[qaz996]

As you mentioned, Volvo uses the Haldex AWD system and I believe current Volvo's have version 5. There is what Volvo calls an "Active On-Demand Coupler (AOC) attached to the front of the differential and the propshaft drives the AOC. The AOC is a system of clutches with a pump that can vary the torque the goes through to the rear differential and out to the wheels. Lots of data, like individual wheel speeds, steering wheel angle, throttle position, yaw, etc.. are constantly analyzed by the onboard computers to help in torque distribution calculations.

All of the Haldex systems work fairly well - each generation improving on the previous generation - and are usually imperceptible in operation, so no, you will not skid out before it reacts.

The thing with AWD is it is an aid to help the car get torque to the ground. It does not make cars invincible in less than ideal conditions and it doesn't help stop the car. Just drive safely in all conditions and have good tires on your well maintained car and your car should do fine.

I had a 1996 Subaru Impreza bought new when I lived in Colorado. That car was incredible in the snow. My wife and I have many stories of how that little car was so nice to drive when there was fresh snow on the roads. When my daughter was a toddler, I would sometimes take her in the Subaru and find an empty mall parking lot after (or during) a snow storm and hoon that car around doing AWD donuts, drifting and sliding. She loved it!

I don't live where it snows anymore, so I don't really need the AWD that my XC90 has except to keep that V8 torque from chirping the tires on acceleration.