Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive: what you need to know

As winter approaches, the search for a vehicle comes with a few priorities, one of which is often the presence of competent, trusted all-wheel drive.

At Volkswagen, we have the solution for you with our 4MOTION approach. When you see this designation on the back of a model, you know you’re in good hands and that your travels will be safe.

Here’s why. In other words, here’s what you need to know about how the 4MOTION system works.

The heart of the system is a center differential that connects the two axles. It is assisted by the vehicle’s safety systems, namely the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESP). The differential can take different forms depending on the vehicle, but it is generally a Haldex product.

This differential is equipped with a multi-plate clutch that is capable of transferring the necessary power to the wheels that need it. With a model like the Golf R, for example, it can send everything to the rear wheels. And the calculation is done in real time, so if the rear wheels don’t respond perfectly, the front will also get traction.

In practical terms, it is the front wheels that operate the vehicle, but sensors monitor road conditions and wheel spin all the time. If it happens, its intervention is immediate and much faster than ours behind the wheel could be. Power is sent to where it’s needed and it can change several times in a matter of seconds. There’s no feeling behind the wheel, other than a vehicle working to move forward and provide excellent stability at all times.

In addition, the 4MOTION system acts during cornering to balance the different speeds of the four wheels in order to offer us maximum grip. So yes, the system is effective and useful in the winter, but it serves any vehicle year-round.

If you’re looking for a four-wheel drive model that will provide you with all the security you need this winter, make sure it has the letters 4MOTION.