Rising as the SUV Mecca: Audi Launches ‘This Model’ After Q6

Audi unleashes a barrage of new cars
Teased the all-new Q3 set to release in 2025
Possible full unveiling by the end of the year

Audi is testing the prototype of the new Q3. The Q3, a compact Audi SUV produced since 2011, shares its platform with the Volkswagen Tiguan and will use the same platform as the recently released Tiguan eHybrid.

The new Q3 is expected to be manufactured at the Volkswagen Group’s Györ factory in Hungary and could be released as early as the end of this year, raising consumers’ expectations. Meanwhile, the new Q3 is expected to be one of the last cars to offer a gasoline model.

An aggressive front-end and split headlights that catch attention

The Q3 prototype has provided some insights into the new Q3. The headlights on the front end have become thinner, and the grill has been changed to a wider and sleeker look, giving it a more aggressive appearance than the previous model. In this respect, it was not much different from the recently unveiled Audi Q6 e-tron.

The LED headlights are split, and the rectangular cut-out bumper looks like it integrated the low- and high-beam headlights. The Q6 e-tron also applies the same headlight technology, allowing drivers to customize their daytime driving mode. Therefore, this feature is expected to be included in the new Q3.

Rear light cluster similar to the Q8 e-tron

The body has become longer than the previous model, hinting at more interior space in the new Q3. At the rear, you could see a roof spoiler and rear light cluster influenced by the new Q8 e-tron. It may not include the rear LED light bar Audi intends to use exclusively for electric vehicles.

The new Q3 is expected to be released in gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models. It will be one of the last Audi cars to offer a gasoline model. The current Q3 has 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter TSI gasoline engines and a 2.0-liter TDI diesel motor. Although the new Q3 is expected to have similar engines to the current model, some engines may use 48-volt mild hybrid technology to increase efficiency.

Possibly the same powertrain as the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid

The new Q3 is highly likely to borrow the plug-in hybrid powertrain of other Volkswagen Group SUVs, like the recently released Volkswagen Tiguan. The new Tiguan eHybrid has a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, a 113-horsepower electric motor, and a 19.7 kWh battery. If the new Q3 plug-in hybrid model equips the same running gear as the Tiguan, it is expected to provide a driving distance of over 62 miles on electric power alone.

The new Q3 is expected to be released at the end of this year or the beginning of 2025, and the release price is likely to be higher than the current model’s price of approximately $49,000. The new Q3 will compete with the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, and premium family cars like the Alfa Romeo Tonale.