A drive unit with twin side shaft torque coupling has an intermediate shaft with a first end portion and a second end portion and a central portion with a ring gear. A first clutch drum is directly mounted on the first end portion of the intermediate shaft. The first clutch drum has a first plurality of clutch plates. A first clutch can is located radially inboard of the first clutch drum. The first clutch can supports selective axial movement of a second plurality of clutch plates. The first and second plates are interleaved with one another to form a clutch pack. The first clutch can is connected to one end portion of a first output shaft located radially inboard from said first clutch can. A first clutch actuator assembly selectively actuates the first clutch. The drive unit also comprises a second clutch drum, clutch can and clutch actuator assembly.