New benchmark in the compact class: The new Audi Q3

· ​The Audi Q3 at its finest: dynamic and muscular SUV proportions balanced with a spacious interior

Dublin, June 17, 2025 – The Audi Q3 has been a well-established bestseller in the premium compact segment for more than ten years. Now the third generation the modern SUV exudes confidence and is setting new standards in several respects. The Audi Q3 provides a first-class user experience and greater comfort and safety for the driver and other road users thanks to many assistance systems. In addition to the well-balanced suspension, the digitalisation of light also enhances customer benefits. Another feature of the new Audi Q3 is an efficient, partially electrified combustion engine with mild-hybrid technology and a plug-in hybrid model with an electric range of up to 120 kilometres.​

​Compared to its predecessor, the new Audi Q3 has an even more emotional design, the wide Singleframe and the sleekly tapered headlights are fully integrated into the aerodynamic concept.  Viewed from the side, a horizontal shoulder line between the headlights and rear lights visually divides the car into two parts, creating a very special distribution of light and shadow.

The rear section is adorned with optional digital OLED rear lights, complemented by a continuous LED light strip and the illuminated rings. This level of lighting technology offered in the new Audi Q3 is available for the first time in the Audi compact segment.

The front of the compact SUV features digital Matrix LED headlights that use the micro-LED module for the first time in the Audi Q3. The use of this micro-LED technology improves illumination significantly and thus ensures a strong contrast on the road. The light guidance functions are now much more closely linked to the driver assistance functions. The digital daytime running lights with LED technology, consisting of 23 segments per side, create distinctive light signatures that make the vehicle easily recognisable on the road.

In the interior, the new steering wheel control unit offers more storage space in the centre console, a new user experience, and integrates two new steering column levers for the first time. The lever on the right serves as a gear selector, the one on the left as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers. Also for the first time in the compact segment at Audi, it is possible to order acoustic glazing for the front side windows, which makes for better interior acoustics, particularly at high speeds.

The Audi Q3 offers a towing capacity of up to 2,100 kilograms and a 488-litre boot volume demonstrating its practicality. With the seat bench folded down, the storage space for the Audi Q3 increases up to 1,386 litres. The seat bench can be moved lengthwise, and its angle can be adjusted as standard.

​The entry-level model in the Audi Q3 family is the Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 110 kW, a four-cylinder gasoline engine with mild-hybrid technology, particularly suitable for driving long distances. The Audi Q3 SUV e-hybrid 200 kW can charge up to 50 kW with DC power under ideal conditions and is more powerful and efficient than ever before. A high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh (net 19.7 kWh) was installed for that purpose. This battery enables an electric range of up to 120 kilometers in the WLTP test cycle.

The further developed standard suspension delivers an improved driving experience. The sports suspension and the suspension with two-valve damper control are available as options for an optimally balanced driving experience. One driving assistance highlight is the adaptive driving assistant plus. For even greater safety on the road, an interior camera also monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness and lack of concentration. Trained parking allows customers to teach the Audi Q3 individual parking maneuvers, and the new reverse assist reliably helps you to back out of dead ends.

The new Audi Q3 will launch in quarter three; orders can be placed from Tuesday 17^th June. The Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 110 kW will be available in Ireland at an entry-level price of €47,165. The Audi Q3 SUV e-hybrid 200 kW pricing will be released in the coming weeks. Audi is manufacturing the new generation jointly at its plants in Győr, Hungary, and Ingolstadt, Germany.

You can find detailed information about the new Audi Q3 below.

Dynamic design
The new Audi Q3 has an even more muscular and emotional design, the exterior defined by the perfect combination of rounded sections and precise lines. The wide Singleframe is positioned high up, and the sleekly tapered headlights create a focused look and are fully integrated into the vehicle’s aerodynamic concept. The design ensures efficient airflow around the front end. The controllable cool-air intake is installed in the area under the Singleframe that allows the airstream to flow around this area with minimal losses.

From the side, a horizontal shoulder line between the front and rear lights visually divides the car into two parts, creating a very special lighting effect. The upper side catches the light, while the lower side falls into shadow. In conjunction with the steeply sloping D-pillars, making the greenhouse appear even more dynamic. The powerfully emerging blisters from the shoulder area of the front and rear wheels are reminiscent of the original quattro.

