The third-generation Audi Q3 is entering the final stage ahead of its India launch, with local assembly now underway at Škoda Auto Volkswagen India’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Audi has confirmed that the new Q3 will launch in India on 16 October 2026, while bookings are already open for ₹1 lakh.
The new Audi Q3 will continue to serve as Audi’s entry-level luxury SUV in India. It gets a larger body, a completely redesigned cabin, updated technology and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi has not yet announced the final India price, but current industry estimates put the starting price in the region of ₹55 lakh-₹60 lakh ex-showroom.
New Audi Q3: What Has Happened?
Audi India has started local assembly of the third-generation Q3 ahead of its October launch. The first locally assembled units have rolled off the production line at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility.
Local assembly is not new for the Q3 in India. The outgoing Q3 and Q3 Sportback were also assembled at the same facility from 2023. The latest production milestone therefore continues Audi’s local manufacturing strategy for the model.
The new-generation Q3 was showcased in India in August, and Audi subsequently opened bookings in September. The booking amount is ₹1 lakh through Audi India’s website, myAudi Connect application and authorised dealerships.
New Audi Q3 Launch Date and Expected Price
The new Audi Q3 will officially launch in India on 16 October 2026.
Audi has not announced the final price yet. Current reports expect the new Q3 to be priced at approximately ₹55 lakh-₹60 lakh ex-showroom. This remains an estimate until Audi publishes the official price list.
Item
New Audi Q3
India launch
16 October 2026
Current status
Local assembly underway
Booking amount
₹1 lakh
Expected price
₹55 lakh-₹60 lakh, ex-showroom
Body style
5-door luxury SUV
Seating capacity
5
Engine
2.0-litre turbo-petrol
Transmission
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain
Quattro AWD
Key rivals
BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA
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The new Audi Q3 gets a significant visual redesign compared with the outgoing SUV.
At the front, the SUV features a wider grille, split LED headlamps and a more prominent air-dam section. The India-spec model also gets a 2D Audi logo and a more restrained approach to chrome detailing.
The new Q3 measures 4,531mm long, 1,859mm wide and 1,623mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,681mm. It is larger than the outgoing model, which should help Audi improve its road presence while creating more usable cabin space.
The India-spec model also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, LED lighting and a redesigned rear section with LED tail-lamps and an illuminated Audi logo.
New Audi Q3 Interior and Features
The cabin is one of the biggest changes in the new Audi Q3.
The dashboard follows a more technology-focused layout, with a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11.9-inch digital driver display. Audi has also redesigned the steering wheel and centre console.
One unusual change is the relocation of the transmission selector. Instead of sitting on the centre console, the drive selector is positioned on a stalk behind the steering wheel. This frees up space between the front seats and allows the centre console to accommodate other functions.
Expected and showcased equipment includes:
12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
11.9-inch digital instrument cluster
Sonos audio system
Panoramic sunroof
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Automatic climate control
Ambient lighting
Powered tailgate
Paddle shifters
360-degree camera
Powered front seats with memory
Digital Matrix LED lighting
Exact variant-wise equipment will be confirmed when Audi announces the final India specification and price list.
New Audi Q3 Engine and Performance
The India-spec Audi Q3 will use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
The engine is rated at 204hp and 320Nm and is expected to be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Audi quotes a 0-100kph time of 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 229kph for the India-spec model. These are manufacturer-claimed figures rather than independent road-test results.
New Audi Q3 Powertrain at a Glance
Specification
New Audi Q3
Engine
2.0-litre turbo-petrol
Cylinders
4
Power
204hp
Torque
320Nm
Transmission
7-speed DCT
Drive
quattro AWD
0-100kph
7.1 seconds, claimed
Top speed
229kph, claimed
For Indian buyers, the combination is aimed more at effortless highway performance and premium long-distance driving than outright efficiency. The standard AWD system also gives the Q3 additional traction in conditions where two-wheel-drive SUVs may have less grip, although it does not turn the Q3 into a dedicated off-road vehicle.
New Audi Q3 Dimensions and Practicality
The increase in exterior dimensions is relevant because the Q3 sits in a segment where buyers often use their SUV as an everyday family car.
The new Q3 measures 4,531mm in length and has a 2,681mm wheelbase. Boot capacity is listed at 488 litres, giving it useful luggage space for daily use and highway trips.
The additional size should also help the Q3 maintain its position against rivals such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, both of which compete in the same compact luxury SUV space.
New Audi Q3 Safety and Technology
Audi is expected to offer a comprehensive safety and driver-assistance package on the India-spec Q3, with equipment including advanced lighting technology, cameras and electronic stability and traction systems.
However, buyers should distinguish between safety equipment and an independent crash-test rating. The availability of ADAS or multiple airbags does not itself constitute a crash-test result.
The final India-specific safety equipment and variant-wise specification should be checked against Audi’s official equipment list once prices are announced.
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The new Audi Q3 will continue to compete with the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
The Q3’s key differentiators are its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, standard quattro AWD expected for the India range, premium technology package and local assembly.
Factor
New Audi Q3
BMW X1
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Segment
Compact luxury SUV
Compact luxury SUV
Compact luxury SUV
New-generation model
Yes
Current generation
Current generation
India launch
16 Oct 2026
Already on sale
Already on sale
Q3 powertrain
2.0L turbo-petrol
Varies by version
Varies by version
Q3 drivetrain
quattro AWD
Depends on variant
Depends on variant
Expected Q3 price
₹55-60 lakh
Check current price
Check current price
Seating
5
5
5
The final comparison should be made using the actual Q3 variant prices and equipment after the October launch rather than today’s estimated figures.
What the New Audi Q3 Means for Indian Buyers
The biggest practical change is not simply the new styling. The new Q3 combines local assembly with a substantially redesigned cabin and updated technology.
For buyers entering the luxury SUV segment, the locally assembled model also means Audi is continuing to position the Q3 as an important volume product rather than treating it as a niche imported SUV.
The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, automatic gearbox and quattro AWD make the Q3 particularly relevant to buyers who prioritise highway performance, premium cabin technology and all-weather traction.
However, the final price will be important. At an estimated ₹55 lakh-₹60 lakh ex-showroom, the Q3 will remain significantly above mainstream SUVs, and the final variant equipment will determine how competitive the package is against the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
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This article is based on information available from Audi and current automotive reports at the time of publication. The final price, variant-wise equipment, specifications and availability may change when Audi officially launches the new Q3 in India. Manufacturer-claimed performance and efficiency figures may differ from real-world results.
Ashish Ahire is an automobile content writer with an interest in the automotive industry, new vehicle launches, automotive technology, and the latest developments in the mobility sector. Through his articles, he aims to present automobile news and updates in a clear, informative, and reader-friendly manner.
