xDrive or not?

[Keet]

I'm looking at changing my Alfa Giulietta which is the "family" daily runner. The replacement has to look special, 4 door minimum and petrol. My days of tear arseing around are over as I'd like to keep my licence as long as I can, so it doesn't have to be a performance monster.

I initially fancied an Alfa Giulia but since my better half has had her e89, I've become rather impressed with BMW's.

I started to look at the 1 series. I've test driven one and there was nothing wrong with it, but they just look so boring and really didn't float my boat.

Then a few days ago whilst browsing a local car supermarket, Denise pointed out a white 320i xDrive M Sport Shadow Edition which I have to say looked really nice.

Now to the point of my question, said supermarket had a few of these in group stock. All of a very similar spec with the exception of a couple of them were xDrive and some were RWD models which were £1k cheaper.

Is the xDrive worth the additional money?

 

[Paul Rice]

Personally i have always been a rear wheel drive fan, always seem better balanced than front or 4 wheel drive. I am fortunate if the weathers bad i stop in!
Is it worth £1k for a few days a year that's the question for me? If its all weather grip you need get the rear wheel drive and spend the £1k on a set of winter wheels and tyres, far more effective.
As you stated Keith not looking for out and out performance so IMO stick with rear wheel drive.
Whichever you go for sure you'll love it.

 

[Redsheep]

Depends on the individual - X drive would be a must for me, but maybe the weathers worse here.
Its not just a few days of snow, but all the days of rain and damp roads that it really comes into its own and makes a much more secure feeling drive.

 

[mrscalex]

I had the same dilemma but in the end a brilliant lease deal meant I went with standard RWD only for my 330 Gran Turismo.

Not a decision I regret at all - I love the car. However it was absolutely terrifying in the snow earlier in the year and that was driving it literally at 2-3 mph! The snow was that heavy stuff we had but FWD cars were coping okay.

 

[benf]

I'm looking at changing my Alfa Giulietta which is the "family" daily runner. The replacement has to look special, 4 door minimum and petrol. My days of tear arseing around are over as I'd like to keep my licence as long as I can, so it doesn't have to be a performance monster.

I initially fancied an Alfa Giulia but since my better half has had her e89, I've become rather impressed with BMW's.

I started to look at the 1 series. I've test driven one and there was nothing wrong with it, but they just look so boring and really didn't float my boat.

Then a few days ago whilst browsing a local car supermarket, Denise pointed out a white 320i xDrive M Sport Shadow Edition which I have to say looked really nice.

Now to the point of my question, said supermarket had a few of these in group stock. All of a very similar spec with the exception of a couple of them were xDrive and some were RWD models which were £1k cheaper.

Is the xDrive worth the additional money?

Bought a 125d msport this year cheap on tax and fuel and goes well (220 bhp) definitely recommend one, practical but still fun to drive

 

[mrscalex]

These modern BMW diesels are bonkers.

All nice cars but where possible would advise going for a 6 cylinder as they are so smooth.

 

[abh29]

These modern BMW diesels are bonkers.

All nice cars but where possible would advise going for a 6 cylinder as they are so smooth.

OP states it has to be petrol!!!

 

[mrscalex]

OP states it has to be petrol!!!

I’m not stopping him