Is the Audi Q3's four-wheel drive system full-time or on-demand?

[SilasLynn]

Currently, all Audi models equipped with four-wheel drive systems, including the Q3, feature the quattro full-time four-wheel drive system, with no models utilizing part-time four-wheel drive. Additional information: 1. Full-time four-wheel drive system: The full-time four-wheel drive system (AWD), represented by Audi's quattro system, ensures that all four wheels maintain driving force at all times. This system keeps all four wheels engaged with driving force continuously. The full-time four-wheel drive system includes three differentials: one on each axle (front and rear) and a central differential between the front and rear drive shafts. 2. On-demand four-wheel drive system: Also known as real-time four-wheel drive, this system uses a computer chip to control the switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Its notable feature is that it combines the advantages of both full-time and part-time four-wheel drive systems while addressing their shortcomings. It can automatically identify driving conditions and switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes based on changes in the driving environment. On uneven, hilly, or low-traction roads, the vehicle automatically sets to four-wheel drive mode, while on flat urban roads, it switches back to two-wheel drive.

[DiRachel]

I've driven several generations of the Audi Q3, and its current four-wheel-drive system uses Quattro Ultra, which is actually a type of on-demand AWD. When driving in the city, it mostly operates in front-wheel drive. Only when you accelerate hard, encounter slippery roads on rainy days, or hit rough patches does the system automatically distribute power to the rear wheels. It's completely different from the old mechanical Torsen differential-based true full-time AWD. I specifically tested it on mountain roads, and the power kicks in quite quickly when cornering, with the dashboard displaying the AWD engagement status. However, if you frequently drive on snow and ice, a full-time AWD might still be more reliable. The Q3's system is mainly designed for fuel efficiency and is more than adequate for city driving.

[StAlexis]

As a long-time enthusiast of German cars, the Audi Q3's all-wheel-drive system is definitely worth discussing. It's actually an on-demand AWD based on a transverse engine platform, with a multi-plate clutch device working in tandem with an electronic control system at its core. By default, 90% of the power is delivered to the front wheels, resulting in fuel consumption about 2L lower than full-time AWD. However, the moment the ESP detects wheel slip, the system can transfer 50% of the power to the rear axle within 0.2 seconds. I've disassembled this system and found it to be 40kg lighter than traditional mechanical AWD, with a more flexible chassis layout. However, the clutch plates can overheat during continuous off-road use, which is understandable given its positioning as a city SUV.

[VonBlakely]

Attention to Q3 owners: this model doesn't feature traditional full-time AWD. It utilizes an intelligent on-demand AWD system officially named Quattro Ultra. In fuel-saving mode, it behaves just like a front-wheel-drive vehicle. However, when you floor the accelerator or drive on muddy roads, the Quattro indicator on the dashboard illuminates, signaling rear axle engagement. Real-world tests show significantly better traction than 2WD vehicles when climbing snowy slopes, though it still falls short in extreme off-road conditions. During configuration, remember to ask the salesperson to demonstrate the AWD engagement - some dealership showrooms have simulated ramp testing equipment.