Is VW 4MOTION the Same as AWD? Yes—Here’s What the Name Means

Yes. 4MOTION is Volkswagen’s name for all-wheel drive. It is a branded AWD system, not a separate drivetrain category that sits alongside AWD.

What the 4MOTION badge tells you

It tells you the Volkswagen has a system capable of sending drive to all four wheels. The hardware behind that badge is not identical on every model or generation, though.

Many transverse-engine Volkswagens use an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to bring the rear axle into play when extra traction is needed. Performance models such as the Golf R use a more sophisticated version with R Performance Torque Vectoring.

Is 4MOTION always full-time AWD?

Not in exactly the same way on every Volkswagen. Some technical descriptions refer to permanent all-wheel drive, while other systems can favor one axle in light-load driving and engage the second axle as conditions change.

That is why “4MOTION vs AWD” is not really the useful comparison. A better question is how one Volkswagen 4MOTION system differs from another manufacturer’s AWD system—or from the 4MOTION setup in a different VW.

What it helps with

• Getting power down on wet, snowy or loose surfaces
• Maintaining traction during acceleration
• Supporting towing or rough-road use on models designed for it
• Improving performance traction on cars such as the Golf R

AWD does not create tire grip, so winter tires or other suitable tires still matter far more than the badge when conditions get difficult.

Related: why the Tiguan is called Tiguan and what VW SAFELOCK means.

Sources

• Volkswagen Newsroom — 4MOTION all-wheel drive
• Volkswagen Newsroom — Golf R 4MOTION with torque vectoring