How is your X5 in rain/snow?

[Doc5513]

I'm coming to an X5 from a '04 Volvo XC90 AWD. The XC90 is horrible in the snow and ice, and I'm convinced they make a different model for sale in Sweden!!
How would you folks rate the xDrive AWD in rain/snow/ice? Our only other car is an A4 with Quattro and that is amazing in bad weather.
p67

[Blackhawks]

Originally Posted by panerai67

I'm coming to an X5 from a '04 Volvo XC90 AWD. The XC90 is horrible in the snow and ice, and I'm convinced they make a different model for sale in Sweden!!
How would you folks rate the xDrive AWD in rain/snow/ice? Our only other car is an A4 with Quattro and that is amazing in bad weather.
p67

I only have rain experience so far... And it's been amazing. Looking forward to driving in the snow...

Great screen name, btw. I'm typing this with a PAM372 on my wrist. ;-)

[crackerjack15]

What kind of tires on the volvo? In my experience it doesn't really matter what vehicle you have the tires make the most difference. Obviously, awd helps greatly, and the different systems vary in capability, but traction and confidence come with tire choice. I've had all kinds of snow tires, but IMHO blizzack is #1 if you want ultimate in snow traction. But they do sacrifice dry stability. And... Omega planet ocean here. Lol

[Flying Ace]

Your snow/rain performance is 80% determined by the type and size of tires, 15% the drivetrain, 5% all other factors.

[Chem14]

I made 10 trips up to the mountain ski resort this past winter with zero issues driving (however a few issues with the driver assistance plus safety systems due sensors being covered with snow and the system going haywire due to reflection from the snow). A few of those times it was snowing hard and had c.a. 8 inches of snow on the road.

[possib1edoc]

Have an Audi Q5 and BMW X5. Both of all weather tires.

Audi Q5 >>>> BMW X5 in winter snow

I have 20" wheels on the X5 vs. 18" on the Q5.

[Doc5513]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

Have an Audi Q5 and BMW X5. Both of all weather tires.

Audi Q5 >>>> BMW X5 in winter snow

I have 20" wheels on the X5 vs. 18" on the Q5.

bummer . I mean good for the Audi! like I said we have one.

[shodanusmc]

2015 X5 50 with all-season tires in Chicago area. No problem at all last winter.

[Kzang]

X5 works well in the rain and snow with proper tires. With All season tires the X5 is capable as well depending on how cold it is and how much snow is on the ground.

[leo95se]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

Have an Audi Q5 and BMW X5. Both of all weather tires.

Audi Q5 >>>> BMW X5 in winter snow

I have 20" wheels on the X5 vs. 18" on the Q5.

i sold my q5 for the x5. the q5 was great with proper tires. in this case i had continental all seasons. what tires are on your x5? i cant imagine it will be that much ( >>>>) worse

[greentrbo95gst]

Had no issues in the mountains covered in snow and kept up with my buddy's jeep.

[twelve535i]

Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst

Had no issues in the mountains covered in snow and kept up with my buddy's jeep.

If that doesn't build confidence, I'm not sure what will.

[shodanusmc]

If you learned to drive a rear wheel drive car in the snow years ago, this will be like heaven. Drive within your limits due to varying conditions.

[GF7PE]

Originally Posted by shodanusmc

2015 X5 50 with all-season tires in Chicago area. No problem at all last winter.

What depth of snow did you drive in? Just dusting / hard packed or a few inches? I should be picking up my 50 msport w/ 20's this week but already have a set of 19's with all seasons on the way

[NVRfollo]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

Have an Audi Q5 and BMW X5. Both of all weather tires.

Audi Q5 >>>> BMW X5 in winter snow

I have 20" wheels on the X5 vs. 18" on the Q5.

more proof that narrow tires are better in snow

[greentrbo95gst]

Originally Posted by twelve535i

If that doesn't build confidence, I'm not sure what will.

By the way, the mini lake you see in the picture was filled up with snow, mud and ice and almost covered the entire tire.
I use these all the way around http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....150903143028:s

The car doesnt look that attractive with them on, but it handles great in the snow.

[greentrbo95gst]

Originally Posted by NVRfollo

more proof that narrow tires are better in snow

Yes, narrow tires are much better in the snow.

[NVRfollo]

Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst

Yes, narrow tires are much better in the snow.

I was looking at the DM-V1's which are a closeout since the DM-V2's just came out. I wonder if they justify the price differential...

[P1]

My father used to have an XC90 and with a proper winter setup, we had zero issues taking it skiing.

[Chem14]

Originally Posted by Kzang

X5 works well in the rain and snow with proper tires. With All season tires the X5 is capable as well depending on how cold it is and how much snow is on the ground.

Good point. I just used the all season Pirellis that came with it. twice I had to chain up. I don't have space for an extra set of winters, and the Thule self tightening chains take 1-2 minutes to put on, which makes having the all seasons and chains a non-issue. Plus the chain box fits nicely in the storage under the trunk where a space saver spare would normally sit. But as others will point out, with chains you cant move along as fast as those with winters.

[jlstyle]

It was fantastic on snow with DWS.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by possib1edoc

Have an Audi Q5 and BMW X5. Both of all weather tires.

Audi Q5 >>>> BMW X5 in winter snow

I have 20" wheels on the X5 vs. 18" on the Q5.

If you have the 19-inch tires on the X5, the narrower tires and higher sidewalls will improve traction in snow. My guess is that the Q5 with 18-inch rims will be similar to X5 with 19-inch rims. IMHO.