Not everything in this life is quattro, xDrive or 4Motion. we tell you what is it like and what cars use Ford’s AWD drive Valid only for SUV type vehicles?
Everyone knows that Audi’s 4×4 drive is quattro or that BMW’s is xDrive, even that Volkswagen’s is 4Motion. But there are many other all-wheel drive systems and they are not always talked about, such as Seat’s 4Drive or Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system, which, by the way, is one of the oldest and most effective.
Do not miss: 4×4 traction systems, which are the best?
In this case we are going to know a little more closely the all-wheel drive system from a generalist brand like Ford. Americans define their 4×4 system as AWD (All Wheel Drive). It is a type of intelligent traction, which works through a mechanical element, a multi-disc Haldex clutch, in the case of combustion models and electronically in the case of the Mustang Mach-E.
No, in the electric model of the house there is no physical connection between both axes, but the motor located in each axis is the one that is in charge of moving it.
And Ford defines it as smart drive, because it does not focus solely on the traction itself, but this AWD system works in combination with torque distribution control, which varies the force that reaches each of the wheels; and also with stability control, since it has three modes:
It can be fully connected; in a more permissive position, which allows some loss of traction to promote sportier driving; and, finally, 100% disconnected to be able to drive without loss of power on slippery terrain. The combination of these three systems is what Ford calls intelligent terrain management.
Depending on the conditions, the system decides for itself if it distributes torque between each axle, between each wheel and, in addition, if the stability control has been manually intervened, it is more or less permissive with the traction that can arrive to lose.
The question is: is this type of traction only logical for those who are thinking of buying an SUV type car and who intend to leave the asphalt from time to time or does it also make sense for other types of cars and users?
4×4 for all audiences
Obviously, there are options for the taste of each user. In the case of passenger cars, it should be understood that all-wheel drive is a safety plus and improvement of dynamism, while in pure off-road models, such as the Raptor, and in SUVs, the improvement in their off-road capabilities does become more important.
There are currently eight Ford models that can be equipped with all-wheel drive. And, so that the answer to the previous question becomes clear to you, you should know that not all of them are SUVs and not all of them are even passenger cars. They are these: Mustang Mach-E, Explorer, Ranger, Kuga and Transit.
Yes, as you can see, there is even a commercial vehicle, sedans and minivans. For these types of vehicles and for the users who are going to drive them, AWD traction is more of a safety plus than a necessity in terms of traction. And, of course, in security, any investment is small.
The price difference between the variant with front-wheel drive and the AWD, depending on the model, ranges between 1,800 and 7,000 euros. So many drivers should seriously consider betting on all-wheel drive. Especially those who live in humid and rainy climates. But also those who like winter sports and travel regularly to the mountains.
Ford ALL-WHEEL DRIVE technology
Ford offers its AWD technology on different types of vehicles with the goal of enhancing the driving experience, both on-road and off-road capabilities.
Kuga and Explorer, better traction beyond the asphalt
- Analyzes grip every 16 milliseconds.
- An electromagnetic clutch distributes the torque between the front and rear axle.
- The system adjusts the torque delivery in 100 milliseconds.
- Increased ground clearance: 191 mm in the Kuga and 204 mm in the Explorer.
- Higher angles of attack and departure: 19.1o and 23.6o in the Kuga and 20.2o and 21.0o in the Explorer.
Ranger, there is nothing like it for the toughest terrain
- Depending on conditions the driver can manually select between 2WD and 4WD.
- 2WD optimizes fuel consumption; 4H improves grip on roads with poor road surfaces and with maximum load.
- 4L is the reducer, for terrain with very little grip.
Transit, a plus of grip for the toughest jobs
- Traction monitors grip and sends torque to the front wheels to prevent the rear wheels from skidding.
- The driver can select AWD Lock for full-time 4×4 drive.
- The system can send more than 50% of the torque to the front wheels to improve grip and dynamism
Mustang Mach-E
The latest model of the house to offer all-wheel drive is the electric Mustang Mach-E. It is a traction system in which there is no mechanical connection between the two axes, but rather both are pushed by putting a motor in each one.
Thus, torque is applied to the front and rear wheels independently, thereby improving acceleration and handling.
Ford 4×4 Drive Analysis
Surely you have considered putting many extras in your new car and possibly you do not consider mounting all-wheel drive. At Ford you can ride it for less than 2,000 euros and the improvement in safety is exponential.
I have been able to try almost all Ford AWD range, both on asphalt and off it, and I recommend it almost more as a safety plus than as an essential requirement to travel on roads, where it also complies. And best of all, it is not excessively expensive to bet on it.
