The 2026 Audi Q3 has made its global debut and is set to go on sale in Europe later this year. Prices start at €44,600, which translates to roughly Rs 44.20 lakh. The model arrives with updates focused on styling, comfort, luxury and practicality.
Bold New Look
The front fascia sees a major transformation with new lighting elements and a wide single-frame grille. Top-mounted LED DRLs feature pixel-style lighting, each side hosting 23 LED modules that users can configure via preset light signatures. Customizable approach and departure animations add flair.
Headlights use a micro LED module for better illumination and include a warning light to alert others during lane changes. On the side, pronounced wheel arches and curvy body panels stand out, with wheel options from 17-inch to 20-inch that are 20 mm wider than before.
At the rear, a smooth tapering roofline, rising beltline, and muscular haunches lead to split-style digital OLED tail lights, an illuminated LED light bar, and a glowing Audi logo. These design tweaks help lower the drag coefficient to 0.30 Cd.
Refreshed Cabin
Inside, the Q3 sports a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. The centre console is updated and includes a 15-watt wireless smartphone charger. The traditional gear shifter is gone, replaced by a shift-by-wire lever behind the steering wheel.
Ambient lighting is highly customizable, and optional illuminated door panels allow personal touches. A premium Sonos sound system with 12 speakers and an AI-powered Audi assistant enhances the experience, while acoustic glazing on the front glass is available. Eco-friendly materials such as Impressum cloth from 100% recycled polyester and Econyl for floor mats are used.
Rear passengers get sliding seats and adjustable backrests for comfort. Boot space is 488 litres normally and expands to 1,386 litres with seats folded.
Engine Lineup
The entry petrol is a 1.5-litre TFSI four-cylinder making 150 PS. A 2.0-litre TFSI unit produces 265 PS and 400 Nm. The diesel option also makes 150 PS with 360 Nm, in front-wheel drive with a 7-speed S tronic transmission.
The Q3 e‑hybrid pairs a 25.7 kWh battery with a combined output of 272 PS and 400 Nm; in pure electric mode it can cover up to 119 km (WLTP). Fast charging from 10% to 80% takes under 30 minutes with a 50 kW DC charger.
Ride and Safety Upgrades
Suspension is improved for a smoother ride, with optional sport-tuned or adjustable setups featuring twin-valve dampers. Driver assistance systems are upgraded, and progressive steering is offered.
A ‘trained parking’ function lets the vehicle learn parking maneuvers, and an emergency assistant can take full control if the driver becomes incapacitated.
The bottom line is that the 2026 Audi Q3 brings a fresh look, advanced tech, eco-friendly touches and a versatile engine range, including a plug-in hybrid—all pointing to a strong value proposition ahead of its India launch next year.
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