The 2026 Audi Q3 has been officially teased ahead of its global launch on June 16. The new third-generation Q3 will rival the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, and Volvo XC40 in the small premium SUV market. The Q3 will feature pixel LED headlights, similar to the larger Audi Q5 and Q6 e-tron, with customizable daytime running lights. The new Q3 is expected to have a more striking look, with a wider and more vertical front grille, large side air intakes, and a curvier body. The rear of the car will feature slimmer lamps connected by an LED light bar and a tailgate spoiler, hinting at a comprehensive aerodynamics package.
The Q3 will likely be longer and wider than its predecessor and will feature a smaller version of the Q6 e-tron’s ‘Digital Stage’ cockpit, including a digital instrument cluster and an OLED infotainment system behind a single piece of glass. The Q3 will remain on an upgraded version of the current car’s platform, sharing the MQB evo architecture with the Cupra Terramar.
The Audi Q3 is expected to be one of the last cars launched by Audi with internal combustion engines, and will be offered with a range of powertrain options, including petrol, turbo-diesel, and plug-in hybrid. The available engines will include a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. A plug-in hybrid variant will combine a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with an e-motor and a 19.7-kilowatt-hour battery, producing an expected 224kW combined peak power and an all-electric range of over 110km.
Later, a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine could return to the Q3 range, powering the RS Q3 and producing at least 300kW. Most variants will be front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive will be offered on the most powerful engines. The current 2025 Audi Q3 is priced from $57,500 in Australia, and it is expected that the new Q3 will be priced similarly. The new Q3 is set to go on sale globally before the end of the year, and will be available in both SUV wagon and coupe-like Sportback body styles.