Audi has launched the 2026 Q3 in India at Rs 51.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This is the third-generation entry-level luxury SUV in India, which is being offered in two trims: Nova and Zenith, and the latter's price is yet to be revealed. It sports extensive design changes inside and outside, additional features and a turbo-petrol engine option only. The 2026 Audi Q3 is being assembled at the manufacturer’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant in Maharashtra, and its deliveries are also underway.
- Only luxury car in its segment with an AWD setup
- Features split-style headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels
- Gets dual digital screens, panoramic sunroof, 3-zone AC
2026 Audi Q3 exterior design
Gets split-style headlights, taillights and 18-inch alloy wheels
Being a generation update, the 2026 Audi Q3 comes with a thoroughly redesigned exterior. It gets split-style headlights, with LED DRLs at the top and the main digital Matrix LED headlights on the bumper with dedicated washers. The LED DRLs and headlights feature lighting signatures, and in fact the latter can even project important ADAS information on the road in the driver’s direct field of vision for improved safety. It also gets a large grille with honeycomb mesh elements and similar air intakes on the lower section of the bumper.
In profile, the Q3 features 18-inch alloy wheels as standard with self-centring hubcaps. It also gets a chrome windowline, slim roof rails and slightly flared wheel arches.
At the rear, it features split LED taillights; the lower unit is connected by a thin strip of light bar. The Audi logo at the rear is illuminated. Audi is also offering a roof-mounted spoiler and a rear wiper and washer.
Here are the dimensions and other specifications of the 2026 Audi Q3:
2026 Audi Q3 interior design and features
Gets a hexagonal steering wheel, curved displays and a decently equipped cabin
Inside, the Audi Q3 has a minimalistic dashboard and features dual digital screens (a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display) arranged in a curved setup. It also gets a 4-spoke hexagonal steering wheel with touch-enabled controls. Notably, the right-side stalk on the steering wheel works as a drive selector, while the left one can be used to control the headlights and turn indicators.
The drive selector on the steering column has enabled a cleaner centre console, featuring a wireless phone charger, two cupholders, and an electronic parking brake. The centre console extends to a centre armrest for front passengers. The seats get leatherette upholstery, and the front seats are powered and heated. The driver’s seat has a memory function that is also tied to the powered outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs).
On the feature front, it is equipped with a 3-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Sonos sound system, a coloured head-up display (HUD), and a powered tailgate. Safety-wise, it gets 9 airbags, a rear parking camera (not a 360-degree surround-view system), hill hold and hill climb assists, and an advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) suite.
2026 Audi Q3 powertrain
Gets a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and an AWD setup
The 2026 Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine that produces 204hp and 320Nm. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (AT) which sends power to all wheels (AWD). This powertrain enables a claimed 0-100kph sprint of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 229kph.
The Audi Q3 is the only rival in the segment to offer AWD. Rivals like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are front-wheel-drive (FWD) only.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
