The bestseller, now in its third generation: The Audi Q3

For over a decade, the Audi Q3 has been a top seller in the premium compact SUV segment. The third generation introduces numerous enhancements designed to maximize user-friendliness and driving comfort. Market launch is scheduled for October 2025, with pre-orders available from summer. Production will take place in both Győr, Hungary, and at Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt. “With a total of more than two million vehicles sold worldwide since the launch of the first generation, the Audi Q3 is one of our best-selling models and has a high status in our product portfolio. 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 engine. The new model combines efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort,” explained Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG. The new Q3 lineup opens with the Audi Q3 SUV TFSI, delivering 110 kW (150 PS). Powered by an efficient four-cylinder petrol engine and supported by a mild-hybrid system, it strikes a balance between dynamic performance and reduced fuel consumption. The top of the range features the Audi Q3 SUV e-hybrid, offering a system output of 200 kW (272 HP). This cutting-edge plug-in hybrid provides a newly developed high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh (net 19.7 kWh), enabling an all-electric range of up to 120 km (WLTP). In Switzerland, pricing starts at CHF 49'200 for the 110 kW TFSI, for the innovative Q3 e-hybrid starting at CHF 55'300.

The engine lineup includes efficient petrol and hybrid options. The 110 kW Q3 TFSI features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with mild-hybrid tech and 7-speed S tronic transmission. Cylinder on Demand technology further enhances efficiency. The more powerful Q3 TFSI quattro delivers 195 kW (265 PS) from a 2.0-litre engine with 400 Nm of torque and all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid Q3 e-hybrid combines an 85-kW electric motor with a combustion engine to deliver 200 kW (272 PS) and 400 Nm. The 25.7 kWh high-voltage battery supports an electric range of up to 120 km (WLTP). With 50 kW DC charging, 10 to 80 percent charge takes under 30 minutes. Through “Audi Charging”, users gain access to infrastructure across 28 countries. A re-engineered standard suspension provides balanced driving dynamics. Optional features include a sport suspension and adaptive twin-valve dampers for optimized ride comfort and agility. A progressive steering system is also available, offering variable ratios and reduced friction for precise feedback. Audi drive select includes multiple drive modes, now with the new “balanced” setting. For quattro models, the “offroad plus” mode adds enhanced versatility. The exterior of the new Audi Q3 makes a bold and confident impression. With its dynamic SUV proportions, wide Singleframe grille, and sharply contoured headlights, the vehicle exudes a distinctly sporty presence. A horizontal shoulder line emphasizes the Q3’s length while creating a light-and-shadow effect that further defines its shape. One of the key design elements is the pronounced blister contours above the wheel arches, evoking the classic Ur-quattro and clearly reinforcing Audi’s design identity. Complementing the striking aesthetics, the overall aerodynamic concept has been refined to enhance both efficiency and handling. Customization options include sporty S line and bold black styling packages. The palette features 11 paint colors, including new shades Sage Green and Madeira Brown, the latter exclusively available as a matte finish for Q3. In addition to newly developed Aero wheels that reduce aerodynamic drag, sporty designs from Audi Sport are also available. This enables the car’s design and personality to be tailored precisely to individual preferences. For the first time in the compact segment, an Audi features digital matrix LED technology with micro-LEDs. Each unit contains 25,600 micro-LEDs enabling precise, adaptive lighting. Features include lane and orientation lighting, an icy condition alert above 70 km/h, and customizable coming/leaving home animations in three designs. Optional digital OLED taillights offer six panels and 36 segments, highlighted by a continuous light strip and illuminated Audi rings for added presence and visibility.

The interior has been comprehensively redesigned with a focus on modern styling and everyday usability. A defining element is the introduction of a new steering concept: two steering column levers control gear selection (right) and lighting/wipers (left), replacing the conventional gear lever and creating more storage space and a clean layout. The center console now includes two cupholders and a 15-watt inductive charging pad. The new “Digital Stage” comprises an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch curved MMI touchscreen, both driver-oriented and complemented by a head-up display that projects key information directly into the driver’s field of vision. Sustainability is a clear priority. Upholstery fabrics and microfibers are made entirely from recycled polyester. Floor mats are produced from Econyl, a regenerated nylon made from recycled fishing nets and industrial waste. Optional wood inlays are sourced from fast-growing, durable wood types. Atmospheric lighting is provided by the optional “plus” and “pro” packages, which highlight interior contours with marker lights. A new feature includes illuminated front door panels with 300x-lasered fabric and dynamic lighting segments. Up to 30 color options can be configured via the MMI system. Premium sound is delivered by the optional SONOS system with 12 speakers, 420 watts, and four sound profiles. Additional features like bass boost and music enhancement can be activated via “Functions on Demand”.

Adopting technologies from higher vehicle classes, the new Audi Q3 delivers a wide array of advanced driver assistance and safety systems. Standard features include Park Assist Plus with distance display, cruise control with limiter, lane departure warning with emergency assist, traffic sign recognition including alert symbols, and a fatigue/attention alert. An active front assist integrates emergency braking, evasive maneuver assist, turning assist, and cross traffic detection. Optional enhancements include the Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus (AFA), which supports acceleration, breaking, lane-keeping, and distance control up to 210 km/h. It functions even without visible lane markings, thanks to online-based environmental data (a three-year data package is included). The Emergency Assist (part of the “pro” tech package) safely brings the vehicle to a stop if the driver is unresponsive, activates hazard lights, and triggers an automatic e-call. A driver monitoring camera detects signs of drowsiness without recording data. The new Q3 also offers innovative support when it comes to parking. The “trained parking” system can memorize up to five individual parking maneuvers, each up to 50 meters in length. These stored routes can be automatically repeated on request, for example, when pulling into or out of a driveway at home. Additionally, a reversing assistant is available, which records the path taken during slow forward driving (under 35 km/h) and can retrace it in reverse at speeds of up to 10 km/h. Park assist plus, which includes surround view cameras, further enables fully automated parking and exiting from parking spaces.