
The Q5L is a four-wheel drive vehicle, equipped with an on-demand all-wheel drive system. The Q5L comes with two engine options: a low-power version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a high-power version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The low-power version delivers a maximum power of 140 kW and a maximum torque of 320 Nm, featuring hybrid injection technology and an aluminum cylinder head with a cast iron cylinder block. Compared to the overseas version, the Q5L has a noticeably increased rear door length, primarily to meet consumers' higher demands for rear legroom. The front design is sharp and angular, with a hexagonal grille similar to the family Q7, shifting from the rounded style of the older Q5 to a more aggressive look. The extended body length and wheelbase also offer improvements over the previous Q5 model.

The base 40TFSI variant of the Q5L comes with front-wheel drive, while the higher-spec 45TFSI models are all equipped with quattro all-wheel drive – buyers should carefully check configurations. The current generation uses the intelligent quattro ultra system that defaults to fuel-efficient front-wheel drive and automatically engages AWD in poor road conditions. The quattro version demonstrates noticeably better stability in rain/snow, though FWD suffices for southern urban driving. This layout allows Audi to maintain brand essence while lowering entry barriers. We recommend test-driving both versions – the quattro's cornering support is markedly superior.

To determine if the Q5L is four-wheel drive, you need to check the specific model number. Models with the 45TFSI badge and the 'quattro' label are all full-time four-wheel drive, while the base 40TFSI version might have it removed. Last time I accompanied a friend to pick up their car, the dealership's display model was four-wheel drive, but the delivered entry-level version was front-wheel drive. It's advisable to verify the drivetrain before signing the contract. The genuine quattro system displays torque distribution in off-road mode.

I noticed many car owners are concerned about the Q5L's four-wheel drive (4WD) issue. In reality, the difference between 4WD and front-wheel drive (FWD) isn't significant when driving on urban expressways. However, the distinction becomes immediately apparent when encountering snowy slopes. The intelligent 4WD system in the high-end version can predict road conditions and distribute power in advance, which is quite practical. For those with limited budgets, choosing FWD can save twenty thousand yuan for fuel. But if you prioritize a more secure driving experience, paying extra is worthwhile.

As a long-time owner, I must say the quattro all-wheel drive is significantly better than regular all-wheel drive systems. The high-end Q5L can escape from a cross-axle situation with just one wheel, while the entry-level front-wheel-drive version struggles more on rough roads. Here's a simple way to check: open the hood and look for the differential module - if there are all-wheel-drive components, it definitely has a driveshaft. Currently, Audi is mainly promoting quattro ultra, which can be considered as an economical all-wheel-drive solution.

From a driving experience perspective, the Q5L 4WD version is worth the extra cost. It provides more confidence during lane changes on rainy days and faster acceleration out of corners on mountain roads. However, the front-wheel-drive version is sufficient for daily commutes and offers about 1.5L lower fuel consumption. It's important to note that has adjusted its product strategy in recent years, with some base models not even offering the option to upgrade to 4WD. Always verify the chassis number configuration before purchasing.


