As soon as upon a time, BMW solely made rear-wheel drive automobiles. Whereas these days are far behind us, you possibly can nonetheless discover many – most, even – BMW fashions out there in a rear-wheel drive configuration. In a world more and more reliant on all-wheel drive to compensate for ballooning automobile weights and horsepower figures, many drivers nonetheless favor rear-wheel drive for its decreased complexity and extra dynamic really feel. Right here’s each rear-wheel drive BMW nonetheless in manufacturing in 2024.
BMW 2 Sequence Coupe and M2
To keep away from worldwide rioting, BMW nonetheless has to supply its entry-level efficiency mannequin – the M2 – and smallest, most sporty coupe mannequin with rear-wheel drive. Each the four-cylinder 230i and six-cylinder M240i are available in RWD configurations within the US. Each are enjoyable to drive, and the 230i is surprisingly sprightly because of its (comparatively) low curb weight and perky 255-horsepower engine. The M2, in fact, can be out there with a guide, which makes it a transparent fanatic alternative. For our European mates, BMW gives a rear-wheel drive variant for the 218i, 220i and 220d.
BMW 3 Sequence Sedan and M3
You don’t mess with custom, and BMW nonetheless gives its bread-and-butter 3 Sequence sedan in rear-wheel drive because it did when the mannequin debuted 50 years in the past. All US-market variants of the three Sequence sedan are nonetheless out there in rear-wheel drive format, together with the PHEV 330e and performance-oriented M340i. When you reside in Europe, you may get the 318i and 320i with a rear-wheel drive format as nicely. The M3 can be nonetheless out there with rear-wheel drive and even a guide transmission.
BMW 4 Sequence Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe / M4 Coupe
Because the 4 Sequence is basically a 3 Sequence with two doorways chopped off and a vertically-flipped grille, it, too, nonetheless comes with rear-wheel drive if you’d like it. All three variants, together with the four-door Gran Coupe, might be ordered in rear-wheel drive configuration. The identical goes for the M4, though convertible fashions are all xDrive. Once more, should you reside in Europe, you could have a bit extra choices, just like the 420i and 420d coupe, cabrio and gran coupe.
BMW 5 Sequence Sedan
The US market solely sees the lowest-level 5 Sequence in RWD guise, the 530i. It’s powered by a well-recognized 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 255 horsepower, and in truth, it received’t be essentially the most thrilling drive as a result of G60 5 Sequence’ excessive curb weight—nearly 400 kilos heavier than the 330i. The BMW 550e is obtainable in Europe in a RWD variant as nicely.
BMW 7 Sequence Sedan
The one 7 Sequence with rear-wheel drive within the US is the entry-level 740i. But it surely’s removed from a penalty field. It nonetheless gives a 375-horsepower inline-six and may speed up from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It’s additionally $3,000 cheaper than the xDrive sedan, which can provide barely faster acceleration.
BMW 8 Sequence Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe
Like its fellow flagship, the 7 Sequence, the 8 Sequence is out there with rear-wheel drive solely when choosing the usual automobile. What a disgrace, since a V8 powering simply the 2 rear wheels may’ve been fairly a little bit of enjoyable. Though, that’s technically attainable with M xDrive within the M8. Both approach, the six-powered 840i suggestions the scales at just below 4,000 kilos, so it’s extra of an RWD GT than a drift missile.
BMW X5
The one BMW SUV nonetheless out there with rear-wheel drive within the US is the X5 sDrive40i. It will get a turbocharged B58 inline-six beneath the hood with 375 horsepower. The $2,300 distinction in base MSRP between the rear- and all-wheel drive variations is a pleasant approach to avoid wasting cash should you genuinely don’t want xDrive.
BMW Z4
The Z4 solely is available in rear-wheel drive, which is sensible for a roadster presumably designed with enjoyable as its prime directive. Each four- and six-cylinder variants provide a driving expertise on par with their spicy appears, however the manual-equipped “Handschalter” Z4 M40i is much and away essentially the most exhilarating. Germany additionally will get a an entry-level BMW Z4 sDrive20i.
BMW i4
Electrical and rear-wheel drive are in all probability nearer to pizza and ice cream than cookies and milk, however the i4 comes with rear-driven wheels in eDrive35 and eDrive40 fashions. The most affordable i4 you should buy – the eDrive35 – represents a $10K price financial savings in comparison with the least-expensive xDrive mannequin. The financial savings make an total good automobile an excellent better worth, and though the torquey motor is down on energy in comparison with xDrive automobiles, prompt torque and almost 300 horsepower (or 335 within the i4 eDrive40) continues to be greater than sufficient to have enjoyable with.
BMW i5
US market i5s include one rear-wheel drive mannequin: the i5 eDrive40. Just like the i4 eDrive40, it has a single motor that makes 335 horsepower. Though the marginally increased curb weight hinders its agility, there’s nonetheless loads of enjoyable available. Let’s add to the listing the European BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring.
BMW i7
Even the electrical 7 Sequence nonetheless has an RWD configuration. Entry-level automobiles (should you can name a $105,000 automobile entry-level) include 449 horsepower, which is a lot to get the girthy luxurious sedan shifting shortly. Whereas we’ll by no means name the limousine tossable, RWD goes an extended solution to making the considerably sterile driving expertise a bit extra gratifying.
BMW iX3 (G08)
The primary-ever electrical BMW X3 (G08) was by no means offered in America and the rear-wheel drive configuration may need had one thing to do with it. However regardless of a number of shortcomings, the BMW iX3 was a good electrical crossover which discovered a house in lots of European garages.
