Audi has unveiled the new, third-generation Q3 SUV ahead of sales commencing in global markets in the fourth quarter of 2025. The latest iteration of Audi’s compact SUV does get some firsts for the brand, being the first compact segment Audi to be offered with Matrix LED tech, as well as OLED technology previously limited to Audi’s larger models. Additionally, unlike its larger siblings, the Q3 arrives from the start with both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, with the latter claiming to cover up to 119 km in electric-only mode alone.
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On the design side, the Q3 adopts design elements not only from its larger internal combustion siblings but also elements from Audi’s new e-tron range. The split headlight design brings elements of the new Q6 e-tron into the design, while the split tail lamps with a lightbar were seen on Audi’s new A6 series – ICE and E-tron. As with other recent new Audi’s the high-set LED daytime running lamps features customisable signatures. The main headlamps sit marginally lower, housed within the oversized side vents flanking the wide grille.
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Audi says that the Q3 is its first small car to feature digital Matrix LED headlights, with the units capable of projecting welcome graphics and warnings onto the road in front of the vehicle.
In profile, there is little fuss about the design with clean lines, prominent rear haunches and gently flared wheel arches typical of contemporary Audi SUVs. At the rear, the new Q3 adopts a similar lighting arrangement as the new A6, with the main stop lamps flanking the illuminating Audi logo under the rear windshield, with a separate unit comprising of a lightbar and turn indicators sitting below. The taillights are upgradeable to OLED units as an option.
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The cabin design too is new-gen Audi with a panoramic display housing an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch central touchscreen – running Android Automotive OS - angled towards the driver. An almost flat shelf-like protrusion sits below the touchscreen with a thin strip of LED ambient lighting separating it from the lower half of the dashboard. Unlike some of its larger models, there looks to be no option for a co-driver display.
The new design centre console also eliminates a lot of clutter with functions such as gear selection moved to the stalks behind the steering.
On the tech front, Matrix LEDs and OLED lighting aside, the Q3 also gets more advanced ADAS functions capable of offering active support at a speed of up to 210 kmph. The upgraded system also supports assisted lane change at speeds in excess of 90 kmph. Audi says that the autonomous systems can also use cloud-based data to actively maintain a lane even without lane markings, though users will need to resubscribe to the digital service after the first three years.
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Based on the options selected, Audi says that its Emergency Assistant can now self-steer the car to the shoulder of the road should the driver become unresponsive. The system also provides auditory, visual and haptic warnings, including brake jolts before pulling over to the side of the road and calling emergency services if the driver fails to respond.
Moving to the mechanics, Audi says that it has reworked the suspension for the new Q3 for improved driving dynamics. As before, the Q3 gets steel springs and dampers as standard, with buyers able to opt for a Sport suspension or a two-valve adaptive damper control set-up. The latter actively adjusts the level of damping based on the road surface and inputs at the steering and pedals at each wheel.
As for the powerplant, Audi has confirmed a choice of petrol and diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid option from the start. The petrol range comprises an entry-level 1.5 TFSI mild-hybrid unit good for 147.5 bhp driving the front wheels. The unit features cylinder deactivation technology to improve efficiency. Buyers wanting a more powerful option have the option for a 2.0 TFSI unit developing a peak 261 bhp and 400 Nm of torque replete with quattro all-wheel drive.
For now, only a single 2.0 TDI diesel powertrain is listed. The variant is capable of producing 147.5 bhp and 360 Nm, with front-wheel drive. A 7-speed automatic gearbox is standard.
Moving to the plug-in hybrid, the variant pairs a 1.5 TFSI petrol engine with a 114 bhp & 330 Nm electric motor to push out a combined 268 bhp and 400 Nm. The system uses a 25.7 kWh (gross) battery to give the SUV an EV-only range of up to 119 km.
Audi says that the new Q3 will go on sale in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2025. The model is expected to be subsequently offered in other global markets. The new-gen SUV is also likely to be India-bound sometime in 2026.
