Swelling the ranks

In a year that has already seen numerous new models unveiled Down Under, Audi Australia has confirmed it will further increase its current offering with new quattro models added to the existing lineups. Building on the starting with the A3 model range and going right up to Q7 and Q8, these new models provide even greater choice and additional equipment for customers, allowing them to perfectly tailor the right vehicle to their particular needs and lifestyle.

The A3 range sees the addition of the new A3 TFSI quattro in both Sportback and Sedan body styles, new S line models will be added to the current Q7 range and at the very top of the brand’s performance offering, the all-conquering RS Q8 performance will be joined by a new RS Q8 model, 

“These new inclusions across the A3, Q7 and RS Q8 model ranges are about providing the greatest choice possible for our customers,” says Esther Choi, Audi Australia Product Manager.

“The inclusion of a quattro variant to the A3 range perfectly bridges the gap between A3 and S3 models, while the enduring popularity of the Q7 will only be further enhanced with the inclusion of these S line models with exceptional value and refined styling.”

“The introduction of a second model to the RS Q8 ranks is recognition that even in this rarified air, our customers have very specific needs and requirements.”

Arriving towards the end of the year, the new A3 TFSI quattro will be available in both Sedan ($65,8000*) and Sportback ($62,800*) configurations, joining the A3 35 TFSI models which arrived in April. 

Where the A3 35 TFSI drives the front wheels and produces 110kW and 250Nm of torque, with its 2.0-litre engine, the new addition adds another 40kW and 70Nm to the equation, outputting 150kW and 320Nm of torque and putting power down to the road through all four wheels. This puts the new A3 quattro model at the top of the A3 offering and just under the Audi S3 models in terms of its performance.

Hitting 100km/h from standstill in 6.3 seconds, the all-paw A3 offers up plenty of performance to match its quattro road holding and handling, riding on 18-inch alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke design in graphite grey which compliment the sharp new A3 styling and S line trim.

Inside too the S line treatment adds to the sporty feel with its S embossed leather appointed upholstery, electric front passenger seat, colour ambient lighting and auto dimming interior rear-view mirror. 

The new A3 quattro will also include the addition of 360 degree surround view camera, updated park assist plus which now assumes control of accelerating, braking, and changing gear when activated in the MMI, as well as updated traffic sign recognition and intersection assistant functionality.

Its arrival into dealerships towards the end of 2025 completes the A3 range for Australia, with these two distinct A3 models available in two body styles, as well as the Audi S3 and high-performance RS 3 models.

Stepping up into the full-sized premium SUV ranks, two new Audi Q7 models, featuring S line exteriors for the first time, build on this tremendously popular model range in Australia. With both a TDI and TFSI variant, the large, luxury Q7 SUV lineup now represents even greater value with the new Q7 TDI quattro 170 kW S line edition from $124,130* and its petrol counterpart, the Q7 TFSI quattro 185 kW S line edition at $112,415*. This represents over $9,000 of additional customer value, yet is priced at just $3,600 above their non-S line edition counterparts.

With their combination of even seats, sublime ride, thanks to adaptive air suspension and luxurious finishes, the Q7 range has long endeared itself to those looking for the best in the large SUV ranks. These new S line inclusions further bolster that offering with metallic paint or pearl effect paint (including S line specific colours of Chilli Red or Daytona Grey), 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke module design in satin grey with black inserts, black exterior styling elements and an S line exterior. 

The exterior includes black Singleframe grille treatment as well as front and rear bumper trims, window strips, mirror caps, roof rails, and the Audi rings on the front and rear all in black. The S line edition also includes interior enhancements, including S line door entry sills with aluminium inlays front and rear, and illuminated S logos in the front sills, as well as interior headlining in black cloth.

Still in the large SUV ranks, but at the outer edge of performance, a new RS Q8 model will join the RS Q8 performance at the very pinnacle of Audi’s combustion performance models. Priced at $230,9008, the introduction of the new model shows the very specific tastes and needs of customers at this end of the market.

While there are many similarities between these two high-performance models, it is the details that set them apart for enthusiasts.

Powered by the same twin turbo, 4.0-litre V8, the new RS Q8 outputs 441kW and a massive 800Nm of torque, rocketing off the line to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. By comparison, the RS Q8 performance delivers 471kW of power and 850Nm thanks to its different tuning. That’s enough to give the performance model the edge by a mere 0.2 seconds, 0 to 100km/h.

Both models feature the RS Sports exhaust system, but where the performance model comes standard with carbon ceramic brakes, the new RS Q8 uses high-performance steel discs measuring 420 x 40mm in front, clamped by 10 piston callipers in red. These giant brakes sit within a unique wheel design – a six-Y twin spoke design available in four different finishes –  including Matte Neodymium gold, Silk Matte grey with Gloss Turning, Metallic black fully painted finish, or Burnished Metallic black with Gloss Turning. 

External additions when compared to its predecessor also include HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and OLED rear tail lights.

At this end of the market, performance is measured in small increments, and the subtle differences between these two inspiring offerings will allow discerning customers of high-performance models the ultimate choice.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)