The starting price of the new Q3 Sportback in Germany is €1,850 ($2,200) higher compared to the regular Q3
Following the recent debut of the third-generation Q3, Audi has introduced the new Q3 Sportback, expanding its coupe-SUV family alongside the Sportback versions of the Q4 E-Tron, Q5, Q6 E-tron, and Q8 E-tron.
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As expected, the Q3 Sportback shares most of its body panels with the Q3, although the roofline and greenhouse have been redesigned, leading to a swooping rear glass. Furthermore, Audi designers have omitted the roof rails of the standard version for a sportier stance.
Sportier Shape
The full-width taillights with optional digital OLED graphics and the sporty rear bumper with faux intakes and a large diffuser have been carried over from the regular Q3. According to Ingolstadt, the coupe-SUV is 29 mm (1.1 inches) shorter compared to its more conservative twin. Overall, both models look sportier and more modern compared to their predecessors.
Inside, the dashboard is also shared with the Q3, including the curved panel housing the 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and the 12.8-inch infotainment, plus the redesigned stalks. As for the rest of the cabin, the lower roofline towards the back has had a toll on the available space for passengers and luggage.
More specifically, the maximum cargo volume of the Q3 Sportback is 1,298 lt (45.5 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded, which is 97 lt (3.4 cubic feet) less compared to the “standard” Q3. Still, Audi hasn’t shared the boot volume with all five seats in place, so we don’t know if it is smaller than the 488 lt (17.2 cubic feet) of its sibling.
Wide Powertrain Lineup
Both Q3 models share the same range of powertrains, including gasoline, diesel, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. The entry-level 1.5-liter TFSI four-cylinder produces 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS), while the range-topping 2.0 TFSI delivers up to 262 hp (195 kW / 265 PS). Power is sent to the front wheels or all four via Audi’s quattro system, depending on the variant.
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Finally, the plug-in hybrid (e-Hybrid) generates a combined 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and has a 25.7 kWh battery pack. The zero-emission range is practically the same, as the Sportback can drive a mere 1 km (0.6 miles) less between charges than the plain vanilla Q3, with a WLTP rating of 118 km (72 miles).
The MQB Evo-based SUVs are available with standard or sport suspension, and have all of the latest driver assist technology.
Availability And Pricing
Audi has not confirmed a North American launch for the new Q3, though it is expected to arrive as a 2026 model year. In Europe, orders are already open, with first deliveries planned for October for the Q3 and November for the Q3 Sportback. Its U.S. prospects remain uncertain, especially given that the previous generation of the Q3 Sportback never crossed the Atlantic.
In Germany, the cheapest Q3 starts at €44,600 ($52,200), while the Q3 Sportback is priced from €46,450 ($54,300). The plug-in hybrid versions start at €49,300 ($57,700) and €51,150 ($59,800) respectively.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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