Limited edition RS models

It’s been 10 years since Audi Sport first welcomed a Q model into the rarified atmosphere of the RS ranks. The marriage of a compact, luxury SUV with performance and handling more common at the time in a low-slung, two-seat sportscar was a quantum shift that has been adopted by other manufacturers ever since.

To celebrate the model’s milestone, a new limited run of just 555 RS Q3 anniversary edition vehicles will be produced, featuring all of the attributes that have made this model so successful, as well as a host of additional features and equipment.

The original RS Q3 took the daily practicality and comfort of a compact, premium SUV and effectively gave it super powers. With Audi’s outstanding five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI as its heart and the combination of RS suspension and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, it boasted handing to match its performance as well as a host of luxury upgrades and technology in the cabin to raise the Q3 to new heights in all departments.

It was a first, and while brand enthusiasts might rightly point to the original SQ5 TDI unveiled at Le Mans in 2012 as another performance example from Audi Sport, the RS Q3 was the first SUV to wear the RS or RennSport badge. 

Such was the success of this new addition to the RS ranks that a second generation model was introduced in 2019, which arrived Down Under in 2020, this time adding the new Sportback styling which had recently made its debut on the in the Q3 model line.

The limited edition anniversary model celebrates the unique pairing that made the model such a success from the outset, while adding exclusive features both inside and out to mark the 10 year milestone of the model.

Unlike the original model, the limited edition anniversary RS Q3 will be available in both SUV and Sportback body styles, finished in either Dew Silver matte effect or the exclusive Chronos Grey metallic and riding on large black 21-inch rims with a double-spoke design shod in 225/35 rubber. An additional 19 inch high-performance braking system with carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic brake discs is available as a front-end option and the polished Anthracite Grey brake callipers can alternatively be optioned in red or blue for a more individual look. 

Black highlights have also been used to differentiate the model, with badging, wing mirror surrounds and the front spoiler and rear diffuser all finished in black. 

Combined with its unmistakably muscular body, wide Singleframe grilled treatment and massive front air intakes, the overall effect is one of purpose and performance, giving the RS Q3 a real presence on the road. 

And while this RS Q3 special edition remains true to the RS style of tending more towards subtlety, even parked, no one is left in any doubt as to its potential.

The interior has likewise received specialist treatment with new RS bucket seats that are exclusive to the RS Q3. Featuring all-new matte carbon finish on the back, these striking race-inspired front seats are upholstered in a leather-Dinamica combination in black and jet black. A copper-coloured stitching has been used throughout the interior to create a striking contrast that further accentuates the famed RS diamond pattern adorning the front and rear seats as well as the armrests, central column and steering wheel.

The RS emblems are featured beneath the headrest on the sports bucket seats and the Dinamica material – a microfibre consisting of around 45 percent recycled PET fibres – has also been employed on the instrument panel.

The multi-function leather steering wheel on the RS Q3 will be available as a round or a flat-bottom version depending on the customer’s preference and special illuminated sill strips project a red rhombus onto the ground when the doors are opened – another model-specific feature.

Other touches include decorative inlays in carbon throughout and the MMI display also has a carbon look – the 10.1 inch touch display featuring ‘1 of 555’ lettering. 

Floor mats in black and embroiled with RS Q3 lettering use the same copper colour as the detail stitching and an ambient lighting package allows the customer to further tailer the feel of the interior.

Of course  the very thing that set the RS Q3 apart in the beginning – its extraordinary performance – continues to set it apart. The heart of the vehicle is of course the famed five-cylinder, 2.5 TFSI powerplant which has won the coveted ‘International Engine of the Year’ award no less than nine times. This is the same high-performance powerplant employed in other Audi performance specialists – the RS 3 Sedan and Sportback as well as the TT RS.

The 2.5-litre TFSI now produces a serious 294kW of power and maximum torque of 480Nm available between 2250 and 5850rpm. That represents a significant increase on the original which was no slouch back in 2013 with its 228kW.

The anniversary edition RS Q3 will accelerate from stop to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds on the way to a governed top speed of 250km/h which can be increased to 280km/h on request – impressive for any sportscar, but more impressive still given it can carry five adults and their luggage in complete comfort whenever required.

The RS Q3 uses a seven-speed S tronic transmission for lightening-fast changes and with power going down to the road surface through all four wheels, roadholding and handling is exceptional.

So too is the exhaust note of that award-winning engine, which has long captivated performance enthusiasts with its unique snarl. 

Just as the first generation model did a decade ago, the RS Q3 anniversary edition impresses across the board and puts a fitting exclamation mark on the first 10 years of this groundbreaking model.

With just 555 examples of this special vehicle available worldwide, just how many will make their way to Australia was not confirmed at time of writing, but given our tremendous enthusiasm and appetite for the Audi Sport vehicles Down Under. It’s long been the case that despite our relatively small population, Australia is consistently one of the largest Audi Sport markets, so there’s no doubt that the RS Q3 10 year edition will be welcomed with open arms by Australia’s performance enthusiasts when it arrives next year.

Arrival date, pricing and final specification for its limited Australian release will be announced ahead of the local launch of the RS Q3 10 year edition.