Dispelling the Myths About the NX AWD System
02-23-16, 09:27 PM
#31
Pole Position
I am confused. I have heard that the AWD on the NX Hybrid works like the RX Hybrid, the gas drives the front wheels and the electric drives the rears. I have also heard that the vehicle is essentially front wheel drive until the front wheels start to slip (or heavy acceleration & certain cornering conditions...), and then up to 50% can be transferred to the rear wheels. So does this mean that the electric drive only kicks in when the front wheels start to slip or heavy acceleration, etc?
You understand why I am asking that question? These two facts seem to contradict one another because I know the electric drive on the hybrid doesn't only kick in when the fronts are slipping, cornering or under heavy acceleration. I can roll along on a 30 MPH street with nothing but electric - which demonstrates that point.
So can anyone clarify how the AWD works on the NX Hybrid because these statements seem to be contradictory?
You understand why I am asking that question? These two facts seem to contradict one another because I know the electric drive on the hybrid doesn't only kick in when the fronts are slipping, cornering or under heavy acceleration. I can roll along on a 30 MPH street with nothing but electric - which demonstrates that point.
So can anyone clarify how the AWD works on the NX Hybrid because these statements seem to be contradictory?
02-23-16, 09:50 PM
#32
Lead Lap
I am confused. I have heard that the AWD on the NX Hybrid works like the RX Hybrid, the gas drives the front wheels and the electric drives the rears. I have also heard that the vehicle is essentially front wheel drive until the front wheels start to slip (or heavy acceleration & certain cornering conditions...), and then up to 50% can be transferred to the rear wheels. So does this mean that the electric drive only kicks in when the front wheels start to slip or heavy acceleration, etc?
You understand why I am asking that question? These two facts seem to contradict one another because I know the electric drive on the hybrid doesn't only kick in when the fronts are slipping, cornering or under heavy acceleration. I can roll along on a 30 MPH street with nothing but electric - which demonstrates that point.
So can anyone clarify how the AWD works on the NX Hybrid because these statements seem to be contradictory?
You understand why I am asking that question? These two facts seem to contradict one another because I know the electric drive on the hybrid doesn't only kick in when the fronts are slipping, cornering or under heavy acceleration. I can roll along on a 30 MPH street with nothing but electric - which demonstrates that point.
So can anyone clarify how the AWD works on the NX Hybrid because these statements seem to be contradictory?
So for instance on gentle starts you have enough juice to power the vehicle with FWD.
02-24-16, 04:57 AM
#33
The NX200t AWD system is totally different than the hybrid. -
As for traversing deep snow and having fun mine went through 10 inches no problem. I have a 4wd truck that goes through anything up to 3 feet deep or more. I know how AWD systems work and my point was simple. 99.9% of NX200t owners with or without winter tires won't drive in DEEP snow for fun. Audi obviously got the point. Nobody is saying they are going enter pikes peak with an NX......or any 40-50k SUV.....
CAFE standards are making them do AWD smarter and more logically. You want a cool AWD system buy the new Ford Focus RS-
As for traversing deep snow and having fun mine went through 10 inches no problem. I have a 4wd truck that goes through anything up to 3 feet deep or more. I know how AWD systems work and my point was simple. 99.9% of NX200t owners with or without winter tires won't drive in DEEP snow for fun. Audi obviously got the point. Nobody is saying they are going enter pikes peak with an NX......or any 40-50k SUV.....
CAFE standards are making them do AWD smarter and more logically. You want a cool AWD system buy the new Ford Focus RS-
02-24-16, 05:02 AM
#34
INTELLIGENT AWD
The available electric all-wheel drive system on the NX Hybrid features an additional electric motor to deliver instantaneous torque to the rear wheels only when it’s required. With no friction loss or added fuel consumption due to heavy mechanical components, the system can automatically help prevent wheelspin when starting off, and is so innovative it can also adapt to the angle or condition of the road.
The available electric all-wheel drive system on the NX Hybrid features an additional electric motor to deliver instantaneous torque to the rear wheels only when it’s required. With no friction loss or added fuel consumption due to heavy mechanical components, the system can automatically help prevent wheelspin when starting off, and is so innovative it can also adapt to the angle or condition of the road.
02-24-16, 06:20 AM
#36
Lead Lap
INTELLIGENT AWD
The available electric all-wheel drive system on the NX Hybrid features an additional electric motor to deliver instantaneous torque to the rear wheels only when it’s required. With no friction loss or added fuel consumption due to heavy mechanical components, the system can automatically help prevent wheelspin when starting off, and is so innovative it can also adapt to the angle or condition of the road.
The available electric all-wheel drive system on the NX Hybrid features an additional electric motor to deliver instantaneous torque to the rear wheels only when it’s required. With no friction loss or added fuel consumption due to heavy mechanical components, the system can automatically help prevent wheelspin when starting off, and is so innovative it can also adapt to the angle or condition of the road.
02-24-16, 07:10 AM
#37
Pole Position
OK. Thank you Tom59 and Coolsaber for the clarification! That makes sense now. It doesn't sound like it would be as robust in situations where AWD is needed as a direct mechanical linkage (such as the non-hybrid AWD or even 4WD in other vehicles), but probably fine for the 99.9% of us that just need AWD to make the commute less exciting in the winter months or heavy rains.
Obviously that is another debate, but now as I describe our AWD to others I can state the correct facts.
Thanks again.
Obviously that is another debate, but now as I describe our AWD to others I can state the correct facts.
Thanks again.
02-24-16, 10:13 AM
#38
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Austria
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yes the Quattro is the best of the world we have hear it enough now
but the Hybrid do very well for a not off road car. For 99.9% of the people is more then the need.
02-24-16, 11:44 PM
#39
Intermediate
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: VIC, Australia
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On most starts, my 300h uses AWD to get off the line as I can see in the Energy Monitor that power is being sent to the rear wheels.
02-25-16, 01:11 PM
#41
Lead Lap
F:
Motor Drive Unit + Motor Generator (assist but not soley push) +ICE
R:
Motor Drive Unit
Motor Drive Unit + Motor Generator (assist but not soley push) +ICE
R:
Motor Drive Unit
02-25-16, 11:34 PM
#43
Lead Lap
02-26-16, 06:24 PM
#44
Driver
Thread Starter
You know, Lexus should really start badging the AWD models, again. I believe they used to on the GS for example. There really wasn't anyway to tell that my RX was, unless you were told by the salesman or ran the VIN. At least the NX has the AWD lock button. I wonder how many people think theirs is AWD when it's not, only to be surprised when they're all over the place in bad weather :P
Last edited by MikeW83; 02-26-16 at 06:41 PM.
02-27-16, 02:28 AM
#45
Intermediate
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: VIC, Australia
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the Energy Monitor screen, it only shows 2 electric motors. If the motor generator is not pushing the car then it's not really a 3rd power plant is it?