Audi has unveiled the third generation of its highly successful Q3, a model that has sold over two million units worldwide since its initial launch and holds a significant position in the brand’s portfolio. This new iteration aims to set new benchmarks in the compact class by blending dynamic and muscular SUV proportions with a spacious interior, advanced technology, and a focus on efficiency and driving pleasure.
Exterior: Emotional Design and Aerodynamic Prowess
The new Audi Q3 boasts a more emotional and muscular design compared to its predecessor . Its exterior is characterized by a confident stance, with a wide, high-set Singleframe grille and sleekly tapered headlights that are fully integrated into the vehicle’s aerodynamic concept. This design contributes to an efficient airflow around the front, further enhanced by a controllable cool-air intake below the Singleframe. Parking sensors are discreetly housed in this area, while sensors for driver assistance systems are located behind the iconic four rings.
From the side, a prominent horizontal shoulder line runs between the headlights and rear lights, visually dividing the car and creating a distinctive interplay of light and shadow. This, along with steeply sloping D-pillars, lends the greenhouse a dynamic appearance. Powerfully emerging blisters over the front and rear wheels evoke the original quattro design . The rear design is clean and precise, featuring a narrow light strip that cuts across the vehicle’s width (standard on S line and above) and digital OLED rear lights (optional on Edition 1), complemented by illuminated rings (standard on S line and above) . The diffuser is integrated into the raised bumper.
The S line specification features distinct front and rear bumpers in selenite silver . Nine color options are available, including Arkona white (solid), metallic finishes like Glacier white, Mythos black, Arrow grey, Tambora grey, Progressive red, and Navarra blue, and the new Sage green. Daytona grey metallic is exclusive to the S line. Wheel designs range from standard 18-inch up to 20-inch options, including aerodynamic wheels (18-19 inches) and four Audi Sport designs in 19 and 20-inch sizes, some with darkened finishes. The new Q3 also features a significantly improved drag coefficient of 0.30.
Interior: Digital Companion with Enhanced Comfort
Inside, Audi has transferred its “digital stage” concept from its full-size models to the compact Q3 . This is highlighted by a panoramic display featuring an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch MMI touch display, creating a driver-oriented cockpit. A head-up display (optional, but standard on e-hybrid models) supplements these displays. The interior design emphasizes a high-contrast aesthetic and a “Softwrap” application area extending across the dashboard and doors, enhancing the sense of space.
A new steering wheel control unit frees up space in the centre console and introduces a new user experience . It incorporates two new steering column levers: one for gear selection on the right, and another on the left for light functions and windshield wipers. For the first time in Audi’s compact segment, acoustic glazing for the front side windows comes as standard, significantly improving interior acoustics, especially at high speeds, and contributing to overall driving comfort. The Q3 offers a practical 488-litre boot, expandable to 1,386 litres with the rear seat bench folded down. The rear bench can be moved lengthwise and its angle adjusted as standard. The SUV also has a towing capacity of up to 2,100kg.
Advanced Lighting Technology
The new Q3 introduces lighting technology from the full-size class to the compact segment for the first time . Digital Matrix LED headlights (standard on Edition 1) utilize micro-LED technology, a first for the Q3, replacing the previous DMD module. Each module, approximately 13mm wide, contains 25,600 micro-LEDs, each about 40 micrometers in size, significantly improving illumination and contrast, especially in difficult weather.
These advanced headlights are closely linked with driver assistance functions, displaying important information directly in the driver’s field of vision with reference to road infrastructure, thereby enhancing safety . For instance, the lane change assist’s active warning is reflected in the lane light, and the lane departure warning is displayed in the orientation light . The system can also project an ice crystal symbol onto the road as a warning for potential icy conditions at speeds above approximately 43.5 mph. On construction sites, the lights automatically adjust to improve lane keeping. Users can deactivate individual functions of the digital Matrix LED headlights, like lane lights, via the MMI, which also allows selection of four different dynamic coming home/leaving home light signatures . The digital daytime running lights consist of 23 LED segments per side, creating distinctive light signatures. The rear features digital OLED rear lights (optional on Edition 1) with 36 segments divided into six panels, enabling customizable rear light signatures.
Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Dynamics
The new Audi Q3 offers a range of efficient powertrains, including partially electrified combustion engines with mild-hybrid technology and a powerful plug-in hybrid.
The entry-level petrol model is the Q3 SUV TFSI 150PS, a four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology . For long-distance driving, the Q3 SUV TDI 150PS is available.
The highlight is the Q3 SUV e-hybrid 272PS, which is more powerful and efficient than before. It features a high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh (net 19.7 kWh), enabling an electric range of up to 74 miles. This plug-in hybrid can charge at up to 50kW with DC power under ideal conditions.
A newly developed adaptive suspension system aims to balance comfort and dynamics . The standard suspension has been further developed for an improved driving experience, while a sports suspension (standard on Edition 1) and a suspension with two-valve damper control (optional on S line and Edition 1) offer an optimally balanced ride.
Safety and Assistance Systems
The new Q3 is equipped with numerous innovative assistance systems to enhance safety and comfort, positioning it as a “digital companion for everyday life” . Key features include a driver attention and fatigue monitor. For increased road safety, an interior camera monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness or lack of concentration . Another innovative feature is “trained parking” (part of the optional Sound & Vision Pack Pro), which allows customers to teach the Q3 individual parking manoeuvres.
As Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, stated, “With the third generation of the Audi Q3, we are renewing an important model family as part of our product initiative and strengthening our range with a powerful plug-in hybrid and efficient combustion engines. The new model combines efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort”. Geoffrey Bouquot, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG, added that the innovative operating concept and numerous assistance systems “make the Audi Q3 the ideal digital companion for everyday life”.
