Hi all!

My lease is about to run out on my Clubman S ALL4 and, with this being Clubman's last year, I'm looking at ordering my "permanent" Clubman. I live in suburban MD, just outside DC, and I'm debating whether ALL4 is really offers any benefits. Weather-wise, it's certainly not necessary. Not surprisingly, our snowfall is rapidly decreasing, and while we may occasionally get more than 6" it's typically closer to 1 or 2, if we get any at all. But for wet pavements, generally (spring and summer is usually pretty wet), does ALL4 help with handling or just traction when accelerating? Coming from upstate NY I typically had AWD, but I'm wondering if the lower cost and better fuel mileage for FWD make more sense. Any recommendations are much appreciated.

 

We recently replaced our 2012 convertible which we purchased while living in the DC metro area with a 2023 Clubman ALL4. I will say that the ALL4 Clubman handles much better in the rain than did our FWD convertible. We were out of the snowy season in New England where we now live before we purchased the Clubman so I can't speak to how it will do in the snow.

 

We live in sunny SoCal and are on our 2nd All4 S. We purchased the 2nd one, a 2020, prior to lease expiration and intend to keep it for a good long time.

It will never see snow and not much rain.

I went for All4 because of handling, lack of torque steer and, with a little extra boost from the Dinan Sport, it is a hoot.

As I tell people, this MINI is the best BMW we've ever owned..

Did I need all wheel drive capability? Well... the list of cars I've enjoyed that I didn't need is extensive. The amount I've spent on lease payments over the past decades is obscene. But then, life is short. If you can, drive what you love. I'm keepin' my All4.

 

I'm located in NOVA and have the All4 S. It definitely has super traction in rain and bury it in corners even in the rain with no loss of traction. I would do it all over again. While it for the most part drives like a FWD, when you need the traction, it does help. I've used it going up gravel trails (WV) where you might lose traction in the front due to elevation changes (one wheel off) and the rear does kick in.....

 

Thanks for the responses - they reinforce my bias towards the ALL4. Now I just need to get my order in!

 

ALL4 if you can do it, for resell valve that what i would be looking for. You can always use the extra grip.

FWD is good for down south but you can still get stuck in sand or have to go down a gravel road. Plus a bunch of people down south might come up north and hit snow.

 

Wow oh wow, my first reply on this forum. All the responses above are valid points for ALL4. Grip, traction, handling are positive associations with all wheel drive. What is partially ironic is FWD can mimic near same benefits because it comes down to the tires your clubman are riding on.

For context, I live in the blustery city that is Chicago and we have our fair share of every season, sometimes, all in the same day. A good set of all season tires will set you far. Even more so snow tires for the winter season.

Pick whichever clubman version that makes you happy. I’m always grinning driving mine. Cheers.

 

If you want the JCW Clubman, it comes with All4 (and the extra HP, brakes, etc.). But for the regular Clubman model it may not make much difference in handling.

 

Welcome!

 

My all4 is tons of fun in VT snow.