Heading
Close X
Menu
By Craig Hale
Audi Quattro is a system designed to deliver enhanced traction, stability and performance in challenging driving conditions.
Available in Audi's SUVs and performance models, it has a history tied up in rallying and was first introduced in mainstream cars in the 1980s.
Drivers love it for the extra confidence it brings. So let's take a look at how the Audi quattro system works.
In simple terms, 'quattro' is Audi's Italian-inspired name for all-wheel drive.
Some cars have it as standard, while others have optional quattro for added grip as an extra.
The name comes from the original Audi Quattro, a blend of coupé and saloon that launched in 1980, destined for the rally track.
It was the first high-performance car to feature permanent all-wheel drive (AWD), and it changed the way people thought about sports cars, which were mostly two-wheel-drive.
Over time, Audi started to use that 'quattro' badge for its AWD models, inspired by the 1980s icon.
The quattro system distributes power between the front and rear axles, and in some instances, between each of the four wheels individually.
Early quattro systems used a mechanical centre differential, while modern versions feature electronically controlled systems to react in real-time to road conditions, ensuring the right wheels have the right power.
The result is better handling in slippery conditions, improved acceleration and better stability.
Yes, in short quattro is Audi's name for AWD, but it's important to remember that not all AWD systems are made equally.
Compared to many standard AWD systems, quattro reacts faster and can send more power to the wheels that need it the most, making it more versatile.
There are a few easy ways to tell if your Audi has quattro AWD:
Many models have quattro as standard, including the Q5, Q7 and Q8, but some smaller SUVs have quattro as an option on more powerful engines.
Then, there are allroad models, which are estates with added ride height and that all-important AWD – the A4 allroad and A6 allroad.
S and RS cars, including the R8 supercar, also have quattro AWD as standard. They're slightly different to the SUVs in that they're geared towards maximum performance and acceleration, not off-roading.
Most Audi cars that don't have quattro are front-wheel-drive (FWD), which means only the front wheels receive the power. This is perfect in most day-to-day scenarios, but in slippery conditions and with a lot of power, they can struggle for grip.
This is why Audi fits quattro AWD to the more powerful models, because all four wheels can put the power down to maximise grip.
Some models blend the two – driving in FWD when conditions aren't so challenging to save fuel, and reverting to quattro AWD when the going gets tough.
Don't think of quattro as a tool for different climates – with our mix of rain, frost and occasional snow, quattro provides extra reassurance all year round.
It's particularly useful in more rural areas, where roads can be muddy or uneven.
Quattro systems can use slightly more fuel than FWD models because there are more components that add some extra weight – think of it as driving with a child or small adult in the passenger seat. But in reality, you'll barely notice a difference.
For most drivers, the very small fuel trade-off is worth the extra grip and safety.
Absolutely. The added traction of quattro makes these Audi models ideal for towing, especially where the nose weight of a trailer can alter the car's centre of gravity.
Off-roading is where they come into their own, because they can identify which wheels need extra grip and send the power there, where it can get used.
Just remember that ground clearance is a big factor in off-roading – and although the RS3 has quattro, it's low to the ground, so you wouldn't want to cover any tough terrain in it.
We've already covered how Audi quattro can split power between different wheels, but newer models take this a step further with quattro ultra.
It means the system can decouple the rear wheels, and revert to front-wheel-drive in most scenarios.
The electronic system then quickly activates four-wheel drive in milliseconds when needed.
If you're looking for a car that delivers confidence whatever the weather, road conditions or power demands, Audi quattro is hard to beat.
It comes in all shapes and sizes, from sporty saloons to family SUVs, so there's no need to make sacrifices for extra grip.
Browse our latest used Audi quattro cars and see how this advanced AWD system can help you out.
By Craig Hale
Audi Quattro is a system designed to deliver enhanced traction, stability and performance in challenging driving conditions.
Available in Audi's SUVs and performance models, it has a history tied up in rallying and was first introduced in mainstream cars in the 1980s.
Drivers love it for the extra confidence it brings. So let's take a look at how the Audi quattro system works.
In simple terms, 'quattro' is Audi's Italian-inspired name for all-wheel drive.
Some cars have it as standard, while others have optional quattro for added grip as an extra.
The name comes from the original Audi Quattro, a blend of coupé and saloon that launched in 1980, destined for the rally track.
It was the first high-performance car to feature permanent all-wheel drive (AWD), and it changed the way people thought about sports cars, which were mostly two-wheel-drive.
Over time, Audi started to use that 'quattro' badge for its AWD models, inspired by the 1980s icon.
The quattro system distributes power between the front and rear axles, and in some instances, between each of the four wheels individually.
Early quattro systems used a mechanical centre differential, while modern versions feature electronically controlled systems to react in real-time to road conditions, ensuring the right wheels have the right power.
The result is better handling in slippery conditions, improved acceleration and better stability.
Yes, in short quattro is Audi's name for AWD, but it's important to remember that not all AWD systems are made equally.
Compared to many standard AWD systems, quattro reacts faster and can send more power to the wheels that need it the most, making it more versatile.
There are a few easy ways to tell if your Audi has quattro AWD:
Many models have quattro as standard, including the Q5, Q7 and Q8, but some smaller SUVs have quattro as an option on more powerful engines.
Then, there are allroad models, which are estates with added ride height and that all-important AWD – the A4 allroad and A6 allroad.
S and RS cars, including the R8 supercar, also have quattro AWD as standard. They're slightly different to the SUVs in that they're geared towards maximum performance and acceleration, not off-roading.
Most Audi cars that don't have quattro are front-wheel-drive (FWD), which means only the front wheels receive the power. This is perfect in most day-to-day scenarios, but in slippery conditions and with a lot of power, they can struggle for grip.
This is why Audi fits quattro AWD to the more powerful models, because all four wheels can put the power down to maximise grip.
Some models blend the two – driving in FWD when conditions aren't so challenging to save fuel, and reverting to quattro AWD when the going gets tough.
Don't think of quattro as a tool for different climates – with our mix of rain, frost and occasional snow, quattro provides extra reassurance all year round.
It's particularly useful in more rural areas, where roads can be muddy or uneven.
Quattro systems can use slightly more fuel than FWD models because there are more components that add some extra weight – think of it as driving with a child or small adult in the passenger seat. But in reality, you'll barely notice a difference.
For most drivers, the very small fuel trade-off is worth the extra grip and safety.
Absolutely. The added traction of quattro makes these Audi models ideal for towing, especially where the nose weight of a trailer can alter the car's centre of gravity.
Off-roading is where they come into their own, because they can identify which wheels need extra grip and send the power there, where it can get used.
Just remember that ground clearance is a big factor in off-roading – and although the RS3 has quattro, it's low to the ground, so you wouldn't want to cover any tough terrain in it.
We've already covered how Audi quattro can split power between different wheels, but newer models take this a step further with quattro ultra.
It means the system can decouple the rear wheels, and revert to front-wheel-drive in most scenarios.
The electronic system then quickly activates four-wheel drive in milliseconds when needed.
If you're looking for a car that delivers confidence whatever the weather, road conditions or power demands, Audi quattro is hard to beat.
It comes in all shapes and sizes, from sporty saloons to family SUVs, so there's no need to make sacrifices for extra grip.
Browse our latest used Audi quattro cars and see how this advanced AWD system can help you out.
