Audi Unveils Third Generation Q3

The Audi Q3 is one of the brand’s highest-selling SUVs, having sold over two million units globally since its debut. It was only a matter of time before Audi renewed it for a new generation, and here it is.

 After the announcements for Audi’s A5 and Q5 and electric A6 and Q6 E-Tron models, the Q3’s third generation has been launched. So let’s check out what the BMW X1s chief rival has to offer.

Design 

The most noticeable feature on the Audi Q3 from the outside is the split headlights and taillights, which boast digital Matrix LED headlights featuring micro-LED technology. Being first in the segment, the system employs 25,600 micro-LEDs per module. The front facia is now more aggressive, thanks to a wide Singleframe grille. 

The Q3 also embraces a more sporty look, packing an optimised cool-air intake which helps it achieve a drag coefficient of 0.30. On the rear, the Q3 gets digital OLED taillights with custom light signatures.

The usual 17-inch alloys are available with the base variant that can be upgraded to 20 inches by choosing higher trim levels 

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the Q3, you get a dashboard with a green strip running around the cabin. The centre packs an 11.9-inch digital cockpit and a 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen running Android Automotive OS. For driver convenience, the steering wheel comes with touchscreen controls, which for some drivers can be a bit of a hassle. 

The Audi Q3 is also the first in the segment to feature acoustic glazing for the front-side windows, which helps it offer a quieter ride. Other than that, you get an AI-powered Audi Assistant that the driver can interact with easily, thanks to an interactive avatar. 

The Audi Q3 provides 488 liters cargo space with the rear seats in their standard position. Pushing the rear seats fully forward and upright increases the capacity to 575 liters while putting them down yield about 1,386 liters.

Powertrain

The new Q3 has a usual array of diverse powertrains along with a brand-new Hybrid.

The 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 148 hp and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, this is a FWD mild hybrid unit that can shut off two of its four cylinders to reduce fuel consumption when full power isn’t needed.

Next up is the 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which is paired to the Quattro all-wheel drive system and produces 261 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). A diesel option is also available, where a 2.0 TDI engine produces 148 hp and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm), in a front-wheel-drive configuration.

A new plug-in hybrid integrates a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with a single electric motor, producing a combined system output of 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. The hybrid is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 19.7 kWh, which enables an all-electric driving range of up to 120 kilometers under the WLTP test cycle.

Once the battery is depleted, it supports DC fast charging at rates of up to 50 kW, allowing a recharge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes

The current Audi Q3 in India is old with only a single 2.0 L Petrol engine with 190 ps and 320 nm. 

Since Mahindra has already announced its attention to explore Hybrid engine for its latest SUVs along with Hyundai with its Palisade Hybrid debut for 2028, it would be a questionable move on Audi 's part to not bring the full hybrid Audi Q3 here. 

The Audi Q3 has currently been announced for the international markets, and there have been no announcements regarding its Indian release, though we expect some kind of announcement by end of 2025 from Audi.