Third-Gen Audi Q3 Revealed; India Launch Likely In 2026

Audi has revealed the third-generation Q3. The small luxury SUV has been one of the best-selling nameplates for the brand globally, and in India too. The Q3 also follows the brand’s new design language, gets a host of new features and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. 

The new Audi Q3 will go on sale in Europe in October 2025, and it is likely to launch in India sometime in 2026. However, Audi India has not yet given any information about the launch of the Q3, but it is unlikely that it is not on the cards in India. The Q3 has been a popular car for Audi India, and getting the new one will help the brand boost its sales. With the first two generations, the Q3 has cemented itself as the brand’s best-selling model and also acts as a key entry point in the brand’s SUV line-up. It continues to bring in sales volumes for Audi in India. 

The new Q3 looks similar to other new Audi SUVs, and that’s not a bad thing. The third-gen Q3 looks good with its wide, single-frame grille and slim LED DRLs. Like most new Audi models, it also has a split headlamp design that has Matrix LED lamps with micro-LED modules, which Audi claims helps significantly improve illumination. 

At the back, the Q3 gets OLED lighting, but it is available as an optional extra. Along with this, the rear also gets an LED lightbar and an illuminated Audi logo. The ‘four rings’ logo is illuminated in red and is only activated when the headlamps are on. While the second-gen also got a coupe SUV in the form of the Q3 Sportback, the third-gen model doesn’t get one yet. However, expect one to come soon. 

Inside, the new Q3 looks like any other new Audi model revealed in the recent past. It gets the brand’s new steering wheel, the new infotainment and virtual cluster binnacle, new dashboard layout and the new steering column-mounted gear selector. The virtual cluster is an 11.9-inch screen, while the infotainment system gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen runs Android OS, so this means it only comes with Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other features onboard include ambient lighting, a cooled 15W wireless charger, USB-C ports, a 12-speaker system from SONOS, ADAS and more. 

The new Q3 comes with a wide choice of engines. It gets a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 148 bhp and 250 Nm, and it also gets a cylinder deactivation system and mild-hybrid tech for better efficiency. There’s also a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that churns out 261 bhp and 400 Nm. The 2.0-litre diesel engine with 148 bhp and 360 Nm.

However, the highlight of the powertrain options on offer on the Q3 is the plug-in hybrid powertrain. It gets a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to an electric motor. The engine produces 174 bhp and 250 Nm, while the electric motor churns out 114 bhp and 330 Nm. But combined, the powertrain churns out 268 bhp and 400 Nm. It also gets a 25.7 kWh battery pack that gives it an electric-only range of up to 119 km. 

Audi has also improved the driving dynamics of the Q3. Audi claims the revised standard steel-spring suspension improves the ride quality. It also gets a sports suspension and a suspension with two-valve damper control. The last one continuously adjusts itself to the road surface and the driving conditions. Audi has also replaced the ‘auto mode’ with ‘balanced mode’.