AWD system (XC60)

mu71rd · Mar 20th, 2010, 15:18

Hi,

during the long wait, i have spent too much time wondering about how capable the XC60 is likely to be offroad, or at least in slightly loose/rough conditions under rubber.

I currently run an old Pajero for towing a boat, which has a pretty sophisticated (for a 15yr old car) offroad system - that is either 2wd, 'permanent' 4wd, or locked centre diff mode (with lo range option). This obviously makes it a badass in offroad terms, with the only thing missing being a lockable rear diff.

My understanding of how the xc60 AWD system works is that instead of the diff being locked as such, the ABS system detects a tyre that is spinning, and applies the brake to that wheel. This results in the opposing wheel receiving more torque. If both front wheels spin, the brakes will go on the front, and the rears will subsequently receive more torque. etc

This sounds pretty handy as a permanent solution, because it is adequate for most scenarios of loss of grip (and quicker to respond than anything you could do manually)

But what i'm wondering is - if you turned off the ESP (or traction control or whatever it's called) - the wheels are allowed to spin - so does this effectively stop the AWD working as effectively? The reason why you might turn this off is if you were on loose ground like sand - because you sometimes want wheels to spin.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

Clan · Mar 20th, 2010, 17:06

you are right in what you say , but why would you want wheels to spin and hence have no grip ? The standard system is best left on ... I'm sure you will find the sytem entirely adequate on the rough :-)

wimorrison · Mar 20th, 2010, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by mu71rd

But what i'm wondering is - if you turned off the ESP (or traction control or whatever it's called) - the wheels are allowed to spin - so does this effectively stop the AWD working as effectively? The reason why you might turn this off is if you were on loose ground like sand - because you sometimes want wheels to spin.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

The other time you want to switch of DSTC is in snow - as you will find in a lot of posts a few weeks ago

bluesnappa · Mar 20th, 2010, 22:10

I had an xc90 with the same set up and on sand/shingle, towing a rib, it was fine. I have just got the xc60 and expect it to do just as well...maybe even better with the increased torque/bhp...I'll let you know after Easter once we have launched for the first time this year.

ColinH · Mar 21st, 2010, 15:34

My Wife tows a horse-box with the 60, lots of time on grass and never ever touches anything. It just gets on with the job. Even during the last few months while it had winter tyres on, everything left 'as is' and we never had a moments problem

Colin

Mar 20th, 2010, 15:18	#1
mu71rd Member Last Online: May 12th, 2018 22:06 Join Date: May 2009 Location: London	AWD system (XC60) Hi, during the long wait, i have spent too much time wondering about how capable the XC60 is likely to be offroad, or at least in slightly loose/rough conditions under rubber. I currently run an old Pajero for towing a boat, which has a pretty sophisticated (for a 15yr old car) offroad system - that is either 2wd, 'permanent' 4wd, or locked centre diff mode (with lo range option). This obviously makes it a badass in offroad terms, with the only thing missing being a lockable rear diff. My understanding of how the xc60 AWD system works is that instead of the diff being locked as such, the ABS system detects a tyre that is spinning, and applies the brake to that wheel. This results in the opposing wheel receiving more torque. If both front wheels spin, the brakes will go on the front, and the rears will subsequently receive more torque. etc This sounds pretty handy as a permanent solution, because it is adequate for most scenarios of loss of grip (and quicker to respond than anything you could do manually) But what i'm wondering is - if you turned off the ESP (or traction control or whatever it's called) - the wheels are allowed to spin - so does this effectively stop the AWD working as effectively? The reason why you might turn this off is if you were on loose ground like sand - because you sometimes want wheels to spin. Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

Mar 20th, 2010, 17:06	#2
Clan Experienced Member Last Online: Today 16:01 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: L/H side	you are right in what you say , but why would you want wheels to spin and hence have no grip ? The standard system is best left on ... I'm sure you will find the sytem entirely adequate on the rough :-) __________________ My comments are only based on my opinions and vast experience .

Mar 20th, 2010, 22:10	#4
bluesnappa Member Last Online: Oct 20th, 2022 18:42 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Barney View Photos By: bluesnappa	I had an xc90 with the same set up and on sand/shingle, towing a rib, it was fine. I have just got the xc60 and expect it to do just as well...maybe even better with the increased torque/bhp...I'll let you know after Easter once we have launched for the first time this year.

Mar 21st, 2010, 15:34	#5
ColinH Junior Member Last Online: Jun 20th, 2017 11:04 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cambridge	My Wife tows a horse-box with the 60, lots of time on grass and never ever touches anything. It just gets on with the job. Even during the last few months while it had winter tyres on, everything left 'as is' and we never had a moments problem Colin

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