Bakhjulsdriven

Bakhjulsdriven, meaning rear-wheel drive in Swedish, refers to a drivetrain layout in which the vehicle’s rear wheels are the primary drive wheels. In a typical front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car, the engine powers a transmission at the front, a driveshaft transmits torque to a rear differential, and the rear wheels propel the vehicle. Some sports and performance cars use a rear transaxle, placing the transmission at the rear to improve weight distribution and handling.

The rear wheels receive power through a rear differential connected to the driveshaft or transaxle. The setup can use a live rear axle or independent rear suspension, with the latter often paired with higher-performance applications to optimize ride and handling. RWD layouts emphasize balance between front and rear axle loads, which can enhance steering feel and acceleration characteristics on dry roads.

Advantages of bakhjulsdriven include better weight distribution in many configurations, straightforward mechanical layout, and favorable handling dynamics in dry conditions, where throttle control can produce predictable oversteer or understeer depending on speed and grip. This layout is common in many classic and modern sports cars, premium sedans, and enthusiast vehicles.

Disadvantages include reduced traction in low-grip conditions such as snow or ice, where front-wheel or all-wheel-drive systems often perform better. The driveline also adds complexity and weight, and in some market segments it competes with the growing prevalence of front- and all-wheel-drive architectures.

Historically dominant in performance-focused vehicles, bakhjulsdriven remains widely used in sports cars and luxury sedans, though all-wheel-drive variants have become more common for everyday practicality. Examples include classic and contemporary models from brands known for dynamic handling.