The rear also features a clear design. Separated from the two-part rear lights, the precisely drawn narrow light strip cuts sharply across the entire width of the vehicle, giving the rear a clean look. Below this runs a wide, visually calm area. The diffuser is integrated into the raised bumper.

The S line equipment with differentiated front and rear bumpers and add-on parts in selenite silver is available as an option to the standard equipment. The exterior package is also available in black, with black add-on parts. Eleven colours are available for the new Audi Q3 models, including the Arkona white solid paint finish. Glacier white, Mythos black, Arrow grey, Tambora grey, Progressive red, and Navarra blue are available as metallic paint finishes. These are joined by the new colours Sage green and Madeira brown. Madeira brown as a matt paint finish is exclusive to the new Audi Q3. The Daytona grey metallic paint finish is also available for the S line. Tambora grey is only available for the advanced line.

The new wheel designs are available from 17 inches as standard up to a maximum of 20 inches. The tyre width increases from 215 to 235 millimetres. Aerodynamic wheels from 18 inches to 19 inches complete the range. Audi Sport supplies a total of five wheel designs in 19-inch and 20-inch sizes. These include two darkened variants in black metallic: a 20-inch wheel with a five-arm tripod design and a 20-inch wheel with a multi-spoke S design.

The aerodynamics and overall vehicle acoustics have been significantly improved in addition to the drag coefficient of 0.30, the focus is primarily on acoustic comfort. The new Audi Q3 is the first Audi model in the compact segment to offer acoustic glazing for the front side windows. In combination with optimised sealing and insulation in the vehicle, this creates a harmonious acoustic concept with a noticeable improvement in driving comfort.

Lighting technology from the full-size class turns night into day
The lighting technology in the new Audi Q3 is available for the first time in the Audi compact segment, made possible by adapting the digital Matrix LED headlights from the full-size class. The new Audi Q3 is the first Audi to use the micro-LED module, which replaces the DMD module. There are 25,600 micro-LEDs on the module, which is approximately 13 millimetres wide. Each individual micro-LED is around 40 micrometres in size, which is about half the thickness of a human hair. The use of this micro-LED technology produces significantly improved illumination offering clear vision of the road, particularly in difficult weather conditions.

One new feature is that the active warning from the lane change assist is now reflected in the lane light on highways if the Audi Q3 driver wants to change lanes while a vehicle is in its blind spot. The lane departure warning display in the orientation light also supports the driver on country roads and motorways. It is activated in the same way as the familiar display in the instrument cluster as soon as the lane boundary is crossed unintentionally. Moreover, the extended traffic information projects an ice crystal onto the road as a warning symbol starting at around 70 km/h in the event of possible icy conditions ahead.

In conjunction with the micro-LED light source, the digital Matrix LED headlights ensure a very precise light distribution of the high beams and even better glare control for other road users, increasing road safety.

Along with the digital Matrix LED modules, the digital daytime running lights with LED technology consisting of 23 segments per side make the vehicle easily recognisable on the road. Depending on the vehicle’s features, up to four different digital light signatures with customised coming/leaving home lighting scenarios for the front and rear can be selected via the MMI. The rear section is adorned with optional digital OLED rear lights, complemented by a continuous LED light strip.

A total of 36 different segments are divided into six digital OLED panels, which enable digital rear light signatures. The illuminated rings at the rear are a particularly eye-catching feature, coming to life as the low beams are switched on.

The interior: functional and clearly designed

Compared to the previous model, the design and functionality have been significantly improved, deliberately placing elements in the foreground or background, creating a cosy interior feel. The Softwrap, extends from the doors across the entire width of the dashboard, highlighting the horizontal alignment for a maximum sense of space. The panoramic display with 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch MMI touch display forms the digital stage, the curved design creates a driver-oriented cockpit layout. A head-up display for important information supplements the digital displays.

The new steering wheel control unit integrates two new steering column levers for the first time creating more storage space in the centre console, a new user experience, and a better sense of space. The lever on the right serves as a gear selector, the one on the left as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers. The elimination of the gear selector in the centre console results in more space in the console with two cup holders. The cooled inductive charging tray with 15 watts of charging power including two USB-C ports can be closed by a sliding cover. Two additional USB-C ports are located in the rear.

