[tom2021]

Quick question:

I wonder can we choose the engine to operate on two wheels drive only?
Thanks in advance.

We can select two wheels or all wheels drive on GMC Terrain.

[pungo]

xdelete app
But, why

[richardodn]

No. They are different systems. GMC added the ability to disconnect the rear wheels as a fuel saving measure. When you're in 2 wheel drive mode it's actually front wheel drive.

[najnad]

Xdelete makes it rwd

[tom2021]

I chose the four wheels drive X3 because of snowy roads in the winter (can be 1ft thick snow). In the summer, I thought when the engine only move two wheels, the car can go faster.

[pokerface]

I didn’t think X3 N20 is underpowered for its size but Get a tune if you want to go faster.

[tom2021]

The power is adequate. I just think is more efficient to run on two wheels during summer. The four wheel drives is to be used off road or in the winter.

[kevink1]

I would expect that any power gains would be minimal. Especially since you wouldn't be getting rid of any extra weight in the car. MPG differences between 2WD and AWD variants are from the weight differences and energy losses. And generally are only a couple MPG.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by tom2021

I chose the four wheels drive X3 because of snowy roads in the winter (can be 1ft thick snow). In the summer, I thought when the engine only move two wheels, the car can go faster.

Actually, a AWD will have faster times then a 2WD due to the added traction

Originally Posted by tom2021

The power is adequate. I just think is more efficient to run on two wheels during summer. The four wheel drives is to be used off road or in the winter.

A X3 sdrive is really only a 1 wheel drive since it has an open diff and a xdrive is only really a 2 wheel drive.

The real saving for sdrive is the initial cost and reduced maintenance.

Originally Posted by kevink1

I would expect that any power gains would be minimal. Especially since you wouldn't be getting rid of any extra weight in the car. MPG differences between 2WD and AWD variants are from the weight differences and energy losses. And generally are only a couple MPG.

According to this, the MPG for sdrive and xdrive are identical

[kevink1]

That is good. Historically, cars with 2WD and AWD options lose a mile or 2 for AWD. I just assumed the same for the X3.

[pokerface]

I didn’t think GMC Terrain had selectable 4WD. Maybe slip and grip system. The newer ones like my Highlander decouple at cruising not during acceleration.

[kevink1]

Originally Posted by pokerface

I didn’t think GMC Terrain had selectable 4WD. Maybe slip and grip system. The newer ones like my Highlander decouple at cruising not during acceleration.

Hard to find but I found a PDF for the 2019 that shows x2 Tour, x4 All-Wheel Drive, Off-Road and optionally Tow/Haul. Under the Traction Select system.

Was surprised. I hadn't seen where 2WD or AWD was selectable except on full 4WD systems where extended highway driving in 4WD mode could be hard on the car.

[thenew3]

Doesn't the BMW Xdrive system only drive the rear wheels until it detects slip, then it transfers some power to the front? That would suggest it's normally a 2WD/RWD system until the rear wheels start slipping.

[pokerface]

Found this document. Think it refers to first gen X3 but still applies

[tom2021]

Thank you.