The Volvo XC40 - best possible traction with high efficiency

The Volvo XC40 equipped with mechanical all-wheel drive combines best possible traction with high efficiency. In this concept, the mild hybrid engine is also installed at the front and acts directly on the front axle via the transmission, while the rear wheels are driven via a mechanical connection to the rear axle and an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. If, for example, individual wheels lose grip on a snow-slippery road, the system directs drive power to the wheels with the best traction to stabilize the vehicle and ensure it can continue driving safely. In this way, up to 50 percent of the drive torque can be sent quickly and continuously to the rear wheels. In addition, the all-wheel drive is active even when the vehicle is stationary to allow it to move off without losing traction. Under normal conditions, on a dry road, on the other hand, the vehicle is almost exclusively front-wheel drive to save fuel.