Continue reading to learn more about 4MOTION, how it functions, if it should be considered for your next vehicle, and situations in which using it makes sense.
In This Article...
What is VW 4MOTION?
All-wheel-drive Volkswagen vehicles are referred to as 4MOTION, much as four-wheel-drive Audi vehicles are referred to as quattro and four-wheel-drive BMW vehicles as xDrive. The 4MOTION system, like many contemporary four-wheel-drive systems, uses sensors and computers to detect wheel slippage and loss of traction. It then sends power to the appropriate wheels to dynamically improve grip.
The sensors cooperate with other safety mechanisms like the ESP and anti-lock braking system (electronic stability package). Power from the engine is directed to a differential in the center of four-wheel-drive 4MOTION vehicles, which then distributes it to the wheels.
There are various varieties in various autos. When accelerating, sporty vehicles like the Golf R can send power to the rear wheels using the Haldex system, which uses a clutch to transmit the power where it is needed. However, it is biased in favor of front-wheel drive when driving normally. The most capable model is the Volkswagen Amarok truck, which has a more traditional form of locking differential. The Volkswagen Touareg, however, employs a Torsen mechanical differential, which is more adapted to enhancing traction off-road.
Benefits and drawbacks of Volkswagen 4MOTION
The most notable advantage of 4MOTION is increased grip in slick weather. 4MOTION can be useful even if you don’t have any ambitious off-roading plans; many users appreciate its added security and peace of mind in inclement weather. With performance vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf R, 4MOTION allows for faster cornering.
There are certain drawbacks to Volkswagen 4MOTION vehicles. They are typically more expensive to purchase than their two-wheel-drive stablemates, to start. Even though all-wheel-drive vehicles often can’t match the fuel efficiency of two-wheel-drive vehicles, it’s important to note that they are more fuel-efficient than the permanent four-wheel-drive systems seen in the toughest off-road vehicles. On 4MOTION versions, the cost of consumables, maintenance, and parts may also increase. When it comes time to resell, 4MOTION vehicles could, however, be worth more than two-wheel-drive vehicles because to their propensity for being in high demand.
MOTION vs quattro
Volkswagen’s 4MOTION technology and quattro, the all-wheel-drive system used by Audi, are quite similar. Once more, there are numerous varieties, with some models coming equipped with a multi-plate clutch and others having a self-locking center differential. On the Q5 and A5 Allroad, Audi also offers “quattro on-demand,” which shifts between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive to save fuel. The Audi R8 supercar’s mid-engine uses a somewhat different technology. Learn more about the quattro system from Audi here.
Should you buy a VW with 4MOTION?
In some situations, we’d advise selecting 4MOTION, but it’s not the best option for everyone. If you reside somewhere where inclement weather and slick roads are a common occurrence, it will be helpful. If you frequently tow a caravan or a big trailer, it’s an excellent option because it tends to increase a car’s ability to tow. If none of these criteria apply to you, we advise choosing front-wheel drive because it will be less expensive to buy and maintain.
What distinguishes Audi Quattro from VW 4MOTION?
The latest Audi’s differential is Haldex, while VW employs Haldex. This indicates that although the VW’s power distribution is fixed at 50-50, the Audi’s can vary from 25 to 75 percent, depending on requirements. So, even in comparison to earlier quattros, I believe the 4 motion is a less expensive form of 4 wheel drive.
Does 4MOTION equate to AWD?
Volkswagen 4MOTION AWD is an improved version of basic AWD that contains several fantastic AWD and 4WD features. While the 4MOTION AWD system still uses a unique 4WD feature to determine which tires need more power based on which ones are gaining the greatest traction, it also uses other methods.
Volkswagens and Audis are they the same?
Yes. The bigger Volkswagen Group, with its headquarters in Germany’s Bavaria, includes Audi. The Volkswagen Group also owns numerous other car brands, including Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche, and Lamborghini.
What does a VW’s 4MOTION signify?
With the help of the 4MOTION technology, all-wheel drive is elevated to a new level. In ordinary driving situations, the 4MOTION system in most AWD Volkswagen vehicles sends 90% of the power to the front axle and 10% to the rear axle.
Can 4MOTION handle snow well?
You can anticipate the Tiguan to manage up to 7 inches of snow with ease thanks to its higher ground clearance of 7.9 inches.
If your Tiguan has a 4Motion AWD system, you can quickly push it through much deeper snow for brief periods of time.
As a result, it will be considerably simpler for you to exit your driveway as you won’t need to clear the snow completely.
Just don’t expect to drive it in snow that is so deep it extends past its undercarriage on unpaved roads.
If the tires can’t even make contact with the ground, then the best four-wheel drive system won’t help you.
