US Luxury Car Buyers Embracing All Wheel Drive, But Is It Really That Big Of A Deal?

Ford and General Motors have turned to all-wheel drive to boost the appeal of their Lincoln and Cadillac luxury brands.

Customers believe it improves performance and safety. They accept higher sticker prices and lower fuel economy to get those benefits.

About 50% of the CTS models Cadillac sells have AWD.

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Joe_Limon - 5/4/2011 11:28:18 AM

0 Boost

I would have thought that to be sarcasm if it were coming from any other person. But coming from the guy who believes a massive rear spoiler helps a FWD car handle better...

Joe_Limon - 5/4/2011 2:38:57 PM

0 Boost

I already explained what it does to production vehicles. How about you tell me how this Civic benefits from his spoiler?

http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/civic_spoiler.jpg

bmwcs - 5/6/2011 9:03:42 AM

+3 Boost

Actually..

"The 1937 Mercedes-Benz G5 and BMW 325 4×4 featured full time four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, three locking differentials, and fully independent suspension. They were produced because of a government demand for a four-wheel drive passenger vehicle."

Mercedes and BMW made 4wd long be for Audi had a car that delivered power to all for wheels.

Introduction of All-Wheel drive in passenger cars

1966 Jensen Jensen FF
1972 Subaru Subaru Leone
1980 American Motors AMC Eagle
1980 Audi Audi Quattro
1984 Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Cordia 4WD Turbo
1984 Ford Ford RS200
1985 BMW BMW 325iX
1985 Lancia Lancia Delta HF 4WD
1985 Volkswagen VW Passat Syncro

Basically AWD is nothing new subaru was the real pioneer of AWD that is still around today. and the rest of the manufactures introduced systems in the early 80's.

AgentOrange - 5/4/2011 6:50:23 PM

+4 Boost

It sure as hell is a big deal in Canada.

nguyenvuminh - 5/4/2011 10:29:31 PM

+1 Boost

Not sure how it would hurt. I see BMW trying to exploit and test all sort of mini-demographic segments, why would AWD be something strange?

klipprand - 5/5/2011 11:00:35 AM

+1 Boost

Frankly, I have experienced the difference driving from my first RWD to FWD to AWD and I won't go back. It's a definite improved experience in bad weather, but even in good conditions AWD is a great contributor. If you like hanging the rear end out because it's fun, then fine, but you can't beat the control of AWD.