Next-gen Audi Q3 Hybrid (Summer 2025 launch): Here’s what we know

Update (April 7, 2025): ‘Price & Release Date’ updated.

The Audi Q3 is among the last models in the four-ringed brand’s lineup awaiting electrification. As it gears up for a complete overhaul to enter its third generation, much like the new VW Tiguan, the Q3 is set to embrace electrified powertrains.

Here’s what we know about the next-gen Audi Q3 that will arrive on the global market later in 2025.

Design

The Audi Q3 gained a more expressive design when it transitioned to its second generation in 2018. For the third generation, it will adopt a more fierce look, achieved with a visibly more aggressive front fascia, as depicted in our exclusive renderings.

Taking inspiration from the new Q5 and the Q6 e-tron, the next-gen Q3 incorporates a grille that is notably wider and sleeker, featuring a honeycomb pattern similar to that of the new Q5, complemented by larger air intakes for a sportier look. Slimmer LED headlights modernize the front profile, featuring a pixelated design similar to the Q6 e-tron, with customizable daytime running lights and dedicated units for high and low beam functions.

If you ask us, the side profile of the next-gen Q3 looks more aerodynamic. Spy images suggest that its roofline has a steeper curvature and slopes down to a lower level at the back. The company isn’t going all in on the aero front, though, employing regular door handles instead of flush-fitted units.

At the rear, subtle updates include a sleek roof spoiler and rear light clusters, reminiscent of the Q8 e-tron. These elements are expected to be linked by a horizontal strip, accentuating the width of the small SUV.

Audi has started peeling off the camouflage in its prototypes, indicating the upcoming model’s testing has entered the final phase, and that its world premiere is inching closer. With recent spy images revealing new details, the exterior looks even closer to our renderings.

Interior

The interior of the third-generation Audi Q3 will be completely redesigned and is expected to offer a more spacious and modern cabin. Thanks to a longer wheelbase, rear passengers should benefit from extra knee room, while the increased width will no doubt enhance shoulder room for both front and rear occupants. Additionally, the slightly extended rear overhang is expected to take the cargo space up as well.

Key digital features are expected to include the “Digital Stage,” featuring a freestanding OLED MMI panoramic display. This includes an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display in the new Q5, which should inspire the next-gen Q3’s design. Audi’s latest infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS is a given. Ambient lighting should enhance the cabin, and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system should deliver 3D surround sound.

Specifications

The next-gen Audi Q3 should ride on the MQB evo platform, which, as stated on Volkswagen Belgium’s press portal, is the “final evolutionary phase of the modular MQB platform.” It is expected to be offered with 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine-based mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. 

Mild Hybrid

Starting with the mild-hybrid powertrain, the 1.5L engine should work with a 48-volt belt-driven starter generator. We expect the engine to produce 150 kW and 250 Nm of torque, and the belt-driven starter generator to assist it with an electric boost with 15 kW of additional power and 25 Nm of additional torque. The starter generator recovers energy generated during braking or deceleration, and stores it in an additional, 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. The engine is expected to be linked to a 7-speed DCT.

We expect the mild-hybrid powertrain to have an improved cylinder-on-demand (COD) system in which the switching on and off of the second and third cylinders has been optimized to make the changeovers almost imperceptible.

Plug-in Hybrid

Volkswagen Group has developed two new plug-in hybrid powertrains. If not both, we expect the high-spec to find its way into the next-gen Audi Q3 TFSI e.

The VW Group’s new base powertrain uses a 110 kW (147 hp) 1.5L engine with a ‘HEM80evo’ electric motor integrated into a 6-speed ‘DQ400e evo’ DCT. The electric motor alone generates 85 kW (114 hp) of power and 330 Nm (243 lb.-ft.) of torque. It produces 150 kW (201 hp) of system power and 350 Nm (258 lb.-ft.) of system torque.

The high-spec version upgrades to a 130 kW (174 hp) 1.5L engine, leading to 200 kW (268 hp) of system power and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of system torque. The electric motor saves and obtains energy from a liquid-cooled 19.7 kWh battery pack placed in front of the rear axle. Thanks to the larger battery, the Q3 plug-in hybrid could do up to 100 km (62 miles) in the WLTP cycle in EV mode.

The 19.7 kWh battery pack supports charging at up to 11 kW at AC charging stations and up to 50 kW at DC charging stations. Topping it up from a fully discharged state to full capacity at an AC charging station takes approximately two hours. At a DC charging station, a 10-80% charging session on the new Q3 Plug-in Hybrid could take about 25 minutes.

Global Debut

Announcing the company’s annual sales for 2024, CEO Gernot Döllner said, “In 2025, we will continue our model initiative and renew key model families such as the Audi A7 and the Audi Q3.” He then confirmed a Summer 2025 launch for the new Q3 at the company’s annual media conference.

2025 will be marked by the renewal of the two important model series: A6 and Q3. At the beginning of the month we presented the A6 Avant, and further derivatives of this very important model line will follow in summer of this year, the Q3 model family will be renewed, and the Audi A3 Sportback and Audi A3 AllStreet as plug-in hybrids will also be launched and they will start the renewal of our model range of plug-in hybrids.

CEO Gernot Döllner at the Audi Annual Media Conference on March 18, 2025

Globally, the new Q3 will compete with other upmarket family SUVs, such as the Mini Countryman, BMW X1, and the Mercedes GLA.

U.S. plans

Normally, we would have expected the next-gen Audi Q3 to arrive at U.S. dealers in the second half of the year, with prices starting at around USD 40,000.

However, the Donald Trump administration has imposed a 25% tariff on imported cars in the U.S. It remains to be seen how Audi counteracts the increase in the price as it ships the compact vehicle from Győr, Hungary.

While the Q3 recorded a 45% year-over-year growth in the U.S. in 2024 (32,090 sales), Q1 2025 wasn’t great with a 23% drop in year-over-year sales. A substantial price increase owing to the tariffs would adversely impact the compact luxury SUV’s demand in our market. Audi of America should provide details closer to the Q3’s global reveal this summer.

MY2025 Q3 is a carryover

Meanwhile, the current Q3 has been carried forward for MY2025 in the U.S. market. The only change is that the Q3 45 variant now offers a Black Optic Plus package, which adds black roof rails, exterior embellishments, and badges, along with carbon inlays and stainless steel pedal caps.

The package also includes S line-embossed sport seats with red stitching, 19-inch anthracite black wheels (optional 20-inch V-spoke design available), and black side mirror enclosures. The 2025 Audi Q3 is priced starting at $39,800 (MSRP, excluding DPH fees).

TopElectricSUV says

The next-gen Audi Q3 will be the biggest update yet for the German automaker’s compact SUV. A striking new design and a classier and more comfortable interior are on the cards, along with several electrified powertrains that provide a more refined driving experience. The next-gen Q3 Hybrid is likely to be the best alternative for Audi customers not yet ready to make the EV switch and pick keys to the Q4 e-tron.

Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the next-gen Audi Q3 Hybrid.