The T5 AWD models have the advantage of all-wheel drive for improved all-weather safety and handling. The all-wheel drive helps maximize traction in slick, slushy circumstances by sending power to the wheels with the most friction underneath, doing its utmost to maintain the T5’s forward momentum. When driven hard on dry pavement, the all-wheel drive helps balance the T5’s handling by shifting power to the rear wheels. The T5 turns into corners a little more crisply than the 2.4i. It also leans less to one side or the other as g force builds, but it’s hardly stiff. The suspension isn’t as firm as that of, say, a BMW, so it doesn’t respond as crisply when driven very hard. The benefit is the Volvo’s smoother ride quality.