2001 BMW 330xi

What is it?
2001 BMW 330xi

What's special about it?
It might look like your typical BMW 3-Series car from the outside, but there's some interesting mechanical hardware underneath the sheet metal. In particular, this car has a larger engine and all-wheel drive.

It was nine years ago that BMW last offered all-wheel drive in a 3-Series vehicle (the 1991 325iX). The 330xi's all-wheel-drive system is a full-time system, requiring no shifting or switching by the driver to engage it. The power is delivered 38 percent to the front wheels and 62 percent to the rear wheels. A special version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control is standard and uses the throttle and brakes to help control vehicle stability during cornering or emergency situations. The 330xi's ride height is 0.7 inch higher than a standard 3-Series sedan.

The 330xi is also significant due to its new 3.0-liter inline six engine. Replacing the former 2.8-liter engine, this larger engine makes 225 horsepower and 214 foot-pounds of torque. In addition to the 330xi, the new 3.0-liter engine will find its way into the X5 3.0i, the 330i Sedan, the 330Ci Coupe and 330Ci convertible.

Why should you care?
Want a BMW? Want all-wheel drive? Well, now you've got two choices. SUVs are the hip thing to own, so we're pretty sure BMW will sell more X5s than 330xis. But that doesn't mean the 330xi is an inferior method of transportation. On the contrary, it should be a perfect combination of all-weather traction and secure handling. It looks like Audi's A4 finally has some competition.