Audi has formally unveiled the third-generation Q3, which will arrive as a 2026 model. The new generation of the marque's top-selling compact SUV introduces a new face, more roomy interiors, innovative technologies, improved performance choices, and enhanced safety features—all designed to meet today's driving demands.
Bold Exterior Meets Sporty Flair
The 2026 Audi Q3 features a more aggressive front face with a wider Singleframe grille and advanced Matrix LED headlamps with the new micro-LED technology for better illumination on nighttime driving.
A sharp shoulder line running between the front and rear light clusters gives the SUV a sporty, dynamic stance. Optional digital OLED taillamps and a seamless LED strip at the back further enhance the design.
Customers can select from 11 bright body colors, including new additions like Sage Green and Madeira Brown. Alloy wheel sizes vary from 17 to 20 inches.
Redesigned Interior with Emphasis on Comfort and Sustainability
Inside, the Q3 has become roomier and more practical. The new dashboard design focuses on horizontal lines, which adds a sense of openness. It now boasts a digital cockpit with an 11.9-inch driver's display and a central 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Two multifunction levers on the steering wheel make the center console less cluttered, adding to practicality.
To minimize cabin noise, Audi has added acoustic glass to the front windows. In harmony with the brand's eco-friendly path, sustainable materials such as recycled polyester and Econyl have been utilized for seat covers and carpets.
Powertrain Options for Every Driver
The 2026 Q3 lineup offers multiple powertrains. The base variant comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine generating 148 horsepower, supported by a mild-hybrid system. A more powerful 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine delivers 261 horsepower and is paired with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
For environmentally friendly consumers, there is a plug-in hybrid variant that pairs the 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a total output of 268 horsepower. There is a 19.7 kWh battery pack that provides up to 75 miles of all-electric range. Fast DC charging allows the battery to be replenished to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
High-Tech Driving Experience
One of the highlights of the new Q3 is its sophisticated two-valve damper suspension, with improved comfort and responsiveness. Audi introduces its digital Matrix LED headlight system in the compact class, utilizing 25,600 micro-LEDs, each of which is thinner than a single human hair, to significantly enhance lighting accuracy and road contrast, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Music enthusiasts can choose the SONOS premium audio, comprising twelve high-performance speakers mounted strategically all over the cabin, including the roof door spaces. It provides spatial surround sound with four selectable sound modes: neutral, concert, lounge, and podcast. Features on Demand (FoD) are also provided by Audi, allowing features like bass boost and audio level adjustment after purchase.
Smarter Interfaces and AI Integration
The MMI central touchscreen now accommodates the Audi assistant, a voice-controlled AI interface that assists with controlling numerous vehicle functions. The assistant is represented visually as an avatar on both the touchscreen and the head-up display, with recognized inputs displaying at the same time on the instrument panel.
Safety has been given a big lift with safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, driver fatigue sensing, and an intelligent self-parking feature able to learn and repeat parking habits. A 360-degree camera system, rear sensors, and lane change and slippery road alerts all combine to protect passengers.
Pricing and Launch Timeline
In Germany, the petrol-powered Q3 will start at €44,600 (approximately ₹39.88 lakh), while the plug-in hybrid variant begins at €49,300 (around ₹49.09 lakh). Production will take place at Audi’s plants in Germany and Hungary, with deliveries expected from October 2025.
The 2026 Audi Q3 is scheduled for an international launch by September 2025 and is anticipated to arrive in India shortly thereafter.
