Audi does not currently offer a CVT in its modern lineup. The brand did use a CVT called Multitronic in a limited number of older front‑wheel‑drive models during the early 2000s, but today Audi relies on Tiptronic and S tronic transmissions.
Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) aim for smooth power delivery and high efficiency by adjusting gear ratios continuously. For premium brands like Audi, that approach has largely given way to alternatives such as dual‑clutch (S tronic) and traditional torque‑converter automatics (Tiptronic). The transition was driven by driving dynamics, reliability concerns with early CVTs, and the needs of Audi’s quattro all‑wheel‑drive systems. Below is a concise look at where CVTs appeared and what Audi uses now.
Historical note: Multitronic in the Audi lineup
The Multitronic CVT was Audi’s branded CVT solution and appeared in certain older, front‑wheel‑drive models in the late 1990s to early 2000s. It was gradually phased out as S tronic and Tiptronic technologies matured and as market demand shifted away from CVTs in premium cars.
Examples of where Multitronic was used, in general terms, include several front‑wheel‑drive Audi models from that era. Availability varied by market and model year, and not every trim or generation offered Multitronic.
- Audi A4 (some front‑wheel‑drive variants)
- Audi A6 (some front‑wheel‑drive variants)
- Audi A3 (earlier, front‑wheel‑drive variants)
These examples illustrate the limited scope of Multitronic within Audi’s history. The technology was not widespread across the current lineup and availability depended on region and year.
What Audi uses today for automatic transmissions
In today’s market, Audi’s automatic transmissions fall into two main families: tiptronic and S tronic. Both are widely used across the lineup, with different driving characteristics and performance profiles.
- Tiptronic: a traditional torque‑converter automatic used on many models, often paired with quattro all‑wheel drive for smooth, comfortable shifting.
- S tronic: a dual‑clutch automatic used on most contemporary Audis for rapid, sporty shifting and improved efficiency.
As of 2024–2026, Audi no longer offers a factory CVT in its new models. The Multitronic CVT remains a historical footnote in the brand’s transmission history, while current customers will find either Tiptronic or S tronic options depending on the model and drivetrain configuration.
Is there a current Audi with CVT?
The answer is no. Modern Audi models rely on Tiptronic and S tronic transmissions, not CVTs. If a CVT is a must‑have feature, it would involve looking outside the current Audi lineup or considering older, used models that originally offered Multitronic.
In summary, Audi’s CVT era was short and largely limited to older front‑wheel‑drive variants. Today, the brand emphasizes dual‑clutch and conventional automatic gearboxes to deliver its characteristic driving dynamics and performance.
Summary
Historically, Audi used a CVT called Multitronic in a subset of older front‑wheel‑drive models. Today’s Audi lineup does not include CVTs; it relies on Tiptronic and S tronic transmissions to satisfy modern performance and efficiency goals. For buyers seeking a CVT, it’s a matter of looking beyond current Audi offerings or selecting a legacy model that originally offered Multitronic.