In the dark, various lighting packages (ambient light package plus/pro) highlight the interior ambiance. Marker lights in the dashboard and centre console emphasize the interior’s clear lines. Indirect ambient lighting below the MMI panoramic display and in the doors accentuate the interior design.

The speakers of the new optional SONOS premium sound system are located in the upper section of the doors, providing an intense listening experience with its new virtually generated surround sound. Twelve high-performance speakers including the centre speaker and subwoofer are driven by 420 watts of maximum amplifier power. Customers can choose from four preconfigured sound profiles (neutral, concert, lounge, and podcast). They also have the option of expanding their sound experience with features that can be added at any time via Functions on Demand (FoD).

The sound and function package supplements the selected sound system with three additional features: 1) bass intensification – for a more precise and powerful bass experience, 2) automatic level adjustment – to maintain the same volume when changing sources, and 3) music revitalisation – to improve the sound of compressed music files.

The infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system. Third-party apps such as YouTube are available from the Audi Application Store, which is directly integrated into the MMI and does not require a smartphone.

Audi assistant, the learning voice-controlled assistant, can be used to operate numerous vehicle functions. The assistant is enriched with AI, integrated directly into the vehicle and appears as an avatar in the central touch display of the MMIand, when active, also as an icon in the head-up display or Audi virtual cockpit. The input understood by the Audi assistant is also shown in the instrument display.

Wide range of highly efficient engines

The entry-level model in the Audi Q3 family is the Audi Q3 SUV TFSI 110 kW, a four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology and standard seven-speed S tronic. It delivers 110 kW of power. The highlight of the 1.5 TFSI is the Cylinder on demand (COD) system. It temporarily shuts down the second and third cylinders at low and medium loads.

The most powerful of the combustion engines is the Audi Q3 SUV TFSI quattro 195 kW with quattro drive. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with the seven-speed S tronic is responsible for propulsion. It delivers 195 kW and 400 Nm of torque to all four wheels. The Audi Q3 SUV TDI 110 kW is particularly suitable for driving long distances. It rolls off the line with front-wheel drive and seven-speed S tronic as standard. Its 110 kW and 360 Nm of torque ensure low fuel consumption on long journeys.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is equally predestined for long distances, but with electric support. It is more powerful and more efficient than ever before. In combination with the electric motor (85 kW and 330 Nm torque), the Audi Q3 SUV e-hybrid 200 kW offers a total system output of 200 kW and 400 Nm of system torque.

A new high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh nearly doubling its previous capacity while maintaining similar dimensions to its predecessor. A net 19.7 kWh is available. The 96 prismatic cells in four modules, store significantly more energy than before with optimised cell chemistry and a better package, the modules now have a charge capacity of 73 ampere-hours instead of 37.

This increases the electric range to up to 120 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle. The Audi Q3 SUV e-hybrid 200 kW can charge up to 50 kW DC under ideal conditions and thus enables comfortable travel with an electric drive. A battery discharged to ten percent can be recharged to 80 percent in less than half an hour.

New damper system for comfort and power

In addition to the engines, Audi has also significantly improved the driving dynamics of the new Audi Q3, the further developed standard suspension delivers an improved driving experience and impresses with its agility. The suspension systems available are the steel-spring suspension, the sports suspension, and the suspension with two-valve damper control.

The suspension with damper control continuously reacts to the road surface and the current driving situation, while taking into account parameters such as steering, braking, and acceleration. The ideal damping is calculated for each wheel in a fraction of a second and adjusted on the shock absorbers. The faster-acting twin-valve dampers also enable a better and smoother connection of the body to the suspension. At the same time, the separate control of the rebound and compression stages optimises driving dynamics, as the expansion and suspension vibrations can be controlled independently of each other.

The agility of the new Audi Q3 is also enhanced by the optional progressive steering system. It doesn’t work too directly, but very precisely from the centre. Towards the end of the steering travel, the steering ratio decreases significantly for greater manoeuvrability. The steering movements are transmitted more directly to the wheels. What’s more, the steering response behind the wheel can be experienced more clearly, and feedback from the road is better. Reduced friction provides more steering feel.

