Using leading edge technology, quattro is designed to give you the superior driving performance, fuel efficiency and power in any weather or terrain. Distributing power to the wheel, the Audi quattro system ensures you not only stay safe and in control, but that you experience the best grip and traction when you need it the most.
Audi quattro
What is quattro?
quattro is our renowned all-wheel drive technology. Developed through Audi motorsport engineering, quattro is a cornerstone of our philosophy. Today it brings safety, sportiness and performance to everyday driving.
Since the debut of the Audi quattro in 1980, we've sold more than five million cars with permanent all-wheel drive. And now quattro is available across the entire Audi range.
With quattro you will experience directional stability, dynamism and agility as never before, while counteracting over and understeer without any problems.
Grip, whatever the conditions
quattro all-wheel drive, provides outstanding grip in extreme and every day conditions.
Drive with the quattro
The quattro range you don’t need to compromise on your choice of Audi to experience the benefits of quattro.
You don’t need to compromise on your choice of Audi to experience the benefits of quattro.
quattro is available across a range of Audi models, so it’s easier than you might think to feel the value of quattro every day.
Different types of quattro
Hydraulic multi-plate clutch
Designed for models that have the engine mounted across the chassis. This system has a front wheel bias in normal driving conditions, but constantly analyses traction, sending up to 100% of the power to the rear wheels when needed.
Available on the following ranges: A1, A3, Q3, TT
Self-locking centre differential
The self-locking centre differential has a 50:50 power bias dividing the torque equally between the front and rear wheels. The system constantly analyses road conditions and can send up to 100% of the power to the front or rear.
Available on the following ranges: A4, A5, A6, A7 A8, SQ5, Q7
quattro on-demand
quattro on-demand can switch between all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive in a fraction of a second by monitoring driving dynamics, road conditions and driver behaviour. As a result, potential CO2 emissions and fuel consumption is reduced compared to a car with permanently engaged all-wheel drive. Yet you still have all the benefits of quattro, as the system is always ready to step in when needed.
Available on the following model: A4 allroad quattro and Q5
Audi quattro sets standards in the age of electric mobility
For four decades, Audi has been setting the pace with permanent quattro all-wheel drive and with this, initiated a shift in powertrain technology in the automotive world and in motorsport. Now Audi are using the knowledge accumulated since 1980 for the next step. Electric quattro technology in the e-tron range marks the next milestone achievement in the age of electric mobility.
The history of Audi quattro
The origins of quattro technology can be traced back to the winter of 1976‑77, when a group of Audi engineers conducted test drives in the deep snow in Sweden. An Iltis traveled along for comparison purposes – despite its output of a mere 55 kW (75 hp), the leggy military all-terrain vehicle easily outdid the much more powerful Audi prototypes with their front-wheel drive systems.
Audi’s solution, which made quattro technology possible in the first place, was the hollow shaft – a drilled-out, 263 millimeter (10.4 in) secondary shaft in the transmission through which power flowed in two directions. It drove the housing of the center differential from its rearmost end. The differential sent 50 percent of the power along the propshaft to the rear axle, which was equipped with a locking differential. The other half of the drive torque was transferred to the front axle’s differential along an output shaft rotating inside the hollow secondary shaft.
The hollow shaft permitted all-wheel drive that was virtually tension-free, light, compact and efficient, and that operated without the need for a heavy transfer case or second propshaft. The quattro concept was no longer suitable just for slow all-terrain vehicles, but in particular for sporty automobiles and high-volume production.
1980: debut of the Ur‑quattro
The revolutionary technology made a dazzling debut at the 1980 International Geneva Motor Show in the new Audi quattro, a coupe with a boxy shape and 147 kW (200 hp). Originally planned for only low-volume production, high demand led to the Ur‑quattro being produced as a production model; repeatedly upgraded, it remained in the model lineup until 1991. In 1984, Audi added the exclusive Sport quattro with 225 kW (306 hp).
In 1986, Audi replaced the manual-locking center differential of the first generation with the Torsen differential (Torsen = torque sensing). The worm gear transmission was capable of variable distribution of drive torque. The next big step came in 2005 with the planetary drive that offered asymmetrical, dynamic distribution of the power.
In parallel, Audi further expanded its line of quattro models. The decision was made back in the early 1980s to offer the quattro drive system in every model line; the new models were important milestones on Audi’s path to the premium segment in the market. The first TDI with permanent all-wheel drive appeared in 1995; four years later the technology moved into the compact segment.
The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.