The third generation Audi Q3 has once again been spotted testing on Indian roads. The latest sightings come several months after the new generation Q3 was first spotted in India last year. The latest spy shots (credited to Autothrust) show the new Audi Q3 white with red temporary registration plates being driven on public roads. Interestingly, the SUV is completely unknown, giving a clear look at its exterior design.
New Audi Q3 Road Testing in India
Audi’s new design language is immediately noticeable at the front, where the SUV gets split lighting elements. Slim LED daytime running lights are located at the top, while the primary headlamp units are located at the bottom within large black housings.
A large singleframe grille dominates the front, while there are prominent black elements on either side of the bumper. Compared with the existing Q3, the new model has a completely different face and a more straightforward appearance.
The side profile retains the familiar Q3 proportions, although the bodywork has been completely redesigned. The spotted SUV has black ORVMs, roof rails and multi-spoke alloy wheels. Prominent wheel arches and a rising shoulder line are some of the other visible details.
At the rear, the new Q3 gets slim LED tail lamps as well as a light bar mounted on the tailgate. The illuminated Audi logo is also clearly visible on this particular test vehicle. The vertically positioned lighting elements extend down from the tail lamps, while the lower bumper gets a large black insert.
The latest visuals also give a brief glimpse inside the cabin. Although it is difficult to get details from the spy shots, the dashboard appears to feature the new digital cockpit layout introduced with the global-spec Q3.
The interior of the new Q3 has been completely redesigned
Globally, the third-generation Audi Q3 is slated to debut in mid-2025. Apart from the new exteriors, the SUV received a major cabin overhaul. Equipment available internationally includes an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other features include wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting, acoustic glazing and a 12-speaker Sonos sound system, depending on specification.
Audi has also moved the gear selector to the steering column, freeing up space on the center console. Higher variants in international markets are available with features like surround-view cameras, parking assist, adaptive suspension and an extended suite of driver assistance systems.
Multiple powertrain options available globally
The new Audi Q3 is offered with multiple powertrain options internationally. These include a 1.5-litre turbo petrol producing around 150 PS, a 2.0-litre diesel with around 150 PS and a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo petrol configuration. Quattro all-wheel drive is available with select variants.
Audi also offers a plug-in hybrid Q3 in overseas markets. It uses a 25.7 kWh battery pack and has a claimed electric-only driving range of up to 119 km under the applicable test cycle. It remains to be seen which powertrain Audi will choose for India. The current Q3 sold here uses a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and quattro AWD.
Expected to launch soon in India
Audi India has not yet officially announced the launch details of the third generation Q3. However, the launch is expected to happen before Diwali 2026. Like the outgoing model, the new-gen Q3 may be assembled locally at Audi’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar facility in Maharashtra.
The new Q3 could help Audi regain its footing in India
The new Q3 will also arrive at an important time for Audi India. The German luxury carmaker has lagged far behind its primary rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of sales in the Indian market. While all three brands have been established in India for many years, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have led the way with stronger volumes and a wider influx of new and updated products.
The third generation Q3 will primarily compete with the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. As demand for luxury SUVs remains a significant part of overall premium car sales, the new Q3 could be a significant volume contributor for Audi India.