Even the FWD Tiguan can manage mild to moderate snowfall and icy roads with ease, provided it is equipped with suitable snow tires or at the the least, some excellent all-season tires.
Is 4MOTION always in four-wheel drive?
Power is divided between the front and back axles of all MQB (modular transverse toolkit) models equipped with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system on an infinitely changeable basis. Typically, the front axle receives the majority of the power, which conserves energy. However, the rear axle is quickly engaged in the event of an anticipated loss of traction. Because of this, 4MOTION is seen as a four-wheel-drive system that is always engaged. Prior to wheelspin, the power distribution to all four wheels becomes active. Thus, a loss of traction is all but eliminated. Power is not distributed in a predictable way. Power is distributed continually to reflect the driving environment. However, power is promptly transferred to the wheels where it is needed if any wheel slips.
Additionally, the third-generation Touareg has permanently engaged four-wheel drive (4MOTION). This type, based on the Modular Longitudinal Toolkit (MLB), transmits power through an eight-speed automatic transmission that is likewise standard equipment and can handle up to 1,000 Nm of torque. Power is distributed between the front and rear axles by a lockable center differential with asymmetric dynamic torque distribution. The front axle can receive up to 70% of the available power, while the rear axle can receive up to 80%.
Which models of VW offer 4MOTION?
There are now six vehicles available with 4MOTION. The Volkswagen Arteon, Atlas, Golf Alltrack, Golf SportWagen, and Golf R are a few of these. The 2019 Volkswagen Golf R and 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack are the models that come standard with this drivetrain. Whether it comes standard on a higher grade or is completely optional in general, 4MOTION is an option on the other four vehicles.
Can you disable 4MOTION?
The simplest method is to just remove the controller’s plug by reaching under the car. The ESP light won’t go off.
It is also disabled if the handbrake is used, but that is obviously not a true fix unless you can draw the handbrake back just enough to turn on the light without causing the rear brakes to lock up.
Why do Volkswagens resemble Audi vehicles?
Although they differ in terms of grilles, features, and unquestionably pricing, there is frequently something about their shapes that resembles one another. That’s because the Volkswagen Group, a sizable conglomerate that owns the luxury brand Audi in addition to several other luxury brands Bentley and Lamborghini are also owned by VW.
Which Automaker Owns Acura?
Honda’s luxury automobile business is called Acura. The Integra and Legend, which used Honda’s first V-6, were the two vehicles that the Japanese carmaker offered when it initially introduced Acura in 1986. The brand would expand to include a variety of models, such as the short-lived ZDX coupe SUV and everything from the MDX and RDX SUVs to the NSX exotic sports car.
Which Automaker Owns Alfa Romeo?
One of the many brands owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is Alfa Romeo, which left the United States for over 20 years before making a significant comeback in the middle of 2014 with the 4C, a low-volume sports vehicle. A few years later, the Giulia, Alfa’s first popular sedan, was released. The upscale company currently has an SUV nearby.
Which Automaker Owns Aston Martin?
There isn’t a bigger automaker that owns Aston Martin. For an estimated $925 million, Ford sold the British exotic car maker to a group of investors in 2007. But that doesn’t imply it’s totally apart from other automakers: Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, owns 5%.
Which Automaker Owns Audi?
Luxury automaker Audi is a part of the Volkswagen Group. In 1965, VW acquired Audi, which had been formed by the amalgamation of four Saxony-based companies. In late 1968, the Audi 100, a pivotal vehicle for the company, made its appearance. The rest is history: Audi offers a whole portfolio of vehicles today, ranging from the A3 subcompact to the R8 supercar.
Which Automaker Owns Bentley?
Bentley has been a part of the Volkswagen Group since 1998, when it bought the British ultra-luxury company. The carmaker, whose divisions include its namesake brand as well as Audi and many others, entirely owns Bentley. That explains how the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga have similar underpinnings. But don’t worrythe Bentayga’s inside is entirely Bentley.
Which Automaker Owns Bugatti?
The Volkswagen Group is well-versed in luxury, as it also owns Bugatti, the French supercar manufacturer, which it did in 1998. Most people are familiar with Bugatti’s 1,001-horsepower, $1 million+ Veyron, which was eventually upgraded to 1,200 hp in the Veyron Super Sport. Oh, and the 1,500-hp Chiron, a luxury vehicle that Bugatti now produces, is said to cost about $3 million at the present exchange rate.
Which Automaker Owns BMW?
The BMW Group, a German carmaker that also produces the Mini and Rolls-Royce, is named after its flagship brand, BMW. Mini was reintroduced by the BMW Group in 2001, and Rolls-Royce production started in early 2003.
Which Automaker Owns Cadillac?
