In 1984, Volkswagen launched a brand new product onto the market in the form of the Passat Estate GT syncro equipped with all-wheel drive. Ever since then, Volkswagens with four powered wheels have been the cornerstones of the brand’s model range. And Volkswagen has never stopped enhancing the technology in its all-wheel drive systems. From 1996 onwards, the name “syncro” was replaced by “4MOTION”. Nowadays, the all-wheel drive system is connected to the cutting-edge assist systems and offers better performance than ever before. So, models with all-wheel drive are not just in high demand among winter sports fans.
“We have been building cars with all-wheel drives for almost 40 years” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Board of Management responsible for Technical Development. “Thanks to our systematic development process, we are able to offer this technology at an attractive price. As a result, huge numbers of customers can experience the benefits of all-wheel drive – this is an advantage when it comes to driving safety and enjoyment.”
Models with all-wheel drive are available in almost all Volkswagen product lines. Even though 4MOTION improves traction and performance in all weather conditions, in the winter months, you will find lots of Volkswagens equipped with 4MOTION in locations that are particularly susceptible to icy and snowy conditions. However, all-wheel drive not only makes sense in snowy mountainous regions or on extreme off-road terrain. This technology improves traction and driving dynamics on almost any terrain and therefore creates the ideal bond between the vehicle and the road. What is more, all Volkswagens equipped with all-wheel drive are powerful towing vehicles, making them ideal companions for use with horse boxes or boat trailers.
Four are better than two – how 4MOTION works The intelligent 4MOTION all-wheel drive activates the front and rear axledepending on the terrainwithin just a few milli-seconds.