Audi has revealed the third generation of its Q3 SUV with substantial updates inside and out. The Mercedes GLA and BMW X1 rival gets four ICE powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid. The Audi Q3 will first go on sale in international markets by September, and is expected to launch in India soon after.
- New split headlamp setup, 17-20 inch alloy wheel options on offer
- Gear-selector stalk is now behind the steering
2025 Audi Q3: exterior and interior changes
Pixel-shaped DRLs, honeycomb grille
The latest Q3 adopts a similar design to the new Audi Q5, and looks like a scaled-down version of the larger SUV sibling. Up front, its single-frame honeycomb grille also appears to be inspired by the Q5. The split-headlamp setup is all-new, and it gets pixel-shaped DRLs placed above, which Audi had teased last week. And below these are Matrix headlights with 25,600 micro-LEDs that are half the thickness of a human hair.
New width-wide rear light bar, illuminated Audi logo
In profile, the upper window line now extends across the D-pillar, neatly blending with the rear windscreen. Even the earlier blacked-out cladding for the side skirts is now finished in body colour, similar to the wheel arches. Alloy wheel options range from 17 inches (standard) to 20 inches. Changes to the Q3’s rear section include a split-light setup, which resembles those on the new Audi A6. The OLED tail-lamps do offer six graphics and flank an illuminated four-ring Audi logo. Lastly, the bumper has a more aggressive design and hides the exhaust tips underneath.
12.8-inch touchscreen runs on Android Automotive OS
Typical of new generations, the Q3's cabin has been thoroughly upgraded. The driver gets a 11.9-inch instrument cluster, next to which resides a 12.8-inch touchscreen running on Android Automotive OS. The three-spoke steering wheel has a new design and comes with capacitive touch buttons. However, the most noticeable thing here is the relocation of the gear selector from the centre console to behind the steering, freeing up space between the front seats.
2025 Audi Q3: powertrains
2 turbo-petrols, one diesel and a plug-in hybrid engine option
In international markets, the Audi Q3 will be sold with two turbo-petrols, a diesel and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Starting the line-up is a 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with cylinder deactivation tech, followed by a larger 265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit, which gets Audi's Quattro four-wheel drive system. The diesel comes with a 150hp, 2.0-litre mill; there's no 4WD on offer here. These three engines are offered with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Finally, the Q3 PHEV pairs the 1.5-litre TFSI with an electric motor for a combined output of 272hp.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
