The Audi Q3 enters its third generation for the 2026 model year, and it appears sleeker and more modern, reflecting Audi’s new design language. Borrowing liberal styling cues from the larger and more expensive Audi Q5, the Q3 also brings added technology to the subcompact luxury crossover segment. Let’s find out more.
Audi Q3 – Design
The most notable update the Q3 gets is the exterior design refresh. The Q3 receives the grinning “Singleframe” front-end graphic found on all other modern Audis like the Q5. The new grille shape has a hexagonal texture and glossy, flat logo within its confines, furthering the visual connection to the Q6 EV and other modern Audis. There are also new LED front headlamps, cleverly integrated into the front design.
There’s a slick new taillight design that borrows inspiration from the e-tron GT flagship EV, with a blade-like, split design and a full-width LED light bar. The rear Audi logo is illuminated and looks rather cool. Now, whether this design is more appealing or not is subjective to the viewer. But the new design is surely more techy.
Audi Q3 – Interior
The Q3 has also received a cabin update to make it more modern and upmarket. The Q3 gets the same oval-shaped steering wheel as its larger crossover siblings, and Audi says it will incorporate a column-mounted gear selector for the first time to free up space in the centre console. A panoramic display incorporates both an 11.9-inch instrument screen and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen under a single pane of curved glass, providing the driver with a so-called “digital stage” that wraps around slightly for a cockpit-like feel.
Other techy interior features include an available ambient lighting feature with a laser-cut fabric panel in the front doors that provides larger-scale illumination. Audi will also offer the new Q3 with a 12-speaker, 400-watt SONOS sound system with preconfigured sound profiles. More details are pending on the cabin design but till now, the cabin appeals fresh.
Audi Q3 – Powertrain
The powertrain for the upcoming Q3 is not confirmed but we can make assumptions based on the global market available engines. The base engine will be a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 148 horsepower four-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology. This is an extremely underpowered motor and will be offered on base variants only.
Another powertrain option is a 2.0-litre turbo four that makes 201 HP, which is also shared with the new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. Later on, the addition of a higher-powered Tiguan R-line engine will also be offered with the new Q3, with around 260 Horsepower.
Audi Q3 – Expected Prices In The UAE And Rivals
The expected starting price for the Q3 for base variants should be around AED 190,000, with higher variants fetching more. The top model of the Q3 Hybrid will fetch up to AED 225,000. These prices put the Q3 on par with the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the BMW X3 SUV.
Audi Q3 Verdict – Worth The Wait?
For a customer who’s already waiting to buy a premium vehicle in the price range, they should simply keep the Q3 to the side as an option. Other vehicles in the price segment, and even in the segment below, can be better for the roads of Dubai and Sharjah. The upper variants of the Lexus UXH and the BMW X3 are much better options in the price segment, offering many more features and quality finishes.
But a customer dedicated to buying an Audi SUV will truly enjoy the exterior design and interior features of this vehicle. The ride quality may be on the firmer side, but it would truly add character to the Q3. Along with this, they will be getting wonderful brand value with the Audi logo.
