Audi Unveils Third-Generation Q3 With Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

Audi has officially unveiled the third-generation Q3, marking the compact SUV's biggest transformation since its 2011 debut

20 June 2025 05:56 PM

Audi unveiled the third-generation Q3 yesterday, and if you’ve seen any new Audi lately, you know what to expect. The compact SUV gets the brand’s current design language—split headlights, massive grille, light bars everywhere. Even the four rings logo lights up now, though only when the headlamps are on.

The Q3 matters because it sells. Since 2011, Audi has moved over 2 million units globally. In India, it’s been a consistent performer and a key entry point into the brand. This new one should land here sometime in 2026, about six months after its October 2025 European launch.

What’s Actually New

Audi Q3

The interior follows Audi’s recent template: 11.9-inch digital cluster, 12.8-inch touchscreen running Android OS. There’s a SONOS sound system with 12 speakers and customisable ambient lighting. The gear selector has moved to the steering column, which creates more storage space in the centre console.

Engine options include the usual suspects—1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbos—but the interesting bit is the plug-in hybrid. It combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for 268 horsepower total, plus an electric-only range of 119 kilometres. That’s enough for most daily commutes without burning fuel.

Audi Q3

The Matrix LED headlights use 25,600 micro-LEDs, which sounds excessive until you’re driving through fog at night. The suspension has been reworked too, with optional adaptive dampers that adjust to road conditions. That should come in handy on Indian roads.

Why It Matters Here

The compact luxury SUV segment in India has become increasingly competitive, with the Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLA as the main players. These models serve as accessible entry points into German luxury brands—practical enough for daily use, compact enough for city driving, and positioned at a price point that appeals to a broad range of buyers.

Audi Q3

The Q3 has done well here because it doesn’t try too hard. It’s not the sportiest (that’s the X1) or the most stylish (arguably the GLA), but it’s consistently competent. This new generation keeps that formula while adding enough tech to feel current.

Pricing in Europe starts at €44,600 (about ₹40 lakh). Indian prices will likely be higher once you factor in taxes and Audi’s margin calculations. The big question is whether they’ll bring the plug-in hybrid here.

The Verdict

Audi Q3

The new Q3 is exactly what you’d expect—a careful evolution rather than a revolution. The design won’t surprise anyone who’s been paying attention to Audi’s recent launches. The tech upgrades are meaningful without being gimmicky. The plug-in option adds flexibility for markets ready for it.

For Indian buyers, it’s another solid option in a segment that’s getting increasingly competitive. The Q3’s appeal has always been its no-drama approach to luxury. This new one maintains that while adding just enough flash to keep things interesting.

Published At:

Recent Stories

  1. The Legacy Of Breguet Hour Markers: How These Iconic Numerals Redefined Watch Elegance And Inspired Other Brands
  2. Exploring The Allure Of Skeleton Watches: How Watchmakers Reveal The Heart Of Time Through Exposed Movements
  3. Pitbull ‘I’m Back’ India Tour: Check Out Dates, Venues, Tickets
  4. Inside Astoria Living’s First Store In Delhi-NCR Where Everyday Living Becomes Art
  5. Shaam-e-Ghazal: Sabhyata Foundation And Serendipity Arts’ Ode To Heritage, Music, And Memory
  6. How Scandinavian Design Transformed Modern Architecture: Key Influences and Iconic Structures
  7. What Are Fumé Dials In Watches? How They Define The Art Of Modern Horology
  8. Breaking The Myth Of Black DLC Coating And Understanding Its True Role In Modern Watchmaking
  9. Echoes Of The Eternal: Goldy Malhotra’s Art Exhibition At AIFACS Explores Time, Spirit, and Buddhism
  10. What is Luminous Coating in Luxury Watches? How Glow-in-the-Dark Technology Enhances Timekeeping
  11. What Galeries Lafayette India Opening Says About Its Booming Luxury Market
  12. Rolex 1908 Timepiece: Why It’s Named After The Brand’s Founding And Key Advancements
  13. Art Deco Architecture Global Legacy: History, Evolution, And Its Influence On Iconic Buildings Worldwide
  14. What Is a Micro Rotor? Inside the Mechanics of Luxury Watches
  15. Bauhaus Architecture: History, Legacy, And Iconic Modern Designs