► Audi’s new Q3 SUV revealed
► Design like Q5 and Q6, similar tech
► Plus long-legged plug-in hybrid model
Audi has revealed its latest Q3 model, launching it with a plug-in hybrid that can go the distance.
This latest-generation of Q3 aims to keep up the sales momentum, and inject some new tech into the mix. The new Q3 will be built at Audi’s factory in Gyor, Hungary – alongside the A3.
Predictable, right? Frowny face, big ‘mouth’ via its large Singleframe grille, shallow headlights and some purposeful creases in deliberate places. The new Q3 follows the design ethos of larger cars like the A5, Q5 and Q6 e-Tron, but in a smaller package.
Naturally, because this is Audi, the Q3 can be had with customisable digital LED lighting that use micro-LEDs for animated effects,. New colours and wheel designs feature, too, with the S-line models benefitting from silver details.
Audi is keen to improve refinement in its small family SUV, saying that this the first of its small cars to get acoustic glass in the front and side windows to reduce wind and road noise for those inside.
A lot of the same tech seen on the A5, Q5 and Q6 e-tron – which, from experience, isn’t great. The dashboard is dominated by the large ‘digital stage’ display that incorporates a big central screen running a fast infotainment system and some clean digital instruments.
There’s a lot of gloss black trim (ugh…) and haptic buttons on the steering wheel (double ugh…), as well as colourful ambient lighting. You can spec a Sonos sound system as part of the Sound and Vision pack, too.
A new feature, though, is the ‘steering wheel control unit.’ It’s a single stalk that combines the indicators and wipers into one on the left side of the steering column. The stalk itself doesn’t move, though; instead, the end of it tilts to activate the indicators, while other switches are used to operate the wipers. This also means the drive shifter has moved to the right-hand side of the steering column, saving space in the centre console.
At launch, your options are a 147bhp or 261bhp all-wheel drive petrol engine, with the former benefitting from Audi’s MHEV Plus technology. A 147bhp diesel and a plug-in hybrid badged as an e-hybrid model will also be available.
The 268bhp e-hybrid model features a 25.7kWh battery pack, allowing for a possible 74 miles of electric range. The battery pack can be charged via a 50kW DC charger, too.
In a year’s time, Audi says it will add a 201bhp petrol all-wheel drive model to the line-up.
As for other engineering details, Audi says it has improved the car’s suspension system and offers different ones depending on spec. Standard cars get standard steel springs; top-shelf Edition 1 versions feature lowered and firmer sports suspension, while a system with twin-valve dampers (like you get on a Porsche Macan) is offered as an option.
Audi UK has confirmed the new Q3 will be available to order in July 2025, priced from £38,300 for a TFSI petrol model; £40,000 for a TDI diesel model and £45,800 for the e-hybrid PHEV. Deliveries will start in the summer of 2025.
Jake has been an automotive journalist since 2015, joining CAR as Staff Writer in 2017. With a decade of car news and reviews writing under his belt, he became CAR's Deputy News Editor in 2020 and then News Editor in 2025. Jake's day-to-day role includes co-ordinating CAR's news content across its print, digital and social media channels. When he's not out interviewing an executive, driving a new car for review or on a photoshoot for a CAR feature, he's usually found geeking out on the latest video game, buying yet another pair of wildly-coloured trainers or figuring out where he can put another car-shaped Lego set in his already-full house.
By Jake Groves
CAR's news editor; gamer, trainer freak and serial Lego-ist
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