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Page 1: Overview
Page 2: Safety, Agility, Traction, and Driving Pleasure All in One
Page 3: BMW xDrive
Page 4: The Arjeplog Testing Base



Overview

Developing Dynamic Performance Control, BMW has created a drivetrain and chassis control system offering the driver an even more intense and safer experience of sheer driving pleasure. In particular, the car's dynamic performance and lateral acceleration become a genuine, tangible experience thanks to enhanced steering precision and tracking stability at all speeds.

Optimum distribution of lateral forces on the rear axle.

The term "Dynamic Performance Control" defines a mechatronic system serving to distribute drive forces infinitely to the rear wheels regardless of engine output. To provide this effect the final drive is combined with two superimposed gearsets and two electronically controlled multiple-plate brakes serving to infinitely vary the otherwise symmetrical distribution of drive forces when driving in a straight line.

The difference in forces potentially generated in this way of up to 1,800 Nm provides a significant improvement of steering behaviour, steering precision, tracking stability, and traction in general. At the same time the steering responds even more directly and the driver is required far less often to intervene in the steering, just as the electronic control systems are required far less frequently to stabilise the car.

Suited for all engines and drivetrains.

The special highlight of this unique development by BMW is that for the first time this system is able to actively distribute drive forces not only in the overrun mode and with the clutch disengaged. As a result, Dynamic Performance Control is suited for both standard and all-wheel drive.

In all, therefore, Dynamic Performance Control enhances not only active safety, agility and motoring comfort, but also the joy of motoring through an even higher standard of steering precision, tracking stability and traction. Precisely this is why this innovative technology offers the customer genuine benefits in cars with all engines, Dynamic Performance Control giving even the "average" driver tangible benefits in everyday motoring at all speeds and helping him control his car in superior and safe style. Hence, sheer driving pleasure becomes an even more significant issue even in models with a "basic" engine.

Dynamic Performance Control and xDrive: the perfect pair.

The combination of Dynamic Performance Control and BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive system varying longitudinal forces infinitely between the front and rear axles forms an ideal team.

Together with appropriate distribution of drive forces on the rear axle, this provides an unprecedented standard of driving stability, dynamism and agility re-defining the benchmark in drivetrain and chassis technology.

The system also neutralises the inherent inclination of cars with all-wheel drive to understeer, thus ensuring particularly smooth and neutral driving behaviour. And even the less routined motorists will feel the difference, finding it a lot easier also in critical situations to keep his or her car under control.

Intelligent all-wheel drive: BMW xDrive.

The particular ability of variable all-wheel drive introduced for the first time by BMW in 2004 is that this high-tech system significantly improves both traction as well as dynamism and motoring safety all in one. Under normal driving conditions, permanent all-wheel drive distributes engine power at a ratio of 40 : 60 front-to-rear. BMW xDrive then responds quickly, precisely and variably to any change in road or driving conditions by changing the distribution of drive forces in a longitudinal direction.

Incorporating a power divider with an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch, BMW xDrive directs the power of the engine to where it can be used most effectively. Hence, all-wheel drive acts against any tendency to over- or understeer in a bend at an early point in time, improving driving dynamics in the process. Traction is thus optimised also on difficult terrain, since the system directs drive power instantaneously and variably to precisely the right wheels with a higher frictional coefficient.

To distribute drive forces quickly and precisely in the longitudinal direction, xDrive all-wheel drive, DSC Dynamic Stability Control, engine management and, if fitted, Active Steering are all networked with one another by means of Integrated Chassis Management.

Making its world debut high up in the north of Sweden.

This new technology is not being introduced to the public for the first time at one of the major motor shows, but rather at the BMW Group's newly established Test Centre in the north Swedish town of Arjeplog. Here, 56 kilometres or 35 miles south of the Polar Circle, Dynamic Performance Control in the BMW 530xi with xDrive all-wheel-drive technology can demonstrate convincingly on snowbound country roads and test tracks, as well as prepared ice tracks, to what extent it is able to increase safety and at the same time enhance the car's agility and nimble performance.

Cars equipped with Dynamic Performance Control show almost the same behaviour as a go-kart, offering sheer driving pleasure of the highest standard starting at low speeds and with a higher level of safety than ever before.