RX 450h is an efficient and refined hybrid.

Verdict

There’s no overall winner of this test, as our cross-section of models is so different. However, these cars demonstrate that there’s an all-wheel-drive model to suit every need.

For reassuring on-road handling, the new BMW 320i xDrive is excellent, and it doesn’t compromise on BMW’s ultimate driving machine philosophy. If you’re more adventurous, the Audi A6 Allroad is a very comfortable cruiser that can also handle light off-road work. This mix of skills is taken a step further by the Subaru XV, but its deficiencies in other areas are a lot to live with.

The Ford Ranger will take any off-road punishment thrown at it, and at the other end of the spectrum, the Lexus RX 450h is a technology pioneer offering superb comfort and low running costs – at a high purchase price.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,315Avg. savings £5,008 off RRP*Used from £8,250
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,391 off RRP*Used from £16,800
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,715 off RRP*Used from £14,628
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,400
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Electric car drivers won’t ever go back to petrol or diesel
Opinion - VW ID.7 GTX

Electric car drivers won’t ever go back to petrol or diesel

Editor Paul Barker thinks the EV transition is coming whether we like it or not
Opinion
28 May 2025
The MG HS just got hot! New 221bhp Hybrid+ model joins line-up
MG HS Hybrid+ - front 3/4

The MG HS just got hot! New 221bhp Hybrid+ model joins line-up

The Hybrid+ gives the MG HS another tool to take on the Dacia Bigster
News
28 May 2025
2026 Land Rover Defender updates look subtle, but they fix one huge annoyance for owners
Land Rover Defender MY26 updates - front

2026 Land Rover Defender updates look subtle, but they fix one huge annoyance for owners

Land Rover has introduced new, larger white-painted steel wheels for models with big brakes, fixing one massive irritation with the previous generatio…
News
30 May 2025