Audi unveils in the country this Friday (the 15th) the new Q3 and Q3 Sportback, arriving in their third generation with a host of new features.
Our test drive pushed the new model along a 200-kilometer route between São Paulo and Nova Odessa, and we could see that the emphasis on sportiness paid off with a notable gain over the previous model.
With its entry into F1 in 2026, the brand nails turning its already renowned SUV, with more than 2.5 million units sold worldwide, into a car that’s very enjoyable to drive, especially on highways, but also on urban stretches, thanks to the increased power of the 2.0 TFSI engine, now delivering 258 hp, 27 more than the previous version.
The strong launch is a highlight of the new Q3, which sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, a respectable figure even for lighter cars with sports-car power.
The SUV hits showrooms with a starting price of BRL 389,990.00, while the Sportback version costs BRL 399,990.00.
The new Audi Q3 also features the new seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, paired with permanent quattro all-wheel drive.
Externally, the front-end design draws attention. The Singleframe grille conveys elegance and appears integrated with the narrow Full LED Plus headlights that trace along the hood, blending into the car’s silhouette. The sides showcase a raised beltline and a pronounced lower groove connecting the wheel arches. At the rear, the taillights are linked, and the brand rings are illuminated in red. The wheels are 19 inches in diameter and come with 255/45 R19 tires.
With seating for five, the Audi Q3, in the SUV body, measures 4,531 mm in length; 2,087 mm in width; 1,601 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,681 mm. In the Sportback body, the dimensions are: 4,531 mm in length; 2,087 mm in width; 1,559 mm in height and a 2,681 mm wheelbase. The trunk capacity ranges from 488 to 575 liters (for the two body options), depending on the adjustment of the rear sliding seats. The fuel tank capacity is 60 liters, also for both bodystyles.
Among comfort features, the Q3 offers tri-zone automatic air conditioning with rear-passenger temperature control; the front seats are heated, with electric adjustability and memory function for the driver, plus lumbar support. The rear seats are foldable and sliding, providing greater flexibility for trunk capacity when needed.
The keyless entry allows opening or closing the vehicle with the key in the pocket, and also enables the tailgate operation without using your hands. The Q3 also features interior ambient lighting with 30 available colors, in addition to a sunroof. In terms of safety, there are seven airbags: front, front side, curtain, and a central one between the seats.
The tech feature list includes adaptive cruise control (ACC) with lane departure warning, Park Assist Plus which lets the driver finish maneuvers started, forward emergency braking assist, driver attention and drowsiness detection that monitors moments of distraction and issues alerts on the infotainment system.
The 2026 Audi Q3 will be available in Malpelo Blue, Navarra Blue; Glacier White, Tambora Gray; Myth Black, Sage Green and Progressive Red, all metallic, Arrow Gray, pearlescent, and Arkona White, solid. The cabin can be trimmed in black or beige.
From the first driving impressions, the Audi Q3 reveals that the recipe of blending sportiness with ample interior space and a trunk suitable for a true SUV may be the best strategy for an increasingly demanding audience. And with its entry into F1 in 2026, Audi makes clear that it intends to pursue this excellence.
