The present invention relates to a powertrain control system (1) for a vehicle. The powertrain control system (1) includes a torque limit calculator (47) for generating a torque control signal based (57) on one or more vehicle operating parameters. A torque request module (43) is provided for generating a torque request signal (45) and a torque control module (7) controls the torque applied by the powertrain. The torque control module (7) is configured to receive the torque request signal (45) from the torque request module (43) and the torque control signal (57) from the torque limit calculator (47) and to control the torque applied by the powertrain in dependence on the torque request signal (45) and the torque control signal (57). The present invention also relates to a control system; and a method of operating a powertrain control system.