Here Are 5 Things You Need To Know About The Globally Revealed 2026 Audi Q3

In addition to a new design language that seeks inspiration from the 2026 Q5, the Q3 gets a new plug-in hybrid engine and adaptive dampers

The third-generation Audi Q3 was revealed globally with a modern exterior design and a lot of features. It also gets a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time and a new suspension setup that is expected to provide better comfort. While it is expected to be introduced in India in sometime in early 2026, here are 5 things you should know about this new premium SUV:

Audi Q5-like Exterior Design

The exterior design of the new Q3 draws inspiration from the Audi Q5 that was revealed last year. Hence, it gets split-design headlights with sleek-looking LED DRLs with aggressive-looking patterns above and dual-pod LED matrix headlights. Beneath the headlights are two black trims with patterned elements that look striking and modern. The grille features a 2D Audi logo and hexagonal air intake channels with a glossy finish.

Compared to the front, the side profile gets a simpler design with no body cladding, but contours on the wheel arches and windowline that make it look cleaner than the current-spec model available in India. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches and come with more elegant-looking rims to complete the minimalist look.

The rear design of the new generation SUV is also aggressive, thanks to the modern-looking split-design LED tail lights that have similar design elements as the DRLs and a sleek LED light bar. The rear logo is 3D and is finished in red, which makes it look sporty. The bumper features hexagonal elements and a black diffuser.

Clean Interior Layout

While the exterior design looks aggressive mostly, the interior is clean and minimalistic. The dashboard gets a layered design with a black top and a shiny silver finish on the bottom portion. It features dual free-standing digital displays and a 3-spoke steering wheel with flattened top and base. Other than this, there are no buttons on the dashboard, except for some toggle switches for hazard lights and drive selector mode.

The centre console, too, is simple as the gear shifter has been moved to the steering column. It gets a gloss black finish and houses two cupholders, an electronic parking brake, a wireless phone charger with retractable lid and a rotary dial for infotainment controls.

The seats get a black leatherette upholstery, and all the seats get adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts. 

Also Read: Upcoming Mahindra Thar 3-door Facelift Spied; Features Thar Roxx-like Tail Lights And New Alloy Wheels

Premium Features And Robust Safety

The feature suite of the 2026 Audi Q3 consists of an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs on Android Automotive OS and a heads-up display (HUD). It is also equipped with a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate, an optional 12-speaker Sonos sound system, 3-zone auto AC and ambient lighting. Both the front and rear passengers get Type-C USB phone chargers. 

For added comfort, Audi has equipped the 2026 Q3 with an active suspension and damper control system that adapts the SUV as per the road conditions and ensures that the ride quality is pliant at all times. 

In terms of safety, it is equipped with multiple airbags, a 360-degree camera, auto park assist and an updated advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite, with features such as driver attention warning, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

A New Plug-in Hybrid Engine Option

The internationally revealed Audi Q3 comes with two turbo-petrol, a diesel and a plug-in-hybrid engine options. Here are the details:

*DCT = Dual-clutch automatic transmission

^FWD = Front-wheel-drive, AWD = All-wheel-drive

The plug-in option comes with a 25.7 kWh battery pack that gives the SUV an electric-only WLTP-claimed range of 119 km. It can be charged from 10-80 percent in less than 30 minutes with a 50 kW DC fast charger. 

As for India, we can expect it to come with the tried-and-tested 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, coupled with a 7-speed DCT.

Expected Price And Rivals

The current-spec Audi Q3 is priced between Rs 45.24  lakh and Rs 55.64 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). The new-generation model will cost a slight premium over it and hence can start from Rs 48 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

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