Haldex AWD – Is it Genuine AWD?

According to major car retailers such as CarMax, 4WD and AWD systems are among the top 10 most sought-after features on vehicles purchased in the US. It’s one of the reasons that vehicles like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee continue to be so popular across the country. Whether people really need it or not, these all-wheel-drive systems are what’s hot.

One of the best-known names in the realm of AWD systems is Haldex. You’ve probably heard of it or seen it on a vehicle’s specifications, and you might have wondered just what exactly it is. We are taking a deep dive in today’s blog to learn all about Haldex, what it is, the pros and cons, and more.

Background: What is Haldex?

Haldex AWD systems are named for their creator company HaldexAB, a Swedish company currently owned by American multinational parent company BorgWarner. The Haldex AWD system is quite interesting because what it really does is take an existing FWD system and convert it into an all-wheel drive system using electronic sensors and special differential to automatically redistribute power to front and rear axles as and when required.

Different Generations of Haldex AWD

In all there have been five generations of Haldex, starting in 1998, with the latest fifth-generation systems emerging in 2012 and first created for new VW cars. Below are some details on each generation:

1st-Gen (1998) – Haldex first was used on the Audi TT, as well as on the Audi S3 8L and the VW Golf. It featured an electronically controlled hydraulic AWD system that engages the rear wheels any time slippage is detected in the front wheels.

2nd-Gen (2001) – An electronically controlled permanent 4WD with a special differential to work out how much power needed to be sent to the rear wheels. It dispensed power to the front and rear wheels automatically depending on how much/little slippage was detected.

3rd-Gen (2006) – This generation was designed for a better off-road response and first appeared on the new Land Rover LR2. It was also used extensively in Volvo cars, known as the “Instant Traction” feature.

4th-Gen (2007) – These systems featured heavily in Saab models, especially the 9-3 Turbo-X. They called it the XWD (Cross-Wheel Drive).

5th-Gen (2012) – It was first announced in 2009 that a new system would be created for 2012, and it was implemented between 2012 and 2013. It is now distributed by BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems and has been greatly simplified in design. It now features an electro-hydraulic clutch actuator that distributes power between front and rear wheels using a centrifugal overflow valve.

Examples of Models that Have Haldex AWD Fitted

Haldex AWD systems are fitted across a wide range of vehicles, including examples from the following OEMs:

• Volkswagen: Audi S3, Q3, TT; SEAT Leon 4, Octavia 4×4; VW Golf R, Tiguan and more
• Volvo: S40 AWD, V40 Cross Country AWD, S60 AWD, S80, XC90 and more
• Ford: Taurus, Mondeo, Kuga and more
• Land Rover: Freelander LR2, Discovery Sport and more
• Saab: 9-3 Turbo X, 9-5 Turbo 6 and more
• GM: Buick Lacrosse, Cadillac SRX, and Open Insignia/Buick Regal

What is a Haldex Controller? How Does it Work?

For those people using Haldex 4Motion systems in more specialized worlds, such as drag racing for instance, they will be in need of a Haldex controller. In fact, the devices can be used in a huge range of vehicles, but they have been used extensively in drag racing to give drivers total control over their traction control.

The Haldex controller allows users to create an automatic program whereby the system will be automatically engaged from setting off the mark, but will then disengage when reaching a pre-set speed. When used in other cars, however, it can be used to reduce understeer, vary the slip angle and front-wheel or rear-wheel bias, and ensures that the drive transfer is disengaged when the car is put into reverse or when one is braking.

Pros and Cons of Haldex Vs. Traditional AWD

Pro – Gives OEMs Easy Access to AWD Tech

As a third-party system, the Haldex system is easily applied into many existing vehicle designs, which means that OEMs can provide more affordable AWD options without having to invest millions in R&D to develop their own and then pass those costs onto their customers for several model years until the technology has paid for itself. Haldex can be fitted to just about any FWD vehicle, so it’s a great go-to option for manufacturers.

Pro – Fuel Efficient; Best of Both Worlds

Because the Haldex system is only driving 2 wheels most of the time, it helps save fuel. If you go look up a variant of a car with a permanent AWD option, you’ll notice first how much lower the fuel efficiency is. It’s always lower, without exception. The Haldex delivers a method of enjoying the benefits of AWD but without having to endure fuel consumption to the same degree as a permanent AWD system.

You basically get the best of both worlds – the efficiency of a FWD drivetrain, but with the added traction of AWD when your car needs it most.

Pro – Great for Modding

If you have an older car that doesn’t feature any AWD system, then adding Haldex is generally possible, provided the car is already a FWD drivetrain.

Con – Understeer

When one is travelling with a heavy load, the Haldex system can create a great deal of understeer as the computer attempts to keep up and send traction to the rear axle on time. For example the Audi RS3 was always known for it’s understeer issues

Is Haldex AWD Always FWD-Biased?

In short, yes it is. On its own, Haldex AWD systems are always FWD-biased. In a more real sense, however, it can be made more RWD-biased but only through using third-party or additional software and equipment. One example is called Haldex AWD system setup, and promises to offer a more sports car-like feel, especially when taking corners.

If you are a car modding enthusiast, and you’re interested in experimenting with RWD-biased Haldex systems, then you can try it. Under normal circumstances, however, then FWD-biased is the standard-setting on all systems.

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