All-New Audi Q3 2026 Revealed – Is This the Future of Compact Luxury SUVs?

Audi is refreshing its lineup once again, and this time the spotlight is on the 2026 Audi Q3. This compact luxury sport utility vehicle is stepping into its third generation with more than just a new look. From lighting innovations to upgraded tech and a more spacious interior, the new Q3 is built to surprise.

One of the most noticeable changes is the new split headlight and taillight design. Audi decided to go bold by hiding the main matrix LED lights behind tinted glass, while the upper daytime running lights remain visible. Each headlight unit contains a mind-blowing 25,600 micro-LEDs—each about half as thick as a human hair. That level of detail definitely looks stunning, but replacing it might not be cheap.

Around the back, things get even more futuristic. There is now a lower LED light bar plus an upper OLED setup. What makes it cool is that drivers can actually choose from six different lighting signatures, thanks to 36 adjustable segments. Audi even adds the option for an illuminated rear badge for extra flair.

There are no fake exhaust tips here, which is a welcome change. The Q3 keeps the rear bumper clean and integrates the real exhaust under the body. The S Line version gets a sporty diffuser, but no over-the-top cutouts—just clean design.

From the side profile, you could easily mistake this for the larger Q5. The resemblance is strong, although Audi insists there are subtle cues taken from the original Quattro. Higher trims come with 20-inch wheels, while the base model gets a 17-inch set. Tire width has been increased from 215 millimeters to 235 millimeters, and the drag coefficient has dropped from 0.32 to 0.30.

Inside, Audi sticks with a familiar modern layout but skips the optional passenger screen seen in other models. The driver gets an 11.9-inch fully digital cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen powered by Android Automotive. However, not everyone will love the touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons or the thicker bezels around the screens.

A standout feature is acoustic glass for the front windows, which helps reduce road noise—something no other compact Audi offers at the moment. Audi also admitted its recent interiors have not been up to par, and this time they promise better materials and craftsmanship.

There is also a new gear selector mounted behind the steering wheel, freeing up space in the center console. That extra room now fits two large cupholders, a cooled wireless charging pad, and dual USB ports. Controls for the wipers, lights, and turn signals are all on one multi-functional stalk to the left.

As for storage, the new Q3 delivers 488 liters of cargo room with the rear seats in place. Slide them forward and you get 575 liters. Fold them flat and the capacity jumps to 1,386 liters. It can even tow up to 2,100 kilograms, making it more versatile than ever.

Under the hood, the base model features a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with mild hybrid technology. It makes 148 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.

There is also a 2.0-liter engine that pushes out 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and it comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive. Diesel fans can opt for the 2.0 TDI, rated at 148 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, though it is front-wheel drive only.

The plug-in hybrid variant combines a 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It uses a 19.7 kilowatt-hour battery, giving it up to 75 miles of electric range. Fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent takes under 30 minutes thanks to 50 kilowatt DC charging.

The new Q3 launches in Europe in September, starting at €44,600 for the gasoline version and €49,300 for the plug-in hybrid. The United States version may arrive late this year or early 2026.

With the Q2 exiting production, the Q3 becomes Audi’s smallest sport utility vehicle. An SQ3 is expected, and while an RS Q3 is possible, it likely will not have the famous inline five-cylinder engine. A coupe-style Q3 Sportback will follow, aiming to take on the BMW X2.

Audi does not plan to offer a fully electric Q3 yet, but an electric A3-sized vehicle is coming next year. It will be built in Ingolstadt and positioned under the Q4 E-Tron in price.