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What is the best BMW for snow?

I recently finished college in NYC and moved to upstate New York—I’m looking to buy a BMW that can handle the snow we usually get, but I don’t know which model to go with. What is the best BMW for snow?

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Andrew Biro · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Overall, the best BMW for driving in the snow is probably the
BMW
X3 xDrive30i, but you can’t go wrong with any vehicle in the X3 xDrive or X5 xDrive series, as they are all equipped with BMW’s signature xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
If you’re looking to buy new, the 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i starts at $45,700, but you can also find older models for as low as $9,000—just make sure they’re in good condition before making a purchase.
When it comes to handling snow, traction is one of the most important things a car needs—and BMW’s xDrive AWD system provides that traction by automatically engaging torque to all four tires when needed. This is achieved through an electronically-actuated clutch-pack differential, which helps direct varying amounts of power to the front and rear axles.
Combine that with the BMW X3 xDrive30i’s 2.0L 4-cylinder TwinPower turbo engine—which can generate 248 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque—and you’ll have everything you need to drive confidently on snowy or icy roads.
Or rather, almost everything. Regardless of the BMW you choose, you can (and probably should) have snow tires installed for the winter months, as they help provide even more traction. Currently, the best snow tires for the BMW X3 xDrive30i are the Bridgestone Blizzak™ WS90 winter tires, which start at approximately $230.00.
MORE: Are BMWs expensive to maintain?
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