XUV500 AWD: Do I need to switch off ESP manually while driving on sand

Once on the sand, i presume I need to activate AWD lock.

BHPian abhi182 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Probably a very basic question but I need to take my old XUV500 on the beach tomorrow on the Konkan coast.

Now I understand the basics of driving on sand and have done it many times earlier with old school 4wd vehicles. However with the newer electronics, i had a basic question regarding this vehicle.

Once on the sand, i presume I need to activate AWD lock. Once this is done, does the ESP automatically get disabled?

If not, I presume I need to switch it off by pressing and holding the ESP button next to the AWD lock.

Are these assumptions correct or do i need to factor in something else as well?

Here's what BHPian abirnale had to say on the matter:

To be precise:

Yes, lock it yourself (press that tiny button!). The AWD manual locking when you know that you need it, is a appropriate choice to save valuable 1-2 seconds before your wheels start digging in sand!

ESP will not switch off automatically - you need to manually switch them off. (Another tiny button to press!)

Yes, when you are in trickier situations, ESP cutting off will ensure that individual wheels are not braked basis what computer thinks is right - thereby letting you decide whatever you want to do! ESP has it’s own brain also coupled with various other situations not just suited for AWD but for general roll-over mitigations etc, when you are on slow crawl mode on sand, just switch it off.

Also note that, there is a threshold above which you are not going to be able to switch off ESP and cannot switch on AWD. ESP above 80 kmph is by default ON (Read user manual - this may be 60kmph). AWD will turn off automatically beyond 60 or 80 kmph something - read user manual if there is a definite number there.

For your use case of sand driving, ESP OFF, AWD ON, sticking to speeds of 20kmph or lower is good idea. And I am sure you will be careful about looking at the sand if it’s too soft where the behemoth 2 ton vehicle regardless of these aids may get stuck anyway.

Here's what BHPian .anshuman had to say on the matter:

Yes, its a good idea to lock the AWD before entering the sandy patch. Activating the AWD lock will not turn off the ESP/Engine traction control, to turn of these you will have to press the ESP button once. There is no brake traction control in this car.

Do remember the Borg Warner AWD will self disengage beyond 40kph. Avoid doing stressful stuff like Donuts in Sand, its an dry clutch pack based system that doesn't last very long and its not serviceable.

PS: I have owned XUV500 AWD for few years and have done a lot of offroad driving.

Here's what BHPian dhanushs had to say on the matter:

Yes, locking the rear prop saves you a second or two.Not sure if the ESP gets disabled automatically.

Switch of the ESP manually. This will allow for more capability in sand, without Engine Torque Control of ESP.

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