- Audi this week revealed the third-generation version of its Q3 subcompact luxury SUV
- It will come only in high-performance QS3 trim
Audi this week raised the curtain on what it calls an “all-new” version of its Q3 subcompact luxury SUV.
The 2026 Q3 will come only in high-performance QS3 trim, with a starting price of $44,995, including a mandatory $1,295 delivery fee.
We put “all-new” in quotes because, although the interior, exterior, and powertrain are new, the vehicle rides on the same chassis as the outgoing 2025 model. That’s not a bad thing — we like that model’s firm handling and all-wheel drive (AWD) grip. But it means this sits somewhere between a truly new model and a makeover.
It gets the new signature Audi look, including deep character lines in the hood pulling back at an angle from narrow, slit-like daytime running lights. They look dynamic and aggressive on such a small platform.
But the big news is the powertrain. An upgraded turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine now makes 255 horsepower — 27 more than before. Power goes through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Inside, a dual-screen setup mounts an 11.9-inch instrument display and a 12.8-inch central touchscreen together in a single housing. They run Audi’s new Digital Stage MMI interface, which we’ve found to be quick and intuitive in testing on the recently reinvented A5.
Ambient interior lighting now features a grid-like pattern peeking through on the doors.
New dual-pane acoustic glass promises a quieter ride.
It should be a compelling entry in the Subcompact Luxury SUV class, which has been heating up recently with the introduction of the Acura ADX. But its price, higher than that of the class-leading BMW X1, could give some buyers pause.
