2026 Audi Q3 makes global debut: new design, big tech, plug-in power
Audi’s compact SUV lineup is getting a major refresh with the unveiling of the third-generation Q3, set to launch in Europe this September 2025. With a sharper design, improved tech, and new powertrain options, the BMW X1 rival brings more than just a facelift, it’s a complete overhaul of Ingolstadt’s best-selling small SUV.
The 2026 Audi Q3 wears a more expressive exterior, headlined by split headlights and taillights, its a bold design move not even seen on the larger Q5. The top half features visible DRLs, while the main matrix LED beams hide behind tinted glass, framed in gloss black. Audi says each headlight contains 25,600 micro-LEDs, each thinner than a human hair.
At the back, a lower LED light bar and upper OLED elements combine to create a distinctive lighting signature. Drivers can customise the rear graphic with six different taillight patterns, all using 36 individual segments. An illuminated Audi logo is optional. Fake exhausts are now a thing of the past. This Q3 keeps things honest with a clean rear bumper and hidden tailpipes, at least on this S Line example.
From the side, the new Q3 bears a strong resemblance to its larger sibling, the Q5. Audi says the flared arches take inspiration from the original Quattro, adding a dose of sporty nostalgia. Wheel sizes now range from 17 to 20 inches, with wider 235 mm tires (up from 215 mm). Aerodynamic efficiency has also improved, with the drag coefficient reduced from 0.32 to 0.30.
Inside, Audi has avoided the controversial passenger screen seen on some of its newer models. Instead, the Q3 features an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, both powered by Android Automotive. Physical controls are minimal, though some may not love the touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons or the thick bezels around the displays.
A segment-first feature is the inclusion of acoustic glazing on the front side windows, which helps reduce wind and road noise. Audi’s interior material quality has come under scrutiny recently, but the company says improvements are on the way.
The gear selector has been relocated to the steering column, freeing up space on the centre console for larger cupholders, a cooled wireless charging pad, and dual USB-C ports. A new multifunction stalk on the left side combines turn signals, lighting controls, and wiper functions, a rare integration in today’s cars.
Practicality remains a key strength of the Q3. Luggage capacity is rated at:
- 488 litres with the rear seats in their standard position
- 575 litres with the seats pushed forward
- 1,386 litres with the rear bench folded flat
The Q3 also offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,100 kilograms, placing it among the more capable vehicles in its class.
At launch, the Q3 offers four drivetrain options:
- A 1.5-litre TFSI mild-hybrid producing 148 hp and 250 Nm, with front-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
- A 2.0-litre TFSI turbo engine delivering 261 hp and 400 Nm, paired with Quattro all-wheel drive
- A 2.0 TDI diesel offering 148 hp and 360 Nm, front-wheel drive only
- A front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 268 hp and 400 Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic
The plug-in hybrid stands out with a 19.7 kWh battery that offers up to 120 kilometres of all-electric range (WLTP). When the battery runs low, it can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes using DC fast charging at up to 50 kW.
At this stage, there is no all-wheel-drive option for either the diesel or the hybrid variant.
In Germany, the 1.5-litre petrol Q3 starts at €44,600, while the plug-in hybrid is priced from €49,300. Deliveries begin in Europe this September, with a North American launch expected by late 2025 or early 2026. With the Q2 officially discontinued, the Q3 will now serve as Audi’s new entry-level SUV. A performance-oriented SQ3 is on the way, and while an RS Q3 is possible, it’s unlikely to retain the fan-favourite inline-five engine. A sleeker Q3 Sportback is also expected soon to take on the likes of the BMW X2. A fully electric Q3 isn’t in the pipeline yet. Instead, Audi is working on a more affordable EV positioned below the Q4 E-Tron. Scheduled to debut next year, this new model will be built in Ingolstadt and will slot into the A3 segment. Whether it takes the form of a hatchback or crossover remains to be seen.
This latest Q3 isn’t a simple facelift, it’s a comprehensive overhaul of Audi’s most accessible SUV. With a sleeker design, advanced technology, and a wider variety of drivetrains, the 2026 Q3 is shaping up to be a serious contender in the competitive premium compact SUV segment.
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