After being teased final week, the third-gen Audi Q3 made its world debut on Monday. The primary two generations of the Q3 have racked up over two million models in gross sales mixed because the mannequin first launched in 2011, and it stays one of many German marque’s hottest vehicles. This newest mannequin is a complete redesign from the bottom up.
The outgoing mannequin has been on sale since 2019, however given how aggressive the compact luxurious crossover section is, not simply in the USA, however globally, an all-new Q3 was imminent. Coupled with the current refresh of the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA, the timing for an all-new Q3 couldn’t have been extra strategic. Nonetheless, in contrast to a few of the competitors heading in direction of full electrification, Audi has chosen to stay with fuel and hybrid choices for its new Q3. Nonetheless, it could very effectively be one of many final fashions from Ingolstadt to function inside combustion. So what’s new? There’s lots to unpack right here, outdoors, inside, and beneath the hood.
A Acquainted Face With Sharper Options
Constructed upon Volkswagen’s MQB platform, the 2026 Q3 is larger, bolder, and unmistakably Audi. Stretching almost 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor, and about an inch wider, this compact SUV now seems to be much more planted and grown up, because of an extended hood and extra aggressive proportions. Look carefully and also you’ll even discover hints of the OG Quattro, with a distinguished line working over the rear wheel arch. Upfront, the Q3 borrows design cues like the larger single-frame grille from the bigger Q5, however carves out its personal path.Â
Audi, after all, was one of many first to pioneer LED lighting expertise with their R8 supercar again within the day, and that custom continues to evolve right here. The all-new Q3 options break up Matrix LED headlights, the place every beam boasts 26,600 micro-LEDs. Audi claims they’re so small, they’re thinner than human hair. These new trick lights will not be only for present, as they will really mission issues like blind spot warnings and extra onto the pavement.
 On the rear, in line with the instances, Audi has built-in a full-width lightbar. The OLED tail lights setup lets you toggle between six totally different lighting signatures, utilizing 36 particular person segments. An illuminated rear badge can be out there. Wheel sizes vary between 18-20 inches, and you’ll select from 11 paint colours, together with two new ones for 2026: Sage Inexperienced (seen right here) and Madeira Brown.
The Inside Story: Extra Tech and House
Step inside and also you’re met with Audi’s newest digital arsenal. The sharper-looking sprint pairs a 12.8 central infotainment show with a 11.9-inch driver’s show, often known as Audi’s digital cockpit. The massive changer although, is that the brand new system ditches Audi’s proprietary interface in favor of Android Automotive. Each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.
One massive change: the gear selector has now moved onto a stalk on the steering column, liberating up extra room within the middle console for extra storage, twin cup holders, and a wi-fi telephone charging tray. Whereas Alcantara-style finishes, actual wooden, and aluminium can be found, count on them on greater trims. Most notably, although, the Q3 now options acoustic glass upfront for a quieter cabin.Â
For the reason that wheelbase has stayed the identical because the outgoing mannequin, the rear seat legroom and headroom are unchanged, however intelligent packaging has yielded 20.3 cubic toes of cargo room over the outgoing mannequin’s 17.2 cubic toes, bringing the Q3 on par with rivals just like the Volvo XC40 and BMW X1. The exception, after all, can be the plug-in hybrid mannequin that eats into some trunk area to make room for the hybird battery.
2026 Audi Efficiency & Value
In Europe, there are many engine choices to select from, together with a diesel (that gained’t make it stateside), however U.S.-bound Q3s will almost definitely function a mild-hybrid 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4 with 148 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, or a punchier 2.0-liter unit that produces 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet, paired to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. Each make use of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
However maybe essentially the most compelling choice and the one to observe for would be the plug-in hybrid that mixes a 1.5-liter engine with an electrical motor with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet. With a 19.7 kWh battery, it’s good for 75 miles of all-electric vary on the European (WLTP) cycle. On a 50-kW DC quick charger, you’ll be able to prime up the battery from 10-80 p.c in beneath 80 minutes. As for journey and dealing with, three new suspension setups will probably be out there, starting from metal springs on the entry-level automotive to sport and an non-compulsory adaptive suspension setup.
Costs begin at €44,600 (~$48,000) and €49,300 (~$57,000) for the plug-in hybrid mannequin. European deliveries of the brand new Q3 start in September, with U.S. arrival anticipated later this yr or in early 2026. Audi can be exploring localizing manufacturing amid tariff pressures, and given the Q3’s U.S. gross sales success, a shift to manufacturing at one in every of its websites, like VW’s Chattanooga plant in Tennessee, looks as if the plain subsequent step. Additionally, we will’t rule out a coupe-style Q3 Sportback, and SQ3 and even an RS Q3, however simply don’t count on a five-cylinder beneath the hood.
Supply: Audi
