We recently had the incredible opportunity to test drive the all-new, third-generation Audi Q3 against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland’s picturesque landscapes. While this isn’t a comprehensive, in-depth review, it offers a solid glimpse into just how much this compact luxury SUV has evolved from its predecessor. For those eagerly anticipating its arrival in India, the good news is it’s expected to hit shores by mid to late 2026. After navigating it through Scotland’s diverse weather conditions, our initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive.
Design: Sharper, Wider, Sportier
Audi has truly steered the Q3’s design language in a bolder, more assertive direction. Where the previous model often sported upright, somewhat boxy lines—a style frequently favored by Indian buyers—the new iteration boasts a far more athletic and muscular stance. Interestingly, the latest Q3 is 40mm longer than its predecessor, yet its wheelbase remains unchanged. This intentional design choice maintains a sense of familiar overall size while ushering in a dramatic aesthetic transformation.
Up front, the commanding octagonal blacked-out grille takes center stage, proudly displaying the refreshed four-ring emblem. Slim, sharply angled LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) accentuate the headlights, while the lower bumper features an ‘L’-shaped design element that visually emphasizes the vehicle’s width and sporty character. The LED DRLs also offer four customizable light patterns, and the optional Digital Matrix LED headlights introduce advanced features, providing wide, precise lane illumination and even projecting warning indications directly onto the road to alert you of lane departures or blind spot hazards.
The SUV’s side profile is equally captivating. A prominent shoulder line elegantly stretches across the body, immediately drawing the eye, while the roofline descends with a sleek, coupe-inspired curve—though without committing entirely to a full ‘Sportback’ silhouette. Alloy wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim level, with the S Line version offering additional visual flair. The model we drove, outfitted with striking 20-inch alloys, perfectly filled the wheel arches, giving it a truly powerful and assertive presence.
At the rear, the Q3 maintains its sleek aesthetic with slender LED taillamps seamlessly connected by a sophisticated light bar spanning the boot. A diffuser-style bumper completes its athletic character. In essence, the new Q3 has shed its boxy past and confidently emerges as a compact SUV with a dynamic, self-assured presence.
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Interior, features
Stepping inside, the evolution from the older Q3 is even more striking. The cabin design feels unequivocally modern, dominated by a large, gracefully curved display that seamlessly integrates the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. The graphics are exceptionally sharp, transitions are fluid, and the touchscreen responds with remarkable speed. The steering wheel features illuminated controls, while wireless charging, dedicated drive mode buttons, and thoughtfully arranged physical toggles for essential functions like traction and climate control ensure intuitive usability. The dashboard itself is minimalist yet exuding premium quality, combining soft-touch plastics with elegant brushed finishes.
The front seats provide excellent support and are meticulously contoured, making them ideal for long journeys. Rear passenger space remains largely similar to the outgoing model, given the identical wheelbase. However, knee room and legroom are perfectly adequate for average-height occupants, and under-thigh support is notably excellent. Headroom is also decent, though a pronounced center tunnel somewhat limits the practicality of the rear bench for five adults on extended drives, making it more comfortable for four. Rear passengers also benefit from their own climate control panel, dedicated air vents, and convenient charging ports, all of which significantly enhance overall comfort.
In terms of features, the new Q3 is generously equipped with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both offering crisp visuals and a highly responsive interface. The infotainment system boasts a rich feature set, supports additional app downloads, and includes seamless wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Furthermore, the Q3 provides configurable ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera system, three-zone climate control, a cooled 15W wireless charger, USB-C ports, a 12-speaker SONOS sound system, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and much more.
Driving Experience
Globally, Audi offers the Q3 with a diverse range of engines, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options. Regrettably, the Indian market will likely only receive the petrol variant, most probably featuring the familiar 2.0-liter TFSI engine. The specific model we test drove was the potent 265 PS version, mated to a responsive seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and equipped with Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The engine performed with impressive smoothness, refinement, and an eager willingness to rev. A press of the throttle delivers a confident surge of power, whether accelerating from a standstill or executing overtakes at highway speeds. The gearbox perfectly complements this character, shifting swiftly and almost imperceptibly in most driving conditions. Audi has also incorporated an artificial sound generator, piping a sporty exhaust note into the cabin when in Dynamic mode—a feature some may enjoy, though purists might deem it unnecessary. On the dynamics front, Audi engineers have meticulously re-engineered the chassis and suspension to strike an excellent balance between comfort and sharper handling. The ride quality feels more composed than ever, effectively absorbing road imperfections without compromising stability. When tackling corners, the Q3 feels notably more planted, exhibiting reduced body roll and pitch. High-speed confidence has been significantly enhanced, making it a far more capable and enjoyable long-distance cruiser.
One notable new feature requiring some adjustment is Audi’s innovative “compact command interface.” This clever design integrates traditional stalk functions, such as indicators and wipers, into a single, sleek unit. While it undoubtedly looks futuristic and minimizes cockpit clutter, its usability isn’t as immediately intuitive as conventional stalks. It certainly demands practice before becoming second nature. A single day of driving wasn’t quite enough for me to fully acclimate to this new layout, and I’m eager for more time behind the wheel in India.
Verdict: A Worthy Successor
The third-generation Q3 represents a substantial leap forward for Audi. It boasts a sharper, more contemporary aesthetic, a decidedly high-tech and premium cabin, and a driving experience that has matured considerably without sacrificing an ounce of performance.
For the Indian market, while we won’t see the diesel or hybrid powertrain options, and the petrol engine will likely be slightly detuned for improved efficiency, the Q3 is still poised to deliver a rewarding blend of luxury, practicality, and dynamic performance. This new Q3 has immense potential to strongly appeal to buyers seeking a stylish, technologically advanced, and confident compact luxury SUV. With its evolved design and polished road manners, it’s far more than just an update; it’s a true reinvention. Crucially, the Q3 has historically been Audi’s most successful model in India, and in its latest avatar, it appears well-equipped to surpass previous sales thresholds. However, its ultimate success will undoubtedly hinge on Audi India’s ability to package and price the new Q3 range competitively.