Audi has introduced the Sportback variant of its third-generation Q3, bringing a more dynamic and sporty design, though this comes with a slight compromise in practicality.
Compared to the standard Q3 SUV, the Sportback stands out with a sharply sloped roofline that descends more aggressively behind the A-pillar, lowering the overall height by 29mm.
This sleeker profile reduces cargo capacity, with boot space dropping from 1386 liters to 1289 liters when the rear seats are folded down. Rear passenger headroom is also tighter due to the lowered roof.
Inside, the Sportback shares much of its layout with the regular Q3. Controls include two stalks behind the steering wheel—left for indicators and wipers, right for gear selection.
The driver benefits from an 11.9-inch digital instrument panel and a centrally positioned 12.8-inch touchscreen running the Android Automotive OS, which features built-in Google apps and access to the Google Play Store.
Optional extras enhance the cabin’s luxury and technology, offering matrix LED headlights with advanced micro-LEDs, OLED taillights, acoustic laminated front side windows, illuminated badges, laser-cut door trims with ambient backlighting, a 420-watt Sonos sound system, and a smart parking assistant that can learn and perform specific maneuvers.
At launch in Europe, the Q3 Sportback will be available with five powertrain options: three petrol engines, one diesel, and a plug-in hybrid.
Petrol variants include a front-wheel-drive 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 110 kW and 250 Nm, as well as an all-wheel-drive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine available in 150 kW/350 Nm and 195 kW/400 Nm versions. The diesel option is a 2.0-liter turbo delivering 110 kW and 360 Nm.
The flagship plug-in hybrid combines the 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a total output of 200 kW and 400 Nm. Despite being the most powerful model, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, which is 1.1 seconds slower than the 195 kW petrol version—likely due to the hybrid’s added weight and front-wheel-drive layout. The hybrid’s 25.7 kWh battery provides a WLTP-rated electric range of 118 km in the Sportback, with support for DC fast charging up to 50 kW.
Despite its sportier looks, the Sportback is marginally slower than the standard Q3, taking 0.1 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h and consuming 0.1 liters more fuel per 100 km based on WLTP tests.
The standard Q3 is set to arrive in Europe in October, with the Sportback following in November. The full new Q3 range is expected to launch in Australia in early 2026.
Pricing in Germany has increased by approximately €10,000 compared to the outgoing model. The 1.5-liter Q3 starts at €44,600 (about A$80,300), while the Sportback version begins at €46,450 (around A$83,600).
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