New Audi Q3: first look at 2024 third-generation model

Audi’s compact Q3 SUV will borrow styling details from the upcoming Q6 e-tron

An all-new Audi Q3 is in the works and we’ve caught it in development for the first time. It’ll be one of the last cars from Audi to come with an internal-combustion engine, with an all-electric alternative provided by the similarly-sized Q4 e-tron. 

The current Q3 launched in 2018 so a replacement is just about due and we expect the new car to arrive in early 2024 to sit alongside the incoming facelifted Audi A3 hatchback. There should be the option of a standard 5-door SUV bodystyle or a coupe-SUV Sportback – we’ve spotted the former testing here. 

This might be the first time we’ve seen the next-generation Audi Q3 but we can already ascertain plenty of design information, despite the camouflage. The front end has a more aggressive look to it, provided by slimmer headlights and a wider, sleeker grille shape – it looks fairly similar to the upcoming Audi Q6 e-tron in this respect. 

A side profile shot of the car suggests it’ll be longer than the outgoing model, which should provide extra cabin space. To the rear we can see a roof spoiler and rear light clusters that are influenced by the new Q8 e-tron – possibly without the rear LED light bar that Audi likes to reserve for its EVs, however. 

Powering the new Q3 should be a selection of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines, potentially with diesel making a return too. The current Q3 comes with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit or a 2.0-litre petrol option and at one stage there was a plug-in hybrid (although this is no longer on sale). 

In order to compete with the facelifted Mercedes GLA and it’s new mild-hybrid engine offerings, we expect the Q3 to share engines with the upcoming Audi A4, which would mean 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and the returning option of a PHEV (plug-in hybrid) with 14.4kWh battery pack taken from the current Q5. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for a hot RS Q3 variant to sit atop of the range once more. 

Pricing for the new Q3 will most likely increase over the current car’s £34,325 starting price tag. 

Now read our review of the Audi Q6 e-tron prototype…

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