Would an XPower be good in the Snow?

[Jamesrr]

A bit left field but...

A question was raised in another set of forums I frequent (ski.com.au) asking about the suitability of the "AWD MG4" for driving in the snow.

I'd been discussing how we chose the MG for our needs and how it had worked well for us.

One of our fellow "ski.com"ers wondered if there was a model would suit them. While Australia wouldn't be many people's first thought for snow country (it's always summer and beaches here don't you know) we actually do have a thriving ski community and local resorts.

She and her partner live up in high country and spend a couple of months a year in the actual snow country at their ski club.

AWD/4WD vehicles are much preferred.

Would an Xpower suit?

My first thought was, nah, it's a beast! But maybe actually it would still be a good choice.

Thoughts?

 

[siteguru]

Might be a question better asked in the XPower sub-board?

But I think the general answer is .. Maybe. In Sport and Snow mode the XPower (apparently) always uses 4WD; in other modes it is RWD unless you give it "the beans" whereupon it'll also engage the front motor.

No 4WD in reverse though .. RWD only (apparently).

 

[salty]

What with the (apparently) it's a fact.
Think the X Power would be fine in most situations. Probably struggle in very deep snow, but then again most 4WD cars would.

 

[siteguru]

What's with the (apparently) it's a fact.

I don't have an XPower, so I didn't know that for a fact - that's why I suggested this would be better in the XPower board. Why the passive aggression?

 

[Jamesrr]

Think the X Power would be fine in most situations. Probably struggle in very deep snow, but then again most 4WD cars would.

Yeah, the driving is on "cleared" roads but they do get completely snow covered and/or icy.
It would be expected to fit chains on occasion.

- that's why I suggested this would be better in the XPower board

I can't see how I can move the thread. I would if I could

 

[MG Clive]

I can't see how I can move the thread. I would if I could

I've moved it, you can't do it yourself.

 

[salty]

I don't have an XPower, so I didn't know that for a fact - that's why I suggested this would be better in the XPower board. Why the passive aggression?

Not passive aggressive at all. If it came across that way, I apologise. But it's been said more than once on here, that the X Power is 4WD in Sport and Snow mode but not in reverse. You don't need an X Power to know that. I don't have a lot of the MGs on here, but I know facts about them. From this forum.
You came across as being a bit Sarky, with your (apparently) remark.

 

[Bam Bam]

You came across as being a bit Sarky, with your (apparently) remark.

The classic issue with internet forums. Not always easily to pick up on tone (hence your use of emojis which is a good idea).

Personally, I did read it as 'apparently, because I don't have any direct experience and cannot confirm' which is I think the way it was intended, but it was potentially open to your interpretation.

All friends again, though, which is good.

 

[salty]

The classic issue with internet forums. Not always easily to pick up on tone (hence your use of emojis which is a good idea).

Personally, I did read it as 'apparently, because I don't have any direct experience and cannot confirm' which is I think the way it was intended, but it was potentially open to your interpretation.

All friends again, though, which is good.

Fair enough, and I've apologised. The emoji's where meant to signify, not being nasty.

 

[Chrisdriving]

I think the X Power with the right tyres would be better in snow than a RWD only one but not as good a big 4wd.
It is all in the tyres, I have driven fwd cars in northern Norway in winter fitted with studded tyres and the snow and ice was worse than anything I have ever seen in UK and car was fine up hill down hill round bends pulling away and stopping briskly,, so the tyres are what counts car was a Toyota Auris on one occasion and a Prius the other time.

 

[Jamesrr]

I think the X Power with the right tyres would be better in snow than a RWD only one but not as good a big 4wd.
It is all in the tyres, I have driven fwd cars in northern Norway in winter fitted with studded tyres and the snow and ice was worse than anything I have ever seen in UK and car was fine up hill down hill round bends pulling away and stopping briskly,, so the tyres are what counts

Thanks. That makes sense to me.

The thing I'm most interested in is if the "snow" mode adjusts the amount of torque applied when accelerating.

I'm thinking of the wild acceleration I get just from the RWD version, let alone what the xpower can deliver.

Does anyone have any practical experience in the slippery snow conditions?

TIA

 

[salty]

Thanks. That makes sense to me.

The thing I'm most interested in is if the "snow" mode adjusts the amount of torque applied when accelerating.

I'm thinking of the wild acceleration I get just from the RWD version, let alone what the xpower can deliver.

Does anyone have any practical experience in the slippery snow conditions?

TIA

Yep Snow mode, tempers the amount of torque, for in theory a nice smooth take off, in the Snow/Ice. Had a couple of occasions this winter, where I used Snow mode, when it was quite bad, well certainly for where I live. And it was great, no problems, at all, including up hills. Just don't expect Land Rover capabilities.

 

[Jamesrr]

Yep Snow mode, tempers the amount of torque, for in theory a nice smooth take off, in the Snow/Ice. Had a couple of occasions this winter, where I used Snow mode, when it was quite bad, well certainly for where I live. And it was great, no problems, at all, including up hills. Just don't expect Land Rover capabilities.

Excellent, that's what I was wanting to confirm for my "ski.com" compatriot. She can select a mode and it won't try and show Ayrton Senna was a Nancy boy

We're all aware if you think you need a Disco, get a Disco... And some spare Oil

 

[siteguru]

The other thing Snow mode does is to set Regen to level 1. (I do know that bit of info - apparently)

 

[salty]

The other thing Snow mode does is to set Regen to level 1. (I do know that bit of info - apparently)

You are correct.

 

[Matt x power]

It's definitely all in the tyres I will be replacing my original Bridgestone summer tyres with all season tyres when they wear out.

 

[Anon70]

Limitations of the MG all wheel drive setup are:
Only works in D mode not R (so you only have rear wheel drive in reverse)
Regen is only applied to the rear wheels (so needs to be reduced in icy conditions to avoid wheel locking/skidding)