Back in June Audi unveiled the third-generation Q3 SUV, with its more muscular and aggressive look, born of the new Audi design language. Now the first images of the Sportback variant have been released worldwide, showing how the swooping, coupe-like design perfectly suits the luxury compact model.

Just as the third-generation SUV shows a vehicle that has continued to grow in stature over the original 2011 Q3 model, this latest Sportback variant again demonstrates how well the sporty fastback design style works with this vehicle.

The overall change in the Q3 since that first 2011 model is significant, and while the original design and the size of the vehicle proved a great success globally, it was the second-generation that saw the Q3’s popularity reach new heights. With that second generation came the first Sportback variant which likewise struck a chord with customers, accounting for a significant number of sales from that point on.

“With a total of more than two million vehicles sold worldwide since the launch of the first generation, the Audi Q3 is one of our best-selling models and has a high status in our product portfolio,” says Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG.

“With the third generation of the Audi Q3*, we are renewing an important model family as part of our product initiative and strengthening our range with a powerful plug-in hybrid and efficient combustion engines.”

Just as the A3 models have drawn technology and premium appointment from the larger, more luxurious models, the Q3 has likewise done the same in the Q ranks and this latest iteration is no different. It sees the adoption of the new interior design language – the digital stage – which has already been seen in the likes of the Q6 e-tron models, as well as the adoption of Matrix LED headlights for the first time in this model, along with improved standards of ride, handling and safety.

Although Australian specification and the exact local offering is yet to be confirmed, in Europe the Q3 Sportback will launch with multiple engine and drive combinations including both TFSI and TDI powerplants as well as a plug-in hybrid option.

The entry-level 1.5 TFSI features mild hybrid technology and develops 110kW, driving the front wheels with power transferred via a seven-speed S tronic transmission. It features Cylinder on Demand (COD) technology for even greater efficiency, delivering consumption as low as 6.0-L/100km. A TDI variant also generating 110kW and driving the front wheels potentially takes that figure lower, with up to 5.3L/100km.

A more powerful 2.0-litre TFSI feature quattro all-wheel drive increases power output to 150kW and 320Nm of torque while the most powerful of the combustion engines, a 2.0-litre TFSI raises that performance even higher to 195kW and 400Nm of torque.

The Q3 Sportback will also feature a plug-in hybrid option which combines the strengths of both combustion and electric drive, pairing a 1.5 TFSI engine with 130kW and the electric motor to arrive at a total system output of 200kW. With its new high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh (19.7 kWh net) the new model almost doubles the previous generation’s capacity.

The Sportback has the potential to run on purely electrical power for up to 118km and it can charge with up to 50 kW DC under ideal conditions and go from 10 percent to 80 percent charged in less than half an hour.

The driving dynamics of the Q3 Sportback have also received attention with improved standard suspension as well as sports suspension, and suspension with two-valve damper control as options. This damper control system works by continuously reacting to the differing road surfaces and conditions while taking into account parameters such as steering, braking, and acceleration. The ideal damping is calculated for each wheel in a fraction of a second and adjusted on the shock absorbers. The faster-acting twin-valve dampers also enable a better and smoother connection of the body to the suspension. At the same time, the separate control of the rebound and compression stages optimises driving dynamics, as the expansion and suspension vibrations can be controlled independently of each other. 

Coupled with progressive steering, the Q3 Sportback boasts tremendous agility to go with its sporty design and changes to the Audi drive select, like the addition of a balanced mode in place of the auto mode allow greater tailoring of the system to suit conditions.

The balanced mode represents the optimum balance between driving dynamics and comfort and is activated every time the vehicle is started. It can also be configured to suit individual requirements, with the option of preselecting ‘Offroad plus’ (for quattro models) as the default mode via the MMI if so desired.

The driving dynamics very much live up to the Sportback’s dynamic shape, which is not only visually appealing but also contributes to its range (on the PHEV model), with aerodynamics (a drag coefficient of 0.30) and overall vehicle acoustics significantly improved compared to its predecessor. The roofline slopes downward from the A-pillar some 29mm lower than the roofline of the SUV model and in keeping with the new design language, the treatment of the Singleframe grille sees it sit lower and fashioned wider with a new mesh treatment within. The thin headlight design which sit just below the lip of the new bonnet, contributes to the sharp front end treatment – the whole integrated into the aerodynamic concept and giving the Q3 Sportback considerable road presence.

Digital Matrix LED headlights feature the micro-LED module used for the first time in this model, while at the rear, optional digital OLED rear lights are complemented by a continuous LED light strip and the illuminated rings. In addition, the light guidance functions are now much more closely linked to the driver assistance functions, actively assisting the driver as well as alerting other road users of intended land changes at night for example.

The digital daytime running lights with LED technology, are made up of of 23 segments per side and create distinctive light signatures that can be individually tailored and make the Q3 Sportback easily to spot on the road even at a distance.

The interior too has been extensively redesigned and sees the brand’s new interior design and layout used to good effect. The ‘Softwrap’ extends from the doors across the width of the vehicle enhancing the feeling of space as well as creating a housing for the digital stage with its distinct driver focus. Made up of the 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 12.8-inch MMI touch display, the digital stage comes straight from the larger models, and with addition of a head-up display, clean uncluttered dash arrangement and sharp new design elements, makes for a functional yet elegant cockpit. A new steering wheel control unit integrates two new steering column levers for the first time, with the one on the right serving as gear selector and the one on the left as a control element for the light functions and windscreen wipers.

The elimination of the gear selector in the centre console frees up more room for two cup holders and the cooled inductive charging tray with 15 watts of charging power including two USB-C ports can be closed by a sliding cover.

Lighting plays a significant role in the interior, with various lighting packages available used to both accentuate design elements and change the mood and feel of the interior as desired. The large-area illumination areas are optionally available for the front door inlays, with the fabric panel laser-cut 300 times and backlit with dramatic effect.

Indeed a total of nine interior packages are available, with options varying from sustainable materials from fast-growing timber to fully recycled plastics on offer.

Then there is the versatility of the Q3 Sportback which boasts a 488-litre boot area for storage, which, when the adjustable rear seats are moved forward and the setbacks dropped, expands to a cavernous 1289 litres.

The infotainment system of the Q3 Sportback uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system, with third-party apps such as YouTube available from the Audi Application Store, which is directly integrated into the MMI negating the need for a smartphone. Audi assistant, the brand’s voice-control system – can not only be used to operate numerous vehicle functions – but is enriched with AI. This is integrated directly into the vehicle and appears for the first time as an avatar in the central touch display of the MMI. When active, it also as an icon in the head-up display or Audi virtual cockpit. 

There are also numerous options available including the 420 watt SONOS premium sound system with its 12 high-performance speakers, including a centre speaker and subwoofer. It allows listeners to choose from four preconfigured sound profiles (neutral, concert, lounge, and podcast). As well as having the option to expand their sound experience with features that can be added at any time via Functions on Demand (FoD).

It’s a vehicle that builds significantly on the previous model and will no doubt have strong appeal to Australian customers as did the previous Sportback variant of this compact luxury SUV. 

Exact specification and model line-up for the Australian market is yet to be confirmed. Specific details and model variants will be confirmed ahead of the all-new Q3 range introduction in 2026. Specification and pricing will be announced along with pricing ahead of the Q3 Sportback’s Australian introduction in mid-2026.