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Have you thought about buying a Volkswagen Passat only to find out there’s a 4Motion option? 4Motion is the latest technology from Volkswagen built to compete with the likes of xDrive, Quatro, 4Matic and many other four-wheel drive technologies.
In this article, we’ll explain what the Volkswagen 4Motion is, where it gets its name from, how it works, its pros and cons and why you should buy a 4Motion vehicle instead of a regular AWD. We’ll also talk about the fuel economy of 4Motions and what the best models you can buy on the market right now are. So, what is VW 4Motion?
VW 4Motion (or 4MOTION) is Volkswagen’s (VW) all-wheel drive system that appropriately transfers the engine’s power to the front and rear axles so that your front and rear wheels drive with excellent grip. The 4Motion technology exists to spot even the slightest wheel slip and send the power to the rear axle or the front via the engine management system.
This can make all the difference in dangerous situations such as weather disasters or road trouble. Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive is so good because it connects well with VW’s other active safety systems that constantly monitor driving conditions.
Although four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same. The four-wheel drive system features a fixed drive torque split, sending equal power to the vehicle’s front and back wheels, while the all-wheel drive system supplies power to the wheels based on demand. Read more on AWD vs 4WD.
Why Do They Call It That?
They call it that due to branding their product and making it more marketing-optimised. Just as Audi has its aptly named Quatro (four) for their all-wheel drive system, Volkswagen uses the engaging and compatible associative term ‘Motion’ for its four-wheel drive systems.
How Does It Work?
4Motion works by mostly being a front-wheel drive that reacts to varying rotational forces on both front and back output gears constantly, unlike a regular four-wheel drive. The two output gears are connected using worm gears.
The 4MOTION system in most AWD Volkswagens delivers extra traction through the multi-plate clutch, channelling 90 per cent of the engine’s power to the front axle and 10 per cent to the rear axle in most driving conditions.
However, 4Motion also constantly monitors the situation while you’re driving with torque sensing, changing the power accordingly. 4Motion is very connected to the Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Programme and any other particular system in the car. The lockable centre differential allows the front and rear axle to evenly split the power without affecting engine performance.
Click here to learn more about four-wheel-drive cars.
4Motion: Pros & Cons
There are plenty of benefits when it comes to 4Motion, as well as some drawbacks.
Pros
Some of the benefits of 4Motion include:
- Improved grip: 4Motion provides increased traction and maximum torque shift in slippery conditions, making your vehicle stable and allowing you to accelerate better.
- Better handling: The 4Motion system ensures better handling and a more enjoyable driving experience.
- Safety: The stability and traction from the 4Motion system make the vehicle safer, providing optimum control in normal driving conditions and when making manoeuvres. The system limits high differential rotation speeds but still balances the speeds when cornering, making sharper turns safer.
Cons
Some of the drawbacks of the 4Motion system include:
- Costly: The added components and features, such as torque distribution and the car’s dynamic sensors, make 4Motion vehicles more expensive than two-wheel-drive models. They’re also more costly to maintain.
- Higher fuel consumption: The 4Motion system is not very fuel efficient, so these vehicles tend to have higher consumption.
For Whom Are 4Motion Models The Best Option?
The ones for whom 4Motion models are the best option prefer traction and safety over budget and fuel economy. Also, 4Motion sells for way higher on the used-vehicles market than regular Volkswagen models, which is good if you plan to sell the car one day.
Some of the most popular 4Motion models are:
- VW Arteon (optional)
- Volkswagen T-Roc (optional)
- Volkswagen Golf R
- Volkswagen T-Roc R
- Volkswagen Tiguan (optional)
- Volkswagen Tiguan R
- Volkswagen Passat (optional)
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Volkswagen Golf Estate Alltrack
VW 4Motion models come in different body types, such as SUVs (most common), estates (read more), sedans and hatchbacks. But what is an SUV?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between VW 4Motion And AWD?
The difference between VW 4Motion and AWD is that the 4Motion system is for only Volkswagen vehicles. The 4Motion system is a type of AWD system that was created by Volkswagen. It uses a Torsen differential to distribute power between its axles. ‘AWD’ is a general term for a drive system that adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles of a car.
How Does 4Motion Work?
4Motion works like an all-wheel drive but with massive improvements in adaptability and interconnectivity with other safety programs on your car. 4Motion reacts to every little bump on the road surface you drive over, changing the strength the engine gives to each of the wheels and axles on your car.
Does 4Motion Use More Fuel?
4Motion uses more fuel than regular four-wheel or two-wheel drive cars but only by a small margin. The reason why 4Motion wastes more fuel is mostly due to the larger weight of the 4Motion system and the power demand for it to constantly track the changes your vehicle experiences as it’s being driven.
Is VW 4Motion Good In Snow?
VW 4Motion is good in snow, especially if you have winter tires on top of it. 4Motion changes the engine output on each of your wheels individually for the best traction on slick terrain. Whether you have a centre differential, Torsen differential or any other setup, you can have different results, but they’re all very good in snowy conditions.
Is VW 4Motion Worth It?
VW 4Motion is worth it if you want a vehicle with better traction and stability. These features are great for anyone who frequently drives through rain, snow or ice. 4Motion also ensures better handling and safety on the road. However, if you mostly drive on paved roads and in mild weather conditions, the additional cost and maintenance requirement of the 4Motion system may be unnecessary.
Conclusion
What is VW 4Motion? VW 4Motion is a revolutionary all-wheel drive system that empowers your vehicle to tackle any terrain efficiently. The advanced features and technology behind this system have made it a popular choice among drivers who value vehicle performance and reliability. So, if you’re looking for a vehicle to navigate any terrain, the VW 4Motion is your best bet.
