Next-gen Audi Q3 breaks cover with significant upgrades

KUALA LUMPUR: Audi has pulled the wraps off the all-new third-gen Q3 SUV in the global market. This generation upgrade brings substantial cosmetic enhancements inside and out, new technology, and more efficient electrified combustion engine options.

2026 Audi Q3: Key highlights

Dynamic design with next-level lighting technology

Bigger and bolder than its predecessor, the new Audi Q3 boasts a dynamic design featuring a single-frame honeycomb grille that appears inspired by the Q5. It is equipped with the next-level lighting technology setting new standards in the compact SUV segment. 

The rear looks quite dramatic with a more aggressive bumper hiding the exhaust tips underneath, an illuminated logo and striking lighting signatures.

The key highlights include - 

• Digital Matrix LED headlights featuring micro-LED module for the first time
• Pixel-shaped Digital daytime running lights with LED technology
• Digital OLED rear lights, complemented by a continuous LED light strip 
• Body coloured cladding for the side skirts
• Illuminated four-ring Audi logo at the rear 
• 17- to 20-inch wheel size options
• 11 different exterior colour options, including new shades like Sage Green and Madeira Brown

Upgraded cabin

The thoroughly upgraded cabin appears more spacious and practical than before. It has a wider and cleaner dashboard housing a refreshed steering wheel, new displays, and eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and Econyl. The gear selector has been moved from the centre console to behind the wheel.

Feature highlights include 

• 11.9-inch instrument display
• 12.8-inch infotainment unit powered by Android Automotive OS
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• SONOS premium sound system with 12 speakers 
• Four USB-C ports
• 12 V socket
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Three-zone climate control
• Panoramic sunroof
• Electric tailgate with gesture control 

New suspension setup

Audi has elevated the SUV’s on-road feel through its new-generation suspension and damper technology. Three different setups are available - a conventional steel-spring layout, a sportier version, and a more advanced two-valve damper control system. 

Wide range of engine options 

Audi offers the new Q3 in petrol, diesel and hybrid engine options, including -

Engine	1.5-litre diesel	1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid	1.5-litre turbo-petrol with mild-hybrid tech	2.0-litre turbo-petrol with quattro
Max power	150 PS	272 PS (combined)	150 PS	265 PS
Max torque	360 Nm	400 Nm (combined)	NA	400 Nm
Transmission	7-speed S Tronic	NA	7-speed S Tronic	7-speed S Tronic
Drive system	FWD	FWD	FWD	AWD

The plug-in hybrid mill also incorporates a 19.7 kWh battery, which offers an all-electric range of up to 119 km (on the WLTP cycle). 

Advanced safety

As for safety, the upgraded German SUV is loaded with several active and passive safety features such as - 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assist
• Emergency assist
• Driver attention monitoring
• Trained parking 
• Reverse Assist
• Parking sensors
• 360-degree camera

Upon launching the new Q3, Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG said, “With a total of more than two million vehicles sold worldwide since the launch of the first generation, the Audi Q3 is one of our best-selling models and has a high status in our product portfolio. With the third generation of the Audi Q3, we are renewing an important model family as part of our product initiative and strengthening our range with a powerful plug-in hybrid and efficient combustion engines. The new model combines efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort.”

The new Audi Q3 will hit the global showrooms in October. It will be available in Germany at an entry-level price of EUR 44,600 (approximately equal to RM 218k).

Also read: MAS 2025: Audi Q7 CKD launched - RM459,990