[Video] How Audi Quattro and BMW xDrive Differs

The all-wheel drive started to be used in performance and luxury sedans because of the Audi UR Quattro of the 1980’s. The first Audi Quattro was a force of nature in the World Rally Championship during its time. BMW followed suit and created their own all-wheel drive system, now known as xDrive. This was first used in the the original E30 BMW 325ix. Years later, both all-wheel drive platforms are still popular. To understand which one is better, it helps to know how the Audi Quattro and BMW xDrive differs.

A closer look reveals that the Audi Quattro system uses a mechanical Torsen (Torque Sensing) center differential. This monitors the wheel slip and can send power back and forth to whichever axle that needs it. It uses the viscous-coupling Torsen diff to function. Its durability and reliability is a strength that Audi is proud of. Audi did a really good job in creating this system and this explains the success it enjoys.

BMW attacked the problem differently with the xDrive system. It uses a multi-plate clutch that can send power to the front wheels whenever the rears start to slip. Modern xDrive systems now utilize sensors that monitor wheel slip ever .01 seconds and, if necessary, can send some of the power to the front but only enough to regain traction. The system is predominantly a rear-biased. That is the main difference between Audi Quattro’s 50/50 torque split between the axles under normal circumstances.

Car Throttle gives us a good description and visual breakdown of the systems and how they can be differentiated. It is a very cool video, especially for mechanical geeks. Clearly, Audi and BMW created different solutions to powering all four wheels. Both system has its advantages and disadvantages and ultimately, it is interesting to see how the BMW system differs from the Audi one.