Khyati Sharma 2026-10-16
Audi cars India is scheduled to announce the prices of the all-new third-generation Audi Q3 on October 16, 2026. The luxury SUV has already made its India debut, and local assembly has commenced at the Škoda Auto Volkswagen cars India facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. The new Q3 brings updated styling, a redesigned digital cabin and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The new-generation model is an important product for Audi in India, where the Q3 serves as an entry point into the brand's luxury SUV range. It will compete with premium compact SUVs such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Bookings opened on September 1, 2026, with a booking amount of ₹1 lakh through Audi India's website, the myAudi Connect app and authorised dealerships.
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Specification |
2026 Audi Q3 |
|
India price |
To be confirmed at launch |
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Expected starting price |
Around ₹52 lakh–₹60 lakh, ex-showroom, as per pre-launch reports |
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India launch date |
16-Oct-26 |
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Engine |
2.0-litre turbo-petrol |
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Expected power |
Around 204 hp |
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Expected torque |
320 Nm |
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Transmission |
7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
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Drivetrain |
quattro all-wheel drive |
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Length |
4,531 mm |
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Width |
1,859 mm |
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Height |
1,623 mm |
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Wheelbase |
2,681 mm |
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Boot space |
488 litres |
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Assembly |
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra |
The third-generation Audi Q3 receives a substantial exterior redesign. At the front, the SUV features a broad octagonal grille, a prominent lower air intake and split headlamp styling. The updated lighting arrangement gives it a more distinctive appearance than the outgoing model.
The India-spec SUV is expected to feature digital Matrix LED headlights, pixel-style daytime running lights and a revised front bumper. Its upright stance, sculpted bodywork and prominent wheel arches maintain the familiar SUV cars proportions while introducing a more contemporary design.
The side profile features roof rails, body-coloured exterior details and 18-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, the new Q3 gets split tail-lamp elements connected by a light strip, along with an illuminated Audi emblem and a redesigned bumper.
The new model measures 4,531 mm in length, 1,859 mm in width and 1,623 mm in height, with a 2,681 mm wheelbase. It is larger than its predecessor, which should help Audi refine cabin packaging and improve the SUV's road presence.
The cabin receives one of the most significant upgrades. Audi has adopted a more digital dashboard layout, with an 11.9-inch digital instrument display and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The revised dashboard is paired with a new four-spoke steering wheel and a redesigned centre console. Audi has also moved the gear selector to a steering-column-mounted stalk, helping free up space around the centre console.
Expected equipment includes:
11.9-inch digital instrument cluster
12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Panoramic sunroof
Sonos premium sound system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless smartphone charging
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Configurable ambient lighting
360-degree camera
Powered front seats with memory
Paddle shifters
Powered tailgate
The exact availability of features may differ between variants. Buyers should check the final equipment list after the official price announcement, particularly for driver assistance technology, seat adjustment functions and lighting options.
The new Audi Q3 is expected to continue with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine for India. Pre-launch reports indicate an output of approximately 204 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
The engine is expected to be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Power is sent to all four wheels through Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, which is a key part of the Q3's premium positioning.
Based on published specifications for the new model, the SUV is expected to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.1 seconds, with a claimed top speed of approximately 229 km/h. These figures should be verified against the final India-spec specification sheet.
The turbo-petrol powertrain and all-wheel-drive setup are intended to offer a balance of everyday usability, highway performance and traction in varying driving conditions. Actual fuel economy will depend on traffic, driving style, road conditions and the final certified figures.
Audi has commenced local assembly of the new Q3 at the Škoda Auto Volkswagen India plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Local assembly is an important step for the model's India launch and could help Audi manage manufacturing and pricing more competitively.
The final ex-showroom price is scheduled to be announced on October 16, 2026. Before the launch, media reports estimated a starting price of around ₹52 lakh, while other estimates placed the range at approximately ₹55 lakh–₹60 lakh.
These are estimates rather than confirmed prices. The final cost will depend on the variant, equipment and any additional charges applicable at the dealership. On-road prices will also vary by city because of registration charges, insurance and other local costs.
Bookings are already open for ₹1 lakh through Audi India's official booking channels and authorised dealerships.
The new Audi Q3 will compete in India's premium compact luxury SUV segment. Its key rivals include the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Buyers may also consider other premium crossovers depending on their budget, preferred features and driving requirements.
The Audi's main selling points include its updated design, digital cabin, turbo-petrol engine and quattro all-wheel-drive system. The final comparison will depend on pricing, variant equipment, warranty, ownership costs and the specifications offered by each competitor.
The October 16 announcement is expected to clarify the most important remaining details, including the final ex-showroom price, variant names, equipment distribution and delivery timeline.
For buyers considering a premium SUV, the new Q3 brings a more modern interior and updated exterior styling while retaining a conventional petrol powertrain. Its local assembly and established position in Audi's range could make it a significant launch for the brand in India.
The final buying decision will depend on the price Audi announces and how the new Q3 compares with the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA on equipment, performance and ownership costs.
Wheels42 Verdict: The 2026 Audi Q3 brings a major design and technology update to Audi's entry-level luxury SUV. Its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, expected 204 hp output and quattro all-wheel drive give it a strong performance-oriented package. The official price announcement will determine how competitively it is positioned in the Indian luxury SUV market.
