KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Third generation of Audi Q3 will launch in Germany first
- For the first time, a PHEV setup is offered in this car
- Interior features a driver-oriented cockpit with a new three-spoke Audi steering wheel
The third-generation Audi Q3 has finally been unveiled and was presented to the world via YouTube at midnight on June 16, 2025. This best-selling compact sedan from the four-rings brand has entered a new generation after six years, and the Audi Media Centre states that it will be launched first in Germany in October. So, what does it offer now, and when it will come to India? Let's discuss below, and in the meantime, make sure to join 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
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Audi Q3
This third generation of the Q3 is heavily inspired by the larger Q5, and from a distance, one can't really spot any significant differences other than their size. It appears bold and aggressive, especially from the front, where you really need to pause and take a moment to appreciate all the styling elements. It features Matrix LED headlights with a micro-LED module, and the grille area is oversized - like in every other new Audi. Talking about the rear section, it gets LED connecting lights with illuminated rings and optional OLED tail lamps. This type of tech has made its way to the Q3 for the very first time, which is big news considering the Q3 is a subcompact SUV.
Interior is again all-new - featuring a new three-spoke steering wheel, a driver-focused cockpit, a huge panoramic display with an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment. Another cool tech trait of Q3 is that the gear selector has moved behind the steering wheel and entered into a toggle-type lever - the same setup which we've seen in high-end cars like Rolls-Royce and Maybach. On the other side, the other lever has a control setup for headlights and wipers, and Audi says this is done to improve the space inside this vehicle.
Boot space is a generous 488 litres, but it can expand up to 575 litres when the rear seat is slid all the way forward. Plus, after folding the back seats, the space increases up to 1,386 litres.
Powertrain
For the first time ever, the Q3 will come with a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) system, featuring a 25.7 kWh battery pack that offers 119 km of electric range. However, this PHEV version won't be coming to India anytime soon, so let's not dive into its details for now. The engine most likely to be offered is the 2.0L four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, delivering 265 PS and 400 Nm of torque. On top that, this one gets the quattaro setting.
Lastly, there's another engine mentioned in the press note - a 1.5L TFSI with mild-hybrid technology delivering 150 PS. This engine comes with cylinder-on-demand technology, where the second and third cylinders temporarily shut down at low speeds to improve efficiency. Let's see whether Audi will bring this engine to the lineup in India.
Launch?
The press note says, "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 will be available in Germany at an entry-level price of 44,600 euros. The plug-in hybrid Audi Q3 SUV e-hybrid 200 kW3 will start at 49,300 euros." So, this year, it will be launched in international markets only; the India launch will most likely happen next year. To add more, even the latest generation of the Audi Q5 hasn't landed in India and is selling internationally, which speaks of how late we get the latest cars.
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Verdict
Finally, after 6 years, the Q3 has been brought back to life, and it had become imperative for the brand, cause the competition is far ahead at this moment. Another great thing which we love about this third generation is the multiple powertrain options - a 1.5L with mild-hybrid technology, a 2.0L engine, and a PHEV setup with a 25.7 kWh battery pack. This all is great, but we Indians have to wait till 2026 to see it in flesh, cause it doesn't look like launching by the end of this year.
