Powermadd/cobra 11511 Windshield 8.5" Blk Pol on 2040-parts.com

BMW vs Winter: all you need to know about BMW xDrive

By the CAR editorial team 21 January 2014 15:00 According to BMW, its ‘xDrive’ all-wheel drive system is more popular than any other premium brand’s four-wheel drive drivetrain. That’s right: in the UK, xDrive outsells Audi’s famous quattro system, not to mention Mercedes ever-expanding 4Matic range, and all-wheel drive version of Jaguar’s XF and XJ. If you had to name an all-wheel drive BMW off the top of your head, you’d probably plump for the X5, but the truth is that xDrive has infiltrated the majority of BMW models.

Telematics discounts tempting young drivers

INCREASING numbers of young drivers are opting-in to telematics-based car insurance in attempt to reduce their premiums. Specialist young driver insurer Carrot has reported a 62% rise in the number of its policyholders choosing to have a telematics device, consisting of accelerometers and a GPS tracker, fitted to their car. The company says that they could save up to 20% on their annual insurance premium, which for the youngest drivers almost always amounts to a discount of hundreds of pounds.

Jags and my Dad: growing up with a Jagaholic

My Dad was a great Irish man: a Harrier pilot, RAF missile base commander and the kind of character who'd walk into a room and become the life and soul of whatever was happening. He only ever owned Jaguars. No wonder I worshipped him.