I am planning on buying an Infinity G35 (Journey or xAWD) and am stuck on the benefits of AWD. Since the G35 comes standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) which corrects under steering or over steering and Vehicle Stability Control System (VSC) handles stability control to keep the vehicle on its intended path in turns. What then does All Wheel Drive (AWD) which is traction control do for me? Are all three overkill in control or not?

Also has anyone that owns the xAWS found this feature that useful. I live in Louisville, KY where we usually get a light snow 1-2 inches in the winter, and rain occurs occasionally (no monsoons).

Thanks
Bob

 

What X buys you is 4 wheels pulling you thru the snow vs 2 wheels. Otherwise there is no other real benefit. With you living in KY and the very little snow you see I wouldn't pay the extra $ or the extra weight for an X.

I live in snow country and I still don't drive an X. I just put snow tires on.

 

The G actually has VDC which operates as you described in tandem with TCS (traction control system) on all models which limits wheel spin through the use of the brakes. There is no VSC unless you are referring to the 4 wheel active steer which is available only as an option on the sport rw model.

On the AWD the car will operate in RW mode unless slippage is detected where varying power will be directed to the front wheels. There is also a snow mode that sends power to front and rear diffs at lower speeds.

From what you've described of your weather the AWD seems to be more than you need but then again the G overall is more than what many of us need.

G/L

 

VDC is VSC. Every automaker has its own name for electronic stability control; Nissan/Infiniti uses VDC.

 

THe AWD also kicks in on wet roads, and the twisties and also the dry pavement on acceleration. It has saved my bacon during an emergency manuevre this past summer when I had go off the road and veer around a car that stopped when crossing my lane, completely blocking it and I was doing 60-70mph.
There are lots of benefits .

 

That's a great point Wayne.