XC60 FWD vs AWD

Author
Discussion

Charlie Boy

Original Poster:

165 posts

188 months

Tuesday 10th December 2019
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Has anyone driven the current model in FWD T5 form? Are there any issues with torque steer or traction issues with swift exits from junctions, how is the general stability vs AWD? Driving will be a mix of country roads and town driving with only the occasional motorway trip.

Maracus

4,476 posts

175 months

Wednesday 11th December 2019
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Although not the current model, I opted for the D4 FWD and swapped all 4 tyres from Pirelli Scorpions for Michelin Cross Climates. Immediately, any scrabbling for grip at damp junctions went and on snow they performed excellently.


Moonpiemagic

72 posts

59 months

Friday 13th December 2019
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I have a T5 but its an S40 and not an XC60.

You might be worrying a bit too much on this as its really not that much power going to the front wheels so you should be fine. My T5 2.5 OEM standard on 230bhp did not have any torque steer and was a joy to drive, but could of done with more power, after mapping it to 300bhp with supporting mods, still no torque steer and incredible on the track.

The car has done track days, country roads etc and used for long distances as well as climbing snow covered roads in the czech republic / alps etc.

The most important thing you can do, is make sure you have the correct tire for the job. When I bought the car, it had budget tires on so just wheel spun everywhere, fitting the approprate tire makes a big difference to how your car handles.

MattDell

3,249 posts

162 months

Wednesday 18th December 2019
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My 2020 T5 XC60 seems to have noticeable torque steer. It may be that my previous FWD car, a VW Golf GTE, had a better front differential and I’m used to that but I do feel a bit uncomfortable with the amount of torque steer in my car.

I went FWD for cost savings but regret not testing the AWD version before deciding.

Charlie Boy

Original Poster:

165 posts

188 months

Wednesday 18th December 2019
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Thanks all, the car is for my father which he did order in the end and picking up on Fri. I have a V90cc so couldn’t really advise him re the fwd chassis but I did look to see if anyone had issues with the fwd V90 as they have the common SPA chassis. I only found a few comments re torque steer and seemed to be much improved once better tyres fitted. Looks like his will come with continentals so maybe if he has problems then he’ll have to get them changed.

MattDell what tyres came on yours?

MattDell

3,249 posts

162 months

Saturday 21st December 2019
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I just checked and mine are Continentals.

If you can, let me know what your dad thinks of the torque steer, Charlie.

Matt Dell

3,249 posts

162 months

Wednesday 16th September 2020
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By luck I happen to have a 2020 XC60 rental car with AWD and now that I’ve driven it I am SO GUTTED that I didn’t buy an AWD version.

The difference in handling is like night and day. I don’t want to return the rental car for my car now!