Quattro vs xDrive Q5, X3

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by powers1

They put slicks on the Q5..That explains it
This is even more embarrassing for the Q5!It struggles to go up a small ramp ,where a Ford Kuga(entry level mini-Suv) does it effortlessly
YouTube - Embarrasing moment for the new Q5

Yea, I saw that video as well. I think in this case it was the driver.

Even the first video I posted, it seems obvious the BMW woman is making a point to make the Q5 look crappy, by going slow, and looking out the window, hesitating etc.

[JCL]

I don't think any of these videos are embarrassing. Silly, yes, but not embarrassing. They are contrived situations. How often do you have 100% traction on one axle, and zero on the other axle? As long as there is a mechanical differential involved, as in the Audi, you need something to trigger the electrical lock up so that you get drive on both axles. If that was a real hill, both vehicles would have driven up it fine.

Now if it was a comparison tire test, that would matter. But different AWD systems have so little to choose between them, that these adds just make the producers look silly, like political attack adds do.

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by JCL

I don't think any of these videos are embarrassing. Silly, yes, but not embarrassing. They are contrived situations. How often do you have 100% traction on one axle, and zero on the other axle? As long as there is a mechanical differential involved, as in the Audi, you need something to trigger the electrical lock up so that you get drive on both axles. If that was a real hill, both vehicles would have driven up it fine.

Now if it was a comparison tire test, that would matter. But different AWD systems have so little to choose between them, that these adds just make the producers look silly, like political attack adds do.

Well the video that Subaru video that "NIGHTMAREuki" posted, demonstrates testing of manufacturers claims.

Although the conditions are not likely to be encountered in the real world, it still demonstrates the ability of the vehicles to tackle the situation. Manufacturers and consumers need "controlled" tests, something that can not be done consistently in real open terrain.

If a manufacturer claims the vehicle can overcome 0 traction on three wheels, then it would be embarrassing for the vehicle to not do so when tested.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by AlexK

To be fair, even with "real life" snow and no silly metal contraptions with roller bars the same thing can be observed on "cars with Torsen"

Yes, unless there is an electronic traction control, or the driver knows to put his/her foot on the brake when one axle has no traction.

I've driven Audi awd vehicles (some years back), and always thought they did fine in the snow. But the videos above are all exploiting the same specific point, that a driver that doesn't know when to apply the brake can get stuck.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by AlexK

Well, most modern AWD systems on "on-road" SUV/SAV/cars are designed so the driver doesn't have to do any unusual manipulations in order to make them work efficiently. Not everybody needs to know (or care to know, as it is a case of majority of drivers of certain sex or age groups ) how the system functions in order to make the system fully functional. In that way, Mercedes' 4matic and BMW's xDrive are superior since they do most of the stuff automatically regardless of traction control button's position or brake pedal's position.

I am not sure I would use BMW as an example of enlightened awd system control design. They have a button labelled Traction Control (DTC), which when you push it, reduces traction. Not only isn't it automatic, it is backwards. Other models use a 4x4 light for DTC, suggesting that if you don't push it you have 4x2. If they wanted to play to their customer base, most of whom don't seem to read the manual, they would get rid of the button.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by AlexK

Pressing the DTC button on xDrive-equipped vehicles don't affect the front-rear torque distribution. A single momentary press merely allows more wheelspin without reducing engine output, while still applying brakes to individual slipping wheels. The "long press" goes even further, disabling the slipping wheel braking. There was a BMW's TIS document with detailed description, I don't have it anymore, I'm sure anyone who still has access can post it... Anyway, I highly doubt that you would get "stuck" in similar way (as in videos with Audi) regardless of DTC's button position, simply because xDrive can still simply transfer 100% of torque to whatever axle that has most grip.

I know what pushing the button does

In reference to "the majority of drivers who don't want to know how it works" it is backwards, ie it reduces traction. On those balance beam tricks, it would have reduced the vehicle's awd performance.

Try that "long press" and let us know how it works for you. It was a feature on our E46 325xi, it wasn't on our X5. It appears to be an internet urban legend these days.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by AlexK

It works the same way as I described. X5, at least 2010 E70, still has same exact function as my 2009 328xi

Sorry, I was discussing the E53.....this being the E53 forum and all.

[bawareca]

Just advertisement with this symetrical-non-symetrical AWD.X-drive will react the same way as the Subaru did.I have tested it with the X3 back in 2005.