New Benchmark in the Compact Class: The Third-Generation Audi Q3

[Source: AUDI AG]

• The Audi Q3 at its finest: dynamic and muscular SUV proportions balanced with a spacious interior
• Efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort: new damper system, powerful plug-in hybrid technology, and efficient combustion engines
• Digital companion for every day: driving assistance and lighting technology from the full-size class plus innovative operating concept for even more comfort

Ingolstadt, June 16, 2025 – The Audi Q3 has been a well-established bestseller in the premium compact segment for more than ten years. Now the third generation is setting new standards in several respects.

Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, noted: “With more than two million vehicles sold since the launch of the first generation, the Audi Q3 is one of our best-selling models. This new generation strengthens our lineup with powerful plug-in hybrid and efficient combustion engines, combining efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort.”

DYNAMIC DESIGN

The third-generation Audi Q3 debuts with a more athletic, expressive stance, combining precisely drawn lines and sculpted surfaces with optimized aerodynamics. At the front, the high-mounted Singleframe grille and sharply tapered headlights create a confident, focused look. Beneath the grille, a controllable cool-air intake improves airflow and neatly houses driver assistance sensors behind the four rings.

A horizontal shoulder line between the front and rear lights visually divides the side profile, creating dynamic light and shadow effects. Strong wheel arch blisters reflect Audi’s quattro DNA, while steep D-pillars enhance the sporty greenhouse silhouette.

At the rear, two-part taillights and a precise light strip stretch across the width, giving the Q3 a broad, planted stance. Below, a raised bumper with an integrated diffuser completes the look. Customers can opt for the S line with unique bumpers and selenite silver add-on parts or choose the more understated black exterior package.

Eleven paint colors are available, including the exclusive Madeira Brown (matt) and classics like Glacier White, Mythos Black, and Navarra Blue. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches, featuring aerodynamic designs and five distinct Audi Sport options in 19- and 20-inch sizes.

Acoustic improvements are notable, with a drag coefficient of 0.30 and, for the first time in this segment, acoustic glazingfor the front side windows — greatly enhancing cabin quietness at speed.

LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY FROM THE FULL-SIZE CLASS TURNS NIGHT INTO DAY

The Q3 brings lighting innovation from the Audi full-size class into the compact segment. It debuts with digital Matrix LED headlights featuring advanced micro-LED technology, replacing the previous DMD system. Each headlight contains 25,600 micro-LEDs, each just 40 micrometers wide, delivering exceptional precision and brightness.

These headlights support lane guidance and orientation lighting, working closely with driver assistance systems. For instance, the lane change assist warning is visually reinforced in the headlight’s lane light when a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot. On country roads and highways, lane departure warnings also appear in the orientation lights.

New features include a construction site mode, which deactivates the lane light for orientation lighting to aid navigation through narrow lanes. A projected ice crystal icon warns of icy conditions at speeds above 70 km/h (43.5 mph).

Drivers can personalize lighting via the MMI, choosing from three dynamic coming/leaving home scenarios. Up to four digital daytime running light signatures are available for front and rear, depending on the trim. The digital OLED rear lights, made up of 36 segments across six panels, feature the illuminated Audi rings, which activate with the low beams, creating a distinctive visual identity.

THE INTERIOR: FUNCTIONAL AND CLEARLY DESIGNED

Inside, the new Audi Q3 combines form, function, and technology inspired by the full-size segment. A wide Softwrap trim panel stretches across the dashboard, emphasizing width. Central is the digital stage—a 12.8-inch MMI touch display paired with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, both angled toward the driver.

Audi debuts a new steering wheel control unit with two column-mounted levers: right for gear selection, left for lighting and wipers, freeing center console space that now includes two cupholders, a 15-watt wireless charging tray, and dual USB-C ports front and rear.

Optional ambient lighting plus/pro packages offer 30 customizable colors. An illuminated fabric door panel, laser-cut 300 times and backlit in five dynamic segments, combines style and function.

The SONOS premium sound system delivers 420 watts through 12 speakers with four profiles—Neutral, Concert, Lounge, Podcast—and Functions on Demand for upgrades after purchase.

Built on Android Automotive OS, the MMI supports YouTube and third-party apps from the Audi Application Storewithout smartphone pairing. The Audi assistant, powered by embedded AI, appears as an avatar for natural voice control with visible feedback in the cockpit and head-up display.

Sustainable materials include 100% recycled polyester fabrics, Econyl floor mats, and fast-growing wood trims.

Practicality remains strong: the 488-liter trunk expands to 1,386 liters with folded seats. The rear bench slides and reclines, and towing capacity is 2,100 kg (4,630 lb).

WIDE RANGE OF HIGHLY EFFICIENT ENGINES

The Q3’s engine lineup includes mild-hybrid gasoline, diesel, and a significantly upgraded plug-in hybrid (PHEV)variant:

• Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 110 kW: 1.5-liter gasoline, 150 PS, mild-hybrid, COD system, 7-speed S tronic
• Audi Q3 SUV TDI 110 kW: 2.0-liter diesel, 150 PS, 360 Nm, efficient for long-distance travel
• Audi Q3 SUV TFSI quattro 150 kW and 195 kW: up to 265 PS, quattro all-wheel drive, and 400 Nm torque
• Audi Q3 SUV e-hybrid 200 kW: 85 kW electric motor paired with gasoline engine, 272 PS total, 400 Nm, up to 120 km (74.6 mi) electric range

The plug-in hybrid’s battery now holds 25.7 kWh gross (19.7 kWh net) — nearly double the previous version — and supports DC fast charging up to 50 kW, reaching 80% charge in under 30 minutes.

NEW DAMPER SYSTEM FOR COMFORT AND POWER

Audi has overhauled the Q3’s suspension lineup to maximize comfort and agility. Options include:

• Standard steel-spring suspension (refined for comfort)
• Sports suspension (lowered ride height and firmer tuning)
• Suspension with two-valve damper control, offering independent rebound and compression tuning

This advanced damping system delivers a more noticeable range between comfort and sportiness, reacting in real-time to steering, braking, and road conditions. It improves both ride refinement and driving precision.

The progressive steering system, now optionally available, ensures more precise input at the center and more direct behavior at higher steering angles. The updated Audi drive select now defaults to a Balanced mode, replacing Auto, for optimized all-around performance. Offroad plus is also available as a default for quattro models.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

The new Audi Q3 integrates numerous advanced driver assistance systems:

Standard at launch:

• Parking system plus, cruise control, lane departure warning, emergency assist
• Traffic sign recognition, attention warning, front emergency brake assist

Optional highlights:

• Adaptive driving assistant plus: combines ACC, lane assist, and lane change assist
• Park assist plus with remote parking via myAudi app
• 360-degree cameras with 3D and bird’s-eye views, plus corner views for urban tight spots

These systems contribute to a more comfortable, safe, and semi-autonomous driving experience in varied environments.

LAUNCH AND PRICING

The third generation of the new Audi Q3 sets new standards in the compact segment. The vehicle will be launched in October of this year on the German and European markets. Orders can be placed starting in the summer. The Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 110 kW willbe available in Germany at an entry-level price of 44,600 euros. The plug-in hybrid

Audi Q3 SUVe-hybrid 200 kW will start at 49,300 euros.

All images provides by Audi Media Center.