In the Audi drive select dynamic handling system of the new Audi Q3, balanced mode also replaces auto mode. As the name suggests, balanced mode represents the optimum balance between driving dynamics and comfort. Balanced mode is activated every time the vehicle is started and can also be configured to suit individual requirements. “Off-road plus” (for quattro) can also be preselected as the default mode via the MMI if so desired.

Driver assistance systems

The Audi Q3 offers a range of driver assistance making everyday driving much easier and safer. Standard features at market launch include parking system plus with distance display, cruise control (including speed limiter) with preparation for adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with emergency assist, traffic sign recognition, attention and fatigue warning with driver monitoring, and active front assist with evasion and turning assist, front cross traffic assist, and front emergency brake assist.

Highlights for enhanced driving comfort include adaptive driving assistant plus that supports longitudinal and lateral guidance and has been supplemented by the lane change assistant function. The system helps with accelerating, braking, maintaining speed, and keeping the set distance as well as with lane guidance on sections of the route at speeds of up to 210 km/h. The system also supports assisted lane changes at speeds of 90 km/h or greater on motorways. The latter can be activated via the MMI and uses the data from the rear radar to indicate with white arrows in the instrument cluster and head-up display whether and in which direction a lane change is possible. If a lane change is initiated by tapping the turn signal, the system actively supports the steering process.

In conjunction with online data, the adaptive driving assistant can maintain the vehicle’s lane even without a recognised lane boundary which increases comfort in rural and urban traffic (off the motorway). The use of online data for the adaptive driving assistant is included for three years after vehicle delivery. After that, customers have the option of extending for a fee.

For the first time, the emergency assistant is now able to take over command of the vehicle if the driver no longer reacts. In that case, the emergency assistant independently drives the Audi Q3 to the shoulder and brings it to a halt there (only in conjunction with the Tech pro package). When this happens, the assistant gives visual, audible, and haptic warnings with brake jolts and turns on the hazard warning lights.

For even greater safety on the road, an interior camera also monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness and lack of concentration. If the driver does not respond to the Audi Q3’s warnings for a certain period of time, a warning tone sounds and a visual display appears in the instrument cluster. If the driver still does not react, the Audi Q3 automatically pulls onto the shoulder and initiates a call to emergency services. The data will not be saved.

Trained parking allows customers to teach the Audi Q3 individual parking manoeuvres. If access to a carport or garage is difficult, the Audi Q3 only needs to be trained once and will, after that, take care of parking on its own – the driver will only need to observe. The same applies to exiting a parking space.

The new Audi Q3 can remember up to five parking manoeuvres, 50 metres in length which can be given individual names. If your journey ends in a cul-de-sac, the new reverse assistant provides reliable help. At speeds below 35 km/h, the Audi Q3 can remember a distance of around 50 metres and reverse independently at a speed of around 10 km/h.

In city traffic, park assist plus with parking system helps the driver with targeted steering manoeuvres when parking as soon as the ultrasonic sensors have detected a suitable perpendicular or parallel parking space. Park assist also provides support when reversing out of a parking space and can be activated while a manual parking manoeuvre is in progress.

Traffic sign recognition now also displays warning signs: for example, the system recognises signs for right of way, construction sites, pedestrian crossings, animal crossings, and railroad crossings.

Commenting on the Audi Q3, Audi Ireland Brand Director, Christian Gussen, said: “The Audi Q3 continues to be a firm favourite for Irish drivers and the arrival of the third generation is highly anticipated. While it is a compact SUV it offers incredible space both for the passenger and in the boot. This model has been loaded with incredible technology including a first for our model range with a new steering unit and emergency assistance which can safely take an unresponsive driver safety to the shoulder of the road. I along with many Audi drivers look forward to seeing the new Audi Q3 on Irish roads later this year and experiencing the driving dynamics and technology within.”

Audi closed 2024 with around 1.7 million global sales, around 164,000 of which were fully electric vehicles. A total of 5,448 new cars were delivered to Irish customers. Audi led the way in the premium automotive market in Ireland in 2024, with a market share of 25.8%.