After more than a decade of solid sales and over two million units sold globally, Audi is ushering in the third generation of its best-selling compact SUV: the Audi Q3. With bold technological upgrades, a more emotional design, and a diversified powertrain lineup, the latest Q3 sets a new benchmark in the premium compact segment—while staying loyal to its roots, including the ever-popular TDI diesel.
A Bestseller Reborn
Since its debut, the Q3 has earned a reputation as a pillar of Audi’s model lineup. Now, the third generation aims to maintain that status, combining a thoroughly modern exterior with advanced powertrains, including a more powerful and efficient plug-in hybrid.
Buyers will now have access to a range of drive options: a 150 hp TFSI petrol engine featuring mild hybrid tech, a diesel-powered 150 hp TDI ideal for long-distance travel, and a new e-hybrid producing 272 hp. The latter can now be charged at up to 50 kW DC, offering an electric-only range of up to 119 km (WLTP) thanks to a new high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh.
Design with Purpose
On the design front, Audi has injected the new Q3 with sharper lines and more aerodynamic sculpting. A wide Singleframe grille and slim Matrix LED headlights dominate the front, while a horizontal shoulder line emphasizes its proportions from the side. The rear is equally striking, boasting optional digital OLED taillights connected by a continuous LED strip—technology debuting in Audi’s compact class.
The lighting system is more than just aesthetic. For the first time, Audi integrates micro-LED modules into the Q3’s Matrix headlights, which not only improve road illumination but also enhance the connection with driver assistance systems. A distinctive light signature, made up of 23 LED segments, makes the SUV instantly recognizable on the road.
Interior Innovations
Inside, the Audi Q3 takes a significant leap in usability and comfort. A redesigned control unit behind the steering wheel introduces two multifunction levers—one replacing the traditional gear shifter, freeing up valuable space in the center console. Additionally, new acoustic glazing for the front side windows, available for the first time in this segment, improves interior quietness at high speeds.
Practicality hasn’t taken a back seat. The luggage compartment offers 488 liters of space, expandable to 1,386 liters with the rear seats folded. Those seats are now length-adjustable and reclinable as standard, enhancing versatility for daily use.
Smarter, Safer, Smoother
The third-generation Q3 is not just more comfortable but also smarter. Audi’s updated adaptive suspension now includes options for sports tuning and two-valve damper control, offering an optimized balance between comfort and dynamic handling.
Driver assistance has also seen major enhancements. An interior monitoring camera tracks the driver’s alertness, offering a safety net against drowsiness. Parking is simplified too—thanks to the “Trained Parking” system, the Q3 can learn specific parking maneuvers. The reversing assistant aids in navigating tight or blind spots, offering peace of mind in crowded urban settings.
Launch and Pricing
The new Audi Q3 is slated to hit the roads in October, with orders opening this summer. The base 150 hp petrol variant will start at €44,600 in Germany, while the advanced plug-in hybrid will be available from €49,300. Production will be shared between Audi’s facilities in Győr, Hungary, and Ingolstadt, Germany.
With its refreshed design, upgraded tech, and commitment to varied powertrain options—including the enduring diesel—the 2025 Audi Q3 is not merely a facelift. It’s a forward-thinking reinterpretation of a proven success, ready to meet the evolving demands of premium SUV buyers.
Source: Audi
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