Update: ‘Design’ section updated with new renders, and ‘Interior’ section added. All other sections have been revised with the latest info.
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 so far:
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.
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
We think the next-gen Audi Q3 will 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 could 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 1.5-liter engine could 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 may recover energy generated during braking or deceleration, and store it in an additional, 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. The engine could 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. We expect at least one of them to find its way into the next-gen Audi Q3 TFSI e.
The base powertrain uses a 110 kW (147 hp) 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 flagship version upgrades to a 130 kW (174 hp) engine, leading to 200 kW (268 hp) of system power and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of system torque.
The HEM80evo electric motor will likely save and obtain 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 may support 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 may take approximately two hours. At a DC charging station, a 10-80% charging session may take just about 25 minutes.
Price & Release date
Expected to be unveiled in early 2025, the new Q3 aims to compete with other upmarket family SUVs, such as the Mini Countryman, BMW X1, and the Mercedes GLA. We expect the next-gen Audi Q3 to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2025. Prices will likely start at just under USD 40,000.
In 2023, Audi delivered 22,189 units of the Q3 in the U.S., marking an 11% year-over-year decline in sales (2022: 25,066 units). The full redesign should help the compact luxury SUV regain popularity in our market and recover sales next year.
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.
Next-gen Audi Q3 FAQs
What is the next-gen Audi Q3’s release date?
We expect the next-gen Audi Q3 to be launched in the U.S. in the first half of 2025.
Which models will be next-gen Audi Q3 rivals?
The next-gen Q3 will battle the Mercedes GLA, Lexus NX, and BMW X1.
What will be the next-gen Audi Q3’s price?
In the U.S., the next-gen Q3’s prices will likely start at just under $40,000.
Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the next-gen Audi Q3 Hybrid.
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 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
