One of the biggest issues that popped up when considering the G35X over the Legacy GT was snow-worthiness. My three Subaru's were all outrageous in snow... I mean, they could actually embarass quite a few 4WD trucks. The G seemed to have the right stuff, but I was wary of the "SNOW" button.

Well, yesterday brought the first significant snowfall of the season... only about 6" in my area, but it was crusted with a hard layer of ice. Real ugly driving conditions. I got in the wife's G and set off.

I left the "SNOW" mode off at first. Playing around on my block I was surprised to see how easily the rear broke. I could do donuts all day with the stability control off. The electro-nanny would make appropriate adjustments when on, ending any attempt to slide the car. I drove around for a while and was aware of some tail-happiness; kind of like a rear-driver with excellent snows. I could get around, but it took plenty of attention and care.

I switched the "SNOW" mode on. Wow. What a difference. The engine management changed dramatically and it felt like there was molassas in the crankcase. It was apparent there was more traction, too, as the torque split was now locked. The tail-happiness was gone, and it was pretty much almost impossible to slide the car with both the "SNOW" mode and electro-nanny active.

All in all, I am very happy with this cars snow abilities. I will say it right now; my '98 Outback would have driven rings around the G in snow, and my '02 Legacy probably would have beaten it, too. But the fact that this bona-fide performance car, shod with performance-oriented tires, can become a capable snowmobile with some fancy electronics is downright amazing.

I'm sold.

 

Excellent write up & thanks for sharing! Ever think of getting a job as a writer for R & T Magazine?

 

I too have been impressed, probably the same storm dropped 3inches of snow and another 2-3 of ice and sleet on us.

I have had a lot of fun with the traction control off.

I also have been helping many others out of the ditch and have been asked multiple times if I have been getting stuck with the rear wheel drive.

In fact I have had no problem getting around at all. I just put some all season on and it seems to grip great.

 

Nice. yeah, I used to sell Subarus in the northwest and went to many of Subaru's "ride and drives" where we rallyed them against AWD Audis, BMWs, Volvos, etc, and the Subaru was utterlly rediculously better than all with only a 4 banger under the hood. They are absolutely idiot-proof. I'm glad the G can handle the snow as well, it's crazy how advanced these constantly-adjusting sensory systems are now a day.

 

agreed, 300K on my 2000 Scooby and that was a tank in the snow. We got around 20 inches her in Maine the other day and the G was stealth, I think it is more predictable than my scooby was (and I don't say this lightly). My Limited sedan had an auto locking rear diff, and sometimes you hear a loud thunk and that woul kick in, in a corner she would just come around like rear wheel does. I to was uncertain as to how the G would do in the snow, but I am no longer second guessing that! I guess the only question I have left(and it will take a long time to answer) is the durability of and electronic AWD system of a couple hundred thousand miles in Northern New England, I will be sure to let you know the answer of time! Lastly, if you are wondering how much snow it will take to get the G stuck, around 12"of fresh POWm will do it, pics to come! I had to try as I like to know the limits of such things and I was home with my tractor and truck as a resource. SO I sacrificed ground clearance for performance.

Gramdaciuos I think one of the reasons the scooby's are so goo in the snow is the total lack of power from the 4 bangers, they just won't let you get into trouble!

 

Wow...post up some picts Xer! I'm jealous you got 20" up there in ME....we only ended up w/ 6" or so here in northeast MA, and most of it was ice pellets.