Hello everyone. Ive been reading stuff here with regards to CM All4 vs. CM S. I am torn between choosing ALL4 with basic options(plus a 3rd seats) and an S version with a sound system,moonroof, heated seats and an 18 inch tires. Theyre pricing is almost the same infact the ALL4 was only $500 cheaper. Do you guys think that the AWD capability outweighs the S's added options and the MPG?

 

Do you need AWD where you live? I would skip it, but I live in SW FL.

 

I move a lot, I came from Southern California and just recently move to KY/TN area. I was going for the ALL4 but just after reading that most of the time the all4 is using FWD unless needed, I kinda change my mind.

 

Have the S with all the options. No need for the All4 since living in South Florida is like living on a pool table...

 

I live in Kentucky. I forgot to mention the MC S is dealer's test drive vehicle.

 

i test drove both ...bought ths all4

the handling is so much better it could be a different model alltogether

also i live in the snow belt

scott

 

thanks, guys.
How is the MPG on the ALL4?

 

coming from a p/u truck with 17mpg overall, fantastic gas mileage!

since new (6k miles) 28.8 mpg overall

highest ever, one tank, 411 miles @ 55 mph used 9.8 gals, 42 mpg!

lowest ever, playing on back country roads 19 mpg

all "in town" 25 mpg

all highway @ 65-75mph 32 mpg

scott

 

For my budget I went with the Cooper S. I wanted more options and I wanted to stay under 30. I live in Ohio and so far no issues. Somedays I get a little All4 envy but I enjoy the moonroof and mini connected system. Cooper S gets "slightly" better milage and weighs less than the all4. You cant go wrong either way.

 

Like dharvey said, you can't go wrong either way. Like you, I used to relocate all the time being former military. In that case I would go ALL4 because if you end up in a state that has all 4 seasons, you will want that ALL4. Besides 17s with all season tires not only look good, they are they only option that has the all season tires. At least that is what I think.

 

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I don't actually have it yet (should be here next week), but we ended up going for the S Just2 instead of the All4 as a cost saving measure (all of which went to option, of course...)

It was hard to find actual comparisons in handling in the snow between the two, but I was able to search around YouTube enough to find at least one video with a S Just2 plowing through snow and it looked fine.

Admittedly, also playing into this decision is that we live in the city, and this is a weekend/trip car, so we won't really ever be needing to take it out in the snow on anything that won't be plowed.

In prior discussions about this there are of course people who are pretty particular in their driving that either like some of the cornering aspects of the All4 or prefer it because it reduces torque steer. Likewise, there are people who prefer the S Just2 because it reduces weight.

Another thing to use as a factor, is it seems like some aftermarket mods seem to be built around the All4, so if you had your heart set on installing mods you might find the S Just2 a limiting factor there. (I think about 70% of the Countrymen on the road are All4, it's a majority of what the dealerships are ordering.)

Those are pretty much the factors I've seen discussed. Hope that helps!

 

I only went with the ALl4 so I would not be forced to put chains when driving in the snow. If it were not for that I would not have gone with it. Heck, I would have gone with a RWD 3 series again...

So unless you get a lot of snow, I would say get the FWD. If you are at the point where FWD with proper snow tires does not meet your needs, then go with All4.

 

I don't think it comes down to snow capability, as FWD will get you through most snow conditions (AWD wil do it better, but still). For me, the decision to get the All4 was that it eliminated the horrible torque steer present in the FWD car. It's odd, because the Mini doesn't really have that much power or torque, but for some reason it is plagued by torque steer, making spirited driving very annoying (to me). All4 all but eliminates that, and lets you do things like, say, accelerate out of tight corners (a seemingly simple task that leaves the FWD car sputtering and jerking).

So get the All4 because you love driving...the added snow/wet capability is just a bonus.

 

Nice info, guys. I really appreciate it, its good to hear it directly from owners… I think Ill go with the ALL4 now since I think it suits me better.

 

Why not combine them both and go for the S all4?

 

There is no non-S ALL4 option.

 

There is definitely a different driving dynamic between the Just2 & ALL4. Personally, I like the Just2 but I love the ALL4.

However, after 6800 miles I am not seeing the same good mileage that bmwr606 is getting. Maybe 25 - 26 overall on premium gas. Not a scientific measurement by any means - I usually get 310 miles to a tank and then fill up with just over 12 gallons.

 

I did just fine in my Mazda3 S (FWD) with good All Seasons tires and I travel all over Western and Central PA.... all year round...I was going to get the CMS (Never really considered the Justa), but decided that the Torque Steer alone was reason enough to go with the ALL4.

As for mileage...recent trip on PA Turnpike...some hills...30.8 mpg...A/C on...speed....well I didn't get pulled over.......468 total miles....

 

I got the All4. Living in Oregon and going up to Mt. Hood multiple times a winter for snow sports made it a easy option box to check. I drove the R50 up there many times as well in the past but hated having to put chains on just because it was not 4 wheel drive. That being said a FWD car with chains does amazing in the snow. Mostly got the option for a little better traction and not having to put the chains on too. Also got the All4 for the better handling and the opportunity to slide the back out a bit in the white stuff.

Also I want to clarify how the All4 works. It does not default to FWD, but AWD. As the speed increases more power go to the front for MPGs but this little article does a great job explaining it. The system can send only 50% of power to the rear, but does it more often then not it seems like. Follow the link for more info.

http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/12/...tem-clarified/

 

The OP should note that these are extremely atypical results. I don't know how scott is doing it, or if he is being truthful, but these numbers represent about 10-25% better economy than what most people, including myself, are reporting.

Certainly you are not going to see these numbers if you drive your car with any enthusiasm.

 

aleclee is correct! If you get the All4 you have an S. All4 is not an option on the base model.

 

Actually there is an All4 Cooper D, but you can't get it in the US.

 

i should have also stated that i burn mobile premium with no ethanol, if i have to put e10 in, i lose 4-6 mpg arcoss the board

scott

 

I agree, with premium gas I am averaging 24.5 to 25 MPG week to week; I did get about 28.5 MPG on a road trip last month driving @ 75 MPH average. My daily driving includes city, Sport and downshifting with the paddles...