What Is Volkswagen 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive?

While there are plenty of vehicles that offer all-wheel drive (AWD), Volkswagen takes all-wheel-drive to the next level with the advanced VW 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive system. A new take on typical all-wheel drive, this Volkswagen AWD system designed by the Volkswagen Group delivers cutting-edge technology, enhancing both performance and handling. Learn more about this Volkswagen AWD system today at Suntrup Volkswagen.

Standard AWD vs. Volkswagen AWD Performance

AWD provides St Louis drivers with more efficiency than four-wheel drive (FWD) while also offering many of the same traction and control benefits. In addition, AWD systems are always engaged while four-wheel drive (4WD) systems need to be switched on and off. The time delay that comes from manually activating the system or waiting for it to be triggered by your vehicle’s sensors could be detrimental if you hit a patch of road that requires extra traction. While 4WD is better than nothing, all-wheel drive is always ready to perform at a moment’s notice.

4WD vs. 4MOTION® Volkswagen AWD

What’s the difference between AWD in a Volkswagen vs. standard 4WD? In general, AWD and 4WD function similarly but aren’t the same kinds of systems. Here are their key differences:

• Turn On/Turn Off: With AWD, you don’t have to manually turn it on or off as it automatically adjusts to the amount of power directed to the wheels. 4WD, on the other hand, has to be manually turned on and off.
• Vehicle Types: AWD is usually found on cars and crossover SUVs. 4WD is usually found more on trucks and other kinds of off-road vehicles. 
• Cost & Weight: AWD systems are lightweight and cost less compared to 4WD systems. This is why AWD systems are preferred for people who drive vehicles like sedans and crossovers.

How Does Volkswagen AWD 4MOTION® Work?

Volkswagen has taken the basic framework of AWD and improved upon it to boost performance and create the 4MOTION® AWD system. While all tires remain engaged, 4MOTION® AWD will most often distribute about 90% of the power to the front axle and 10% to the rear axle. This unique distribution provides drivers the responsive handling found in FWD vehicles while still providing a quick shift for additional traction when needed.

In the event 4MOTION® AWD Volkswagen sensors detect the loss of traction, the system immediately redistributes weight to whichever tire needs it. This means the perfect balance of torque is applied to keep you and your Volkswagen in control while on the St. Louis roadways. Remember, since power is directed to all four wheels at different rates, you’ll need to know your tire rotation pattern if you plan on rotating your tires at home.

Which Models Have 4MOTION® AWD?

You can find 4MOTION® AWD on several different Volkswagen models, including:

• Volkswagen Arteon 
• Volkswagen Tiguan 
• Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
• Volkswagen Atlas
• Volkswagen Golf GTI
• And more!

Experience the 4MOTION® AWD Volkswagen System in St. Louis

Whether you are in the market for a new or used Volkswagen, you can find an array of options available at our dealership near Webster. If you have additional questions about the 4MOTION® AWD Volkswagen system or other Volkswagen performance features, the experienced sales associates at Suntrup Volkswagen are standing by to help. Contact us online, and we will get back to you right away.