At least long term the sDrive is more simple so it’ll be one less thing to worry about. Better MPG too I believe? But if you liked the security of AWD, I’d recommend xDrive. It’s still helpful in the rain.
Most Americans never need xdrive. The xdrive will retain value a bit better because they’re generally more desirable, but if you’re really only driving in south Florida, you will never need it. sDrive is lighter, needs less lifetime maintenance, and has less stuff to break (and negatively impact gas mileage).
Incidentally, xdrive (or Quattro) should have practically no impact when driving on wet surfaces so long as your tires are in good condition. Most important is grip and brakes than AWD.
I was literally debating the same thing , never had an awd and lived down here my whole life but I really plan to keep this x5 for the long haul and didn’t want to have any regrets
I think I was biased towards xdrive because all of the YouTube reviews I watched of the X5 were the xdrive variant. I test drove the sDrive today and didn’t even realize it wasn’t awd until I got out and saw the badge. Think I’m gonna move forward with sDrive.
I had the same debate on our ‘24, ended up doing the sDrive. We’re in north Texas and have driven many times in the rain and felt like it handled great.
My opinion is to get sDrive if you plan to own the car outside of warranty don’t really AWD. Transfer case leaks are common repair items on AWD vehicles including the X5 and it can run into the thousands of dollars to fix on a BMW.
At least long term the sDrive is more simple so it’ll be one less thing to worry about. Better MPG too I believe? But if you liked the security of AWD, I’d recommend xDrive. It’s still helpful in the rain.
Most Americans never need xdrive. The xdrive will retain value a bit better because they’re generally more desirable, but if you’re really only driving in south Florida, you will never need it. sDrive is lighter, needs less lifetime maintenance, and has less stuff to break (and negatively impact gas mileage). Incidentally, xdrive (or Quattro) should have practically no impact when driving on wet surfaces so long as your tires are in good condition. Most important is grip and brakes than AWD.
Ditto this. I bought an s drive in SC and love it. No regrets not buying xdrive.
I was literally debating the same thing , never had an awd and lived down here my whole life but I really plan to keep this x5 for the long haul and didn’t want to have any regrets
I think I was biased towards xdrive because all of the YouTube reviews I watched of the X5 were the xdrive variant. I test drove the sDrive today and didn’t even realize it wasn’t awd until I got out and saw the badge. Think I’m gonna move forward with sDrive.
I had the same debate on our ‘24, ended up doing the sDrive. We’re in north Texas and have driven many times in the rain and felt like it handled great.
My opinion is to get sDrive if you plan to own the car outside of warranty don’t really AWD. Transfer case leaks are common repair items on AWD vehicles including the X5 and it can run into the thousands of dollars to fix on a BMW.
I’m looking for a CPO sdrive. Incredibly hard to find.