What is Audi quattro?

Since debuting in 1980, Audi’s quattro technology has been an automotive game changer – pioneering intelligent all-wheel drive traction that enhances control, performance, and confidence for drivers. quattro dynamically channels power between all four wheels to grip the road in all weather conditions. This revolutionary capability radically uplifted driving dynamics compared to two-wheel drive vehicles when it was first introduced.

First used in Audi’s Quattro rally cars, multiple race wins and rally championships in the 80s only validated the advantage of quattro all-wheel drive tech. Today, over 40 years on, the technology has become a key feature across multiple Audi models. quattro has come to represent a core pillar of Audi’s hard-earned reputation as an innovator constantly redefining the driving experience.

Here, we’ll explain exactly what the Audi quattro system is, what it does, and whether you should make it a priority when searching for a used Audi.

What is quattro?

Put simply, quattro, meaning ‘four’ in Italian, is the name of Audi’s four-wheel drive technology. In a standard two-wheel drive car, the power is sent in full either to the front or back wheels whether it’s a front or rear-wheel drive vehicle. In an Audi quattro vehicle, the power is shared between all four wheels. This is known as ‘four-wheel drive’ or ‘all-wheel drive’, and is often shortened to ‘AWD’.

While this tech was pioneered in the Audi Quattro rally car for racing purposes, four-wheel drive proved itself extremely useful beyond the world of racing and offers clear safety benefits. Cars that use a four wheel drive system are especially desirable in rural and high altitude areas with muddy lanes and adverse weather conditions, as it gives all four tyres better grip to the surface. It’s especially noticeable when going into corners as the car feels rooted to the road.

How does the Audi quattro system work?

So, now you know that when Audi mentions quattro, it means ‘four-wheel drive’. But it’s also worth knowing that the way this tech is deployed varies depending on the model of Audi you choose.

Essentially, there are three types of quattro all-wheel drive setup and they all differ slightly from each other. For Audis in hot pursuit of supercar-level performance and handling like the iconic Audi R8, quattro sends 85% of the engine power to the back wheels in regular driving conditions. When conditions deteriorate, the car directs more power to the front tyres to retain that same level of traction.

The most common Audi quattro all-wheel drive system is the self locking differential system. This splits the power so that 60% goes to the rear wheels and 40% to the front. For seasoned drivers, it feels very much like driving a rear-wheel drive car, but with the added security of grippier front tyres when they’re needed. You’ll find this in a host of Audi models including the Q7 quattro, as well as the A6 and S5.

For quattro editions of Audis like the A3 and S3, the AWD system places more emphasis on the front wheels. With a multi plate clutch system, all the torque goes either to the front or rear wheels most of the time. If the tyres start to lose grip, the clutch shifts some up to 50% of the power to the other wheels to keep you rooted to the surface.

What makes quattro different from other AWD systems?

Audi's quattro system offers unique features that cater to a broad spectrum of drivers, which is pretty standout in itself when compared to other AWD systems. One distinctive aspect we love in the S3 is advanced torque vectoring, which intelligently manages power distribution to individual wheels. This isn't just about performance; it translates to a more responsive and controlled driving experience, especially in the ever changing road conditions you find in the UK.

What sets quattro apart is its ability to send power where it's needed most, adapting to different terrains as you go. This means better traction on slippery roads and uneven surfaces, giving an added sense of stability and safety. quattro collaborates seamlessly with other Audi technologies like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) too, enhancing overall vehicle dynamics and safety without overwhelming you with technical details in the driving seat when you’re focusing on the road. In essence, Audi's quattro system combines practical adaptability with technological innovation, making it one of the more accessible options in the world of AWD systems.

What vehicles is quattro available on?

