Audi Q3 Model Update
The new Audi Q3 now costs significantly more than the previous model. Its 2.0-liter turbo engine now produces 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Buyers in the United States can order the SUV in any of nine available colors.
Price and Availability
A few months after the presentation of the completely updated third-generation Audi Q3, the company confirmed that it will arrive at US dealerships in the first quarter of 2026. Initially, the SUV will be available in only one trim level.
This version, called the S Line Quattro, will have a starting price of $43,700 excluding destination and delivery charges, which amount to $1,295. Thus, the new model is almost $4,000 more expensive than the previous base version. The price increase is significant, but Audi seems to be counting on buyers appreciating the updates that come with it.
For now, it is common practice for new models to gradually increase in price, but such a jump is still a rare phenomenon.
The 2025 model started at $39,800 excluding the same destination and delivery charges, making the new price noticeably higher. Audi will argue that the 2026 version justifies it with its fresh design, updated interior, and more powerful engine, but this defense has its limits.
Performance Improvements
The Q3 S Line Quattro is equipped with a newer 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, which is 27 hp and 22 lb-ft more than the previous model. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, sending power to both axles via the quattro all-wheel drive system.
Although it is not a high-performance model, it can still accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, which is a solid result for a hatchback and a full 1.6 seconds faster than the old model.
Design and Color Palette
American buyers will be able to order the 2026 Q3 in one of nine available colors, including a new shade known as Sage Green. The SUV can also be fitted with wheels and tires ranging from 18 to 20 inches in diameter and from 235 mm to 255 mm in width.
All models also come standard with the S line exterior package, which adds a Phantom Black grille, Selenite Silver front air intake surrounds, S line bumpers, and a rear diffuser with matte black and Selenite Silver accents.
Interior Updates
The Q3’s interior is significantly different from that of its predecessor. It includes all the usual updates expected from a new generation of SUVs, among which are a redesigned dashboard with a new infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster.
One of the most noticeable differences is the absence of traditional stalks on the steering column. Audi has replaced them with two new control panels located on either side of the steering wheel.
The right side houses the gearbox controls, while the left side contains the turn signal switches, windshield wiper functions, and headlight switches. This layout will likely require some time to get used to, and whether drivers will like it or find it irritating remains to be seen.
These changes in the Audi Q3 reflect a general trend in the automotive industry towards increased digitization and more power, which is often accompanied by rising prices. Buyers will have to decide whether these innovations are worth the extra cost, especially in an environment where competitors are also actively implementing similar technologies. The model’s success may largely depend on how well innovations, such as control panels instead of stalks, are received by the market.