Second-Gen Audi Q3 Sportback Revealed; India Launch In 2026?

Just two months after the third-gen Q3 was revealed, Audi has now revealed its coupe SUV version, called the Q3 Sportback. The Q3 is one of the best-selling nameplates for Audi in India and global markets, and the Sportback version is now in its second generation and also comes with the option of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). 

Up front, there’s not a lot of difference between the Q3 and Q3 Sportback. Both get a wide single-frame grille, split LED headlamp design with slim LED DRLs. The Sportback also gets the new 2D logo that Audi is now using across its entire line-up. What’s different compared to the standard Q3 are the design of the alloy wheels. 

But the biggest difference, of course, is the sloping roofline of the coupe SUV. The windows seem smaller, but that’s because of the roof, which is lower by 29 mm compared to the SUV. Like the SUV, the Sportback also gets OLED taillamps, but as an optional extra. And like the SUV, it also gets illuminated Audi rings on the tailgate. 

The cabin is not much different from the SUV either. It still gets an 11.9-inch virtual cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen in the same curved display. The infotainment system runs Android Automotive OS, the same as the Q3 SUV, meaning there’s only Apple CarPlay connectivity. There are a total of four USB-C ports, with two in the front and two at the back. The Q3 Sportback gets an optional SONOS-tuned audio system with 12 speakers and 420-watt output. Surprisingly, the boot space of the Sportback is the same 488 litres as that of the SUV. 

Powering the Q3 Sportback are the same engines as the Q3 SUV. This means there are five powertrain options. It comes with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 148 bhp and 250 Nm, and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a choice of 201 bhp and 350 Nm, or 261 bhp and 400 Nm. It also gets a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 148 bhp and 360 Nm. And finally, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a PHEV system with a combined output of 268 bhp and 400 Nm, 

Now there’s no news about the Q3 Sportback coming to India, but expect it to follow the Q3 SUV, which is likely to launch in India in 2026. Once launched, it will rival the likes of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.