Audi's quattro system graces a wide range of its vehicles, offering enhanced grip and performance across a spectrum of driving needs. From sleek saloons to rugged SUVs, let's explore where you can find quattro in action:

Saloons and hatchbacks:

• A1: In 2012, Audi launched a quattro variant of the A1 with a 252 horsepower engine and all-wheel drive. Only 333 units were produced, making it a true collector's car.
• A3: The compact A3 offers quattro as an option in most trim levels.
• A4: Step up to the A4 saloon, and quattro becomes standard equipment on all but the base front-wheel-drive configuration.
• A5: The latest A5 coupe and sportback variants boast quattro as standard, while the cabriolet offers it as an option.
• A6: Experience ultimate luxury and performance with the A6 saloon. The latest edition offers quattro as standard across all trims, though there are plenty of models from previous generations that also offer quattro.
• A7: quattro all-wheel drive became a standard feature on the Audi A7 in 2020 and beyond. In previous editions, this was an optional extra. So, it’s worth keeping an eye out for older used Audi A7s that feature four-wheel drive technology.
• A8: At the pinnacle of Audi sedans, the A8 flagship saloon offers quattro AWD as standard.

SUVs and crossovers:

• Q2: Audi quattro has been an optional extra on Audi Q2 models since the first version in 2016, and is available on all trims.
• Q3: The latest Q3 compact SUV offers quattro as an option, making it a versatile choice for urban adventures and weekend getaways.
• Q5: The popular Q5 SUV comes standard with quattro on all trims, making it a confident companion for both everyday commutes.
• Q7: Take on any terrain with the Q7's standard quattro system.
• Q8: Experience luxury and performance in perfect harmony with the Q8 coupe-SUV. Standard quattro enhances its agility and grip.
• e-tron: Even Audi's electric SUV, the e-tron, benefits from quattro's surefootedness. Available in both standard and Sportback variants, the e-tron delivers confident handling and all-weather capability.

Electric SUVs:

• Q4 e-tron: The Q4 e-tron is available in three powertrain variants, all boast quattro as standard, making for confident manoeuvring even on slippery surfaces.
• Q8 e-tron: Like its traditional non-electric counterpart, the Q8 e-tron offers quattro all-wheel drive as standard, guaranteeing superior traction and driving stability.

Electric sport and saloons:

e-tron GT: This cutting-edge electric offering from Audi rockets from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds with the help of quattro, delivering both thrills and all-weather agility.

RS e-tron GT: Need more power? The RS e-tron GT is every bit the sporty supercar, with more than enough power to thrill any petrolhead. quattro is standard here too, meaning the RS e-tron GT conquers corners with effortless precision and grip.

Performance-oriented S and RS models:

For driving enthusiasts, Audi's S and RS models take quattro to the next level. These performance-tuned cars often feature enhanced quattro systems with features like torque vectoring for even sharper handling and precision.

• S3: The latest S3 hot hatch gets a quattro system with optional torque vectoring, making it a nimble and exhilarating companion on twisty roads.
• S4/S5: The latest editions of the Audi S4 saloon and S5 coupe/sportback boast quattro with standard torque vectoring.
• RS 3: Experience the ultimate expression of quattro in the RS 3, where a specially tuned system with torque vectoring maximises grip and agility for track-like performance on the road.
• RS models: Across the RS lineup, from the RS 4 Avant to the RS Q8, quattro plays a key part in unlocking these high-performance machines' full potential.

This list represents just a portion of the Audi models equipped with quattro. When exploring specific used Audi models at CarShop, be sure to check the vehicle's specifications to confirm whether it has quattro all-wheel-drive.

Is Audi quattro worth it?

Deciding to go for a used car with Audi's quattro system depends largely on your driving needs. quattro is fantastic for improving handling and stability in adverse weather conditions, which is a massive advantage for practically any driver in the UK, but especially for those who frequently navigate country lanes. This increased control is an important consideration, especially in areas that frequently deal with rain or snow.

However, it's equally important to be aware of the potential impact of all-wheel drive on fuel efficiency. The quattro system, while offering better grip, can slightly reduce fuel economy due to its additional weight and complexity. If your priorities lean towards better safety and handling whatever the British weather brings, quattro is a key feature to keep an eye out for. However, it’s worth balancing the benefits against the slight increase in fuel consumption to help make up your mind.

Whether you prioritise luxury, performance, practicality, or versatility, we think quattro offers a pretty compelling reason to consider an Audi for your next used car purchase. With its adaptability and confidence-inspiring grip, quattro makes every journey a pleasure, rain or shine.