Audi brings greater presence, performance, and class-above premium content to the all-new 2026 Audi Q3

01a Header Image – MY26 – Q3 – Exterior – Front – Driving – 8068
01a Header Image – MY26 – Q3 – Exterior – Front – Driving – 8068

Audi of America announced today pricing and full specifications for the all-new 2026 Q3, its entry SUV model and one of the brand’s best-selling products. As a well-established bestseller in the Audi line-up for more than ten years, the third generation Q3 represents a leap forward from the model it replaces. The all-new car is full of class-above features, the latest Audi infotainment and ADAS technologies, and benefits from best-in-class acceleration and driving dynamics that Audi owners have come to expect.

The latest model launched as part of the largest product initiative in the brand’s history: the design of the all-new Q3 now aligns itself with other new models within the Audi portfolio. The new sheet metal has an even more emotional design; underscoring the performance found in the brand’s new SUV entry, while also referencing design language found in larger B- and C-segment Audi products launched over the last 18 months, including the A5, A6, A6 e-tron, Q5 and Q6 e-tron model families.

As part of the thorough exterior redesign, newly designed full LED headlights come standard on the all-new Q3. The new lamps include customizable digital daytime running lights with LED technology, consisting of 23 segments per side, which can create up to three distinctive light signatures that make the vehicle easily recognizable on the road.

The rear of the all-new Q3 is adorned with standard LED taillights which include dynamic turn signals and animated sequences as part of the coming home/leaving home function. The rear lighting of the all-new Q3 is further complemented by a continuous LED light strip and illuminated Audi rings. Digital OLED taillights are also available as part of an optional Technology Package. This level of lighting technology offered in the new Audi Q3 is available for the first time in the Audi compact segment.

Also, for the first time in the model line, the all-new Q3 comes standard with dual-pane acoustic glass for the front side windows, which helps reduce road and wind noise, particularly at higher speeds.

Inside, the all-new Q3 integrates the now-familiar Audi Digital Stage MMI concept found in models a class-above. The 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch MMI touch display also debut a new UX for the first time, as well as the return of maps to the virtual cockpit; both features which will be subject to updates in other models with the Audi Digital Stage MMI.

A new steering wheel control unit which optimizes interior packaging and helps increase storage space in the center console debuts in the new model, affording a new user experience and making better use of space. The steering wheel control unit integrates two new steering column levers for the first time. The lever on the right serves as a gear selector and the one on the left as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers.

Demonstrating the practicality of the all-new Q3, the second-row seats slide fore and aft, and recline as standard. With a focus on interior packaging in place following the redesign, storage capacity has also been improved versus the previous generation. Up to 29 cu. ft (822L) of rear trunk space is available in the all-new Q3 when all the seats are up. This figure doubles to almost 50 cu. ft. (1,415L.) when the second-row seats are folded, meaning the all-new Q3 is ready for all of life’s chores. In addition, the Q3 has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lb. (approx. 680 kg.) and comes pre-wired for a trailer hitch, which can be optioned as an accessory.

In addition to the enhanced exterior, interior design, and technology enhancements, the all-new Q3 also benefits from a significant increase in performance thanks to a thoroughly updated 2.0-liter TFSI 4-cylinder gas engine and a new S tronic 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine is now tuned to produce 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque; 27 more horsepower and 22 more pound-feet of torque versus the previous generation Q3. Coupled with the new transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive, the all-new Q3 accelerates to 60 mph in as little as 5.5 seconds, a 1.6 sec. improvement over the previous Q3 S line model, and the quickest of any of its direct competitors.

Starting MSRP and availability
The 2026 Audi Q3 SUV will be available at U.S. Audi retailers from the first quarter of 2026 and is priced from $43,700.

2026 Audi Q3

Jarrod

Jarrod Partridge is the founder of Motoring Chronicle and an FIA accredited journalist with over 30 years of experience following motorsport and the global automotive industry. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, Jarrod has covered Formula 1 races and automotive events at venues around the world, bringing first-hand insight to every race report, car review, and industry analysis he writes. His work spans the full breadth of motoring — from the latest EV launches and road car reviews to the cutting edge of motorsport competition.

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