Gravel mode test experience

[Socket part number 176636]

I have tested the gravel mode in various deep winter conditions in the mountains.
My main take away is that the traction control seems to force power to all four wheels with gravel mode. With gravel mode off the car tries to favour the wheels with the most grip and stabilizes the car under acceleration.
With gravel mode on and under acceleration in the snow, all four wheels will spin. This can be a good thing in loose conditions.
It feels like the difference between AWD and four wheel locking differential. Sometimes you want to force power to all wheels.
For example, on a slippery snow packed steep hill the car was crawling up gingerly in normal mode - almost not moving. With gravel mode on I could accelerate and spin all wheels for much faster accent. You need to manage the trajectory with counter steering obviously. It is conditions-dependent which is better but if you are stuck, gravel mode is a great option for the snow.

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[BjörnfromHamburg]

Exactly my experience.
In Gravel-Mode it also seems easier to pull drifts/ slides.
In normal/ sport you would have to push the traction-control button once...or twice ?

 

[mjoe]

Missed the opportunity to hit the gravel button. Thanks for your shared experience.

@BjörnfromHamburg , the car handles brilliant with traction control fully off in snow (when you want to do donuts and 8s…) .. always good to experience the car in different conditions. Next time I’ll definitely try out the gravel mode.. thanks!

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