General Motors has a division called Cadillac. The other three GM brands in the United States are Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC. Over the years, the partnership has produced some dreadful products. However, today’s Cadillac sedans are built on performance-oriented underpinnings that are also used by a smaller number of other GM cars.
Which Automaker Owns Ferrari?
Ferrari operates on its own. The Italian exotic automobile manufacturer, which was formerly a part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, was spun off to form its own business in early 2016. Despite this, given that FCA and Ferrari share the same CEO, Ferrari automobiles nevertheless bear a lot of FCA’s signature.
Which Automaker Owns Genesis?
Hyundai’s newest luxury division is called Genesis. It all started off as a single model that Hyundai unveiled in the beginning of 2008. In late 2015, the Korean carmaker introduced Genesis as a distinct luxury brand, redesigning the more expensive Equus and second-generation Genesis sedans as the Genesis G80 and G90, respectively. Although Genesis does not yet have its own stores, Hyundai continues to sell the G80 and G90 through its dealership network.
Which Automaker Owns Infiniti?
Nissan’s luxury division is called Infiniti. In 1989, the Japanese carmaker introduced Infiniti with the Q45 sedan and M30 coupe along with a small number of dealerships. Infiniti currently offers a variety of sedans and SUVs with the Q (sedan or coupe) and QX (SUV) designations.
Which Automaker Owns Jaguar?
Jaguar is owned by Indian carmaker Tata Motors. In 2008, Ford sold Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata, who had previously owned both brands. Since then, Jaguar has produced an SUV, the F-Pace, as well as a specialized roadster, the F-Type. Despite its association with Land Rover, the F-Pace is not based on a modern Rover.
Which Automaker Owns Lamborghini?
One of the many brands owned by the Volkswagen Group is Lamborghini. Since VW acquired the Italian supercar manufacturer in 1998, the company’s product selection has remained modest. Lamborghini only produces the Huracan and Aventador nowadays, along with a few one-off vehicles that go to a select few lucky (and extremely expensive) owners.
Which Automaker Owns Land Rover?
Land Rover is owned by the Indian carmaker Tata Motors. In 2008, Tata acquired the British SUV marque and Jaguar, its sister company, from Ford, which had previously owned both companies. Since then, Jaguar has introduced an SUV, but don’t anticipate Land Rover to begin producing sports cars anytime soon.
Which Automaker Owns Lincoln?
Lincoln is Ford’s high-end label. Ford has owned Lincoln for almost 100 years; it acquired the carmaker in 1922; nonetheless, Lincoln has never been a prominent factor in terms of sales among luxury divisions at major automakers. However, the constant influx of new SUVs may change that.
Which Automaker Owns Lexus?
The upscale brand of Toyota is Lexus. The mid-size ES and premier LS cars were the Japanese automaker’s first two Lexus models. Today, Lexus competes with BMW and Mercedes-Benz for top sales popularity among luxury brands in the United States with a lineup of SUVs, sedans, and coupes.
Which Automaker Owns Maserati?
One of the many brands owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is Maserati. In its pre-FCA era, Fiat bought Maserati from Ferrari, in which it already had a controlling stake, assuming full ownership of the Italian automaker in 2005.
Which Automaker Owns Mercedes-Benz?
A division of Daimler, which also produces Smart and a few commercial car brands, is Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes once had international affiliates since, from 1998 to 2007, it was joined with Chrysler as part of the later-merged DaimlerChrysler.
Which Automaker Owns Porsche?
One of the brands owned by the Volkswagen Group is Porsche. After Porsche’s failed takeover attempt of its larger German rival, VW purchased Porsche in 2012. Porsche is still mostly known for its high-performance sports cars, but two SUVsthe Macan and Cayennehave recently added to its lineup and increased sales.
Which Automaker Owns Range Rover?
The premium SUV range from Land Rover, which is owned by Tata Motors in India, is known as Range Rover. The Range Rover is the company’s primary large SUV, but it also comes in the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque tiny trim levels.
Which Automaker Owns Rolls-Royce?
Rolls-Royce has been a part of the BMW Group for more than a decade. At the end of 2002, BMW fully purchased the British ultra-luxury brand after acquiring the name’s rights in 1998. Models like the Ghost sedan have some BMW inspirations, but don’t worryRolls trademarks are still all over the vehicle.
Which Automaker Owns Tesla?
Tesla is self-sufficient. The California-based electric car manufacturer is a publicly traded firm rather than being controlled by a bigger carmaker. You may become a shareholder if you purchase stock.
Which Automaker Owns Volvo?
Volvo is owned by the Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding. In 2010, Ford sold the Swedish luxury automobile manufacturer to Geely. Numerous vehicles and SUVs are produced by Volvo, however the S60 Inscription is now produced in a Geely plant in Chengdu, China.