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When it comes to serious off-roading, xDrive and Torsen address only a fraction of the requirement for a truly capable off-road machine. This is not a discussion on driving on a dirt road; we’re talking about serious bundu-bashing on hardcore trails. This is where Gene is quite correct in his assertion that off-roaders are beasts of a wholly different nature. Remember, the golden rule of off-road driving: as slow as possible and as fast as is necessary.

In order for a vehicle to perform accordingly, it needs more than just a clever limited slip centre differential (Quattro) or hyper intelligent, hyper active electronics (xDrive). Believe me, an Audi Q7 will be just about useless off-road compared with a two-wheel drive, hi-rise suspension Mazda pick-up with rear diff lock. A real off-road vehicle needs good ground clearance first and foremost and anything under 220 mm is considered soft-roader territory. Furthermore, the approach, departure and (particularly) break-over angles are critical too. In order for a vehicle to go as slow as possible it needs a true 45 to 50 percent low range reduction ‘box. A locking locking differential is essential for serious off-road vehicles. This type of differential has the same parts as an open differential, but adds an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism to lock the two output pinions together. This not simply a limited slip differential. This device ensures that even if traction is completely lost at one end of the diff, the other wheel can still exert maximum torque on the surface with adequate purchase. In addition, the vehicle needs outstanding suspension travel and super strong suspension and chassis components.

Rocks and sand and ditches and river beds and logs break cars. That’s why, when doing serious off-roading, I trust only a handful of vehicles - most notably the Toyota Land Cruiser pick-ups and wagons and the Land Rover Defenders. I have extensive off-road experience in both and I know exactly why they exist. X5’s, Q7’s and ML’s are on-road vehicles with a measure of off-roading ability (the ML does come with an off-road package option which does enhance it’s capability significantly) and shouldn’t be used without due consideration when discussing off road ability.

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