Saab XWD

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XWD, an acronym for Cross-Wheel Drive, is an advanced all-wheel drive system designed by Haldex in partnership with Saab.^[1] Also known as Haldex Generation 4, is an intelligent permanent all-wheel drive system that can pre-emptively and continuously change torque distribution before wheel slip occurs.

Saab Turbo X, the launch vehicle for Saab XWD

To achieve optimum take-off performance, Saab XWD can completely lock the front and rear axles, but can also adapt as little as 4% of torque to the rear wheels during highway cruising, thus maximizing fuel economy. To ensure immediate traction, torque distribution can be transferred to the wheel with the most grip in fractions of a second, and using the two couplings the XWD system can send 85% of available torque to a single rear wheel. The ability to transfer torque laterally between the rear wheels is similar to Mitsubishi's Super Active Yaw Control.

An ECU continuously collects various data from the car's onboard systems, and in conjunction with the ESC, ABS and TCS calculates the best torque distribution in the driveline.

The XWD system debuted on the 2008 limited edition Saab Turbo X, equipped with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD) and was gradually made available through the rest of the 9-3 line (in sedan and combi body styles). The XWD was the standard powertrain for the Saab 95 from 2010 to 2012, underpinning the 2011 Saab 94X and was part of the Saab 93X, the XUV version of the 93Sport Combi. The XWD system is also used in the Opel Insignia.

While the Haldex Generation 4 system was made available to other automobile manufacturers starting in 2009, the XWD moniker was a trademark owned by Saab Automobile AB, and thus cannot be used by any other make.^[2] As of the bankruptcy of Saab Automobile AB in 2011, the XWD name will no longer be used in any production vehicle.

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