Selling over two million units across two generations, the Q3 is a key model in Audi’s lineup, attracting many young and first-time luxury car buyers worldwide. For the 2026 model year, the compact luxury SUV enters its third generation with improvements in styling, technology, space, comfort, and dynamics.
The 2026 Audi Q3 is still a few months away from reaching the U.S., but at Auto Zurich 2025 this week, we had the chance to experience the gasoline version early, which shares the same looks and interior as the electrified variants. Here are our initial observations from Switzerland:
Design
The third-generation Q3 has a more assertive look, with a wide Singleframe grille, slimmer headlights, and sharper body lines. The new design improves aerodynamics while giving the SUV a stronger stance.
Up front, the digital Matrix LED headlights debut in the compact class. Each unit houses 25,600 micro-LEDs, enabling high-resolution projection, adaptive lane guidance, and multiple selectable light signatures.
The side profile features a horizontal shoulder line connecting the front and rear lights. Flared arches over the wheels highlight Audi’s quattro heritage. Buyers can choose wheels in multiple designs, with sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches.
At the rear, a narrow LED strip spans the width. Optional digital OLED taillights with unique signatures and illuminated rings provide distinction. Eleven exterior colors are offered, including Sage Green and a matte Madeira Brown finish.
Interior
Inside, the Q3 brings Audi’s “digital stage” from larger models. A curved panel integrates an 11.9-inch virtual instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch MMI touchscreen angled toward the driver. I don’t find this combination harmonious, though, as the oversized panel leaves noticeable unused space around the displays, resulting in wide bezels. Audi offers a head-up display as an option for enhanced safety.
New steering column stalks free up console space, which now includes a 15-watt wireless charging tray, cup holders, and extra USB-C ports. Ambient lighting with 30 colors and illuminated door panels add to the cabin’s character. Customers can specify a 420-watt Sonos audio system with 12 speakers and four sound profiles.
The infotainment runs Android Automotive OS with built-in apps such as YouTube. Audi’s new AI-based voice assistant debuts here as an avatar on the central display and integrates into the cluster and head-up display. Practicality is strong, with up to 17.2 cu. ft. of cargo space and up to 48.9 cu. ft. when the rear seats are folded. Audi also uses recycled fabrics and floor mats, including Econyl nylon.
Experience in the 2026 Audi Q3
Ingress in the new Audi Q3 is simple, with sturdy door handles that feel reassuringly solid. Once seated, the cabin feels sporty and familiar, with supportive front seats that offer good back and under-thigh support. The thigh extender adds extra comfort for long trips, and even at six feet tall, I had no trouble finding a proper driving position.
The headroom is generous, and visibility is good thanks to large quarter glass panels and well-positioned mirrors. The pedals feel well spaced, with an aluminum finish that adds a premium touch.
The climate control functions sit within the touchscreen, which isn’t ideal when driving, but the physical volume and track knobs are easy to use. The piano-black finish on the console looks sharp, though it easily attracts fingerprints.
In the back, entry is straightforward, and I could slide my shoes under the front seat easily. Knee room, however, is tight for someone of my height, with my knees brushing the seatback. The rear bench offers decent under-thigh support, and the outboard seats have adjustable headrests, but the upright angle and limited space make long trips less ideal for tall passengers.
The center seat isn’t practical due to the large floor hump, though the fold-down armrest with cupholders helps comfort two passengers. Rear amenities include AC vents and USB-C ports. For everyday use, the Q3 feels solid and comfortable in the front, but the back seat is clearly designed for shorter adults or kids.
Specifications
Audi has introduced the 2026 Q3 with two types of electrified powertrains: mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The mild-hybrid variant uses a 1.5-liter TFSI turbocharged gas engine producing 147 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. A 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission sends drive to the front wheels. Audi has not disclosed details about the mild-hybrid system in this variant.
The plug-in hybrid pairs a 174 hp, 184 lb.-ft. version of the same gas engine with a high-output electric motor rated at 114 hp and 243 lb.-ft. Together, the system produces 268 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a 6-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
A 19.7 kWh (net) lithium-ion battery pack supplies the electric motor. It supports DC charging at up to 50 kW, allowing a 10–80 percent top-up in about 26 minutes. AC charging takes approximately two and a half hours. In Switzerland, under the WLTP cycle, the Q3 plug-in hybrid achieves a pure-electric driving range of 66–74 miles. The large battery pack does the cargo space, which goes down to 13.2 cu. ft. (rear seat up)/45.7 cu. ft. (rear seat folded).
According to a Car and Driver report published on June 17, 2025, Audi will offer only a 2.0-liter TFSI gas engine in the U.S., without electrification. In Europe, this engine is available in 201 hp/236 lb.-ft. and 261 hp/295 lb.-ft. versions. Both use a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and come with quattro all-wheel drive.
Price & Release Date
In Switzerland, the 2026 Audi Q3 starts at CHF 49,200 in the mild-hybrid variant and CHF 55,300 in the plug-in hybrid. In the U.S., Audi is expected to launch the non-electrified 2.0-liter TFSI variant in early 2026, with a starting price of just over USD 40,000. It should be not be a surprise if Audi introduced the plug-in hybrid in the U.S. during the next phase of variants.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
