The Quad 21L is a 2 way tower. The Quad 22L is a 2.5 way tower, with a dedicated bass-driver and a mid-bass driver, 3 total drivers incl the tweeter. The 21L2 and the 22L2 are improvements over the 21L and 22L. The cabinet bracing is sturdier, the 22L2 comes with those really cool plinths, and the 22L2's tweeter received an upgrade. It is also positioned closer (lower) to the mid-bass driver.
The 22L had a dip in its frequency response, and the 22L2's response is much more flat. Even still, some reviewers find the 22L2s to be too bright at high listening levels. Every year at RMAF I seek these out and force everyone in the room to listen to them. They are mostly located in side rigs. My local dealer recently started carrying Focals, I don't know if he carries Quad anymore, but if he does, you can bet I will put up the Focal 826v and 836v against the new Quads.