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Read moreUnderstanding Volkswagen 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive
Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system has become one of the brand’s signature technologies, available across much of the lineup—from SUVs like the Atlas and Tiguan to performance models like the Golf R. While many vehicles advertise “all-wheel drive,” 4MOTION sets itself apart through smart, reactive torque distribution and seamless integration with other stability systems.
How 4MOTION Works
Unlike traditional full-time AWD systems, 4MOTION is an intelligent, on-demand system. In normal driving conditions, the vehicle powers the front wheels for efficiency. But when it detects wheel slip—whether due to wet pavement, loose gravel, or snow—it can send up to 50% of available torque to the rear wheels within milliseconds.
This predictive response improves traction, handling, and stability without driver intervention. 4MOTION is not only a benefit in extreme conditions—it enhances control in everyday cornering and highway driving as well.
Advantages in Real-World Conditions
- Winter Confidence: 4MOTION gives drivers added security when driving on snow or ice, with seamless torque redirection that avoids the sudden activation many part-time systems exhibit.
- All-Season Safety: By continuously monitoring road conditions, 4MOTION helps maintain control during rain, sand, or dirt-road transitions.
- Driving Enjoyment: In performance applications, such as in the Golf R, 4MOTION enhances cornering by sending more power to the rear axle, improving agility and reducing understeer.
Integrated with Other Systems
4MOTION doesn’t work in isolation—it’s part of a larger vehicle dynamic system. It works alongside electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock braking (ABS), and hill descent control to ensure consistent grip and stability.
In SUV models, it’s also paired with driving mode selectors that allow drivers to choose between Snow, Off-Road, and Custom modes, tailoring the drivetrain’s response to different surfaces.
Why It Matters
Volkswagen’s 4MOTION AWD is engineered to be unobtrusive, efficient, and intelligent. It delivers tangible advantages year-round, especially in Canadian conditions where ice, slush, and changing terrain are everyday realities. Whether you're navigating city streets after a snowfall or venturing off the beaten path on a weekend trip, 4MOTION offers the confidence that comes from knowing your vehicle is reacting before you even realize you need it.
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