Khyati Sharma 2026-09-28
Audi India has commenced local assembly of the all-new Audi Q3 ahead of its launch in the Indian market. The new-generation luxury SUV is being assembled at the Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
The production milestone comes ahead of the SUV's scheduled India launch on October 16, 2026. Audi India had opened bookings for the new Q3 earlier in September, allowing prospective customers to reserve the upcoming SUV ahead of its official launch.
The Q3 continues to be an important model for Audi in India, serving as an entry point into the brand's SUV range.
The all-new Audi Q3 is scheduled to launch in India on October 16, 2026.
With local assembly now underway, production is progressing ahead of the market introduction. Audi has also confirmed that customers can book the new Q3 through the company's website, the myAudi Connect application and authorised Audi dealerships.
|
Event |
Date/Status |
|
Bookings opened |
46266 |
|
Local assembly begins |
46290 |
|
India launch |
46311 |
|
Production location |
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra |
|
Assembly partner |
SAVWIPL |
Audi India's official press-release page lists the booking announcement on September 1 and the local-assembly announcement on September 25.
The new Q3 is being locally assembled at the SAVWIPL manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
The facility is part of the Volkswagen Group's manufacturing operations in India and already has experience producing Audi models for the domestic market. Audi's India production operation has been based at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar site since 2007.
Local assembly allows Audi to produce the Q3 for India through the group's established manufacturing infrastructure rather than relying solely on completely built-up imports.
For India, the new Q3 will be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Reports on the India-spec model indicate that the engine produces around 201 bhp and 320 Nm, with power sent through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
|
Specification |
New Audi Q3 |
|
Engine |
2.0-litre turbo-petrol |
|
Power |
Around 201 bhp |
|
Torque |
320 Nm |
|
Transmission |
7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
|
Drive system |
Audi quattro AWD |
|
Fuel type |
Petrol |
Audi has confirmed the 2.0-litre petrol engine and quattro all-wheel-drive system for the India-spec Q3, while detailed variant-wise specifications will be clearer around the launch.
The new-generation Q3 receives a substantially revised exterior compared with the outgoing model.
The front-end design features a new interpretation of Audi's signature grille, while the SUV gets updated lighting elements and a more modern overall appearance.
At the rear, the new Q3 gets connected lighting treatment and a redesigned tailgate area. The changes give the SUV a more contemporary appearance while retaining the familiar Q3 proportions.
The India-spec SUV is also expected to feature 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on the variant and specification.
The cabin of the new Q3 receives a major technology upgrade.
The SUV is reported to feature a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display along with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. The dashboard has been redesigned around a more technology-focused layout, while the gear selector has been repositioned behind the steering wheel.
Other reported technology highlights include:
The exact equipment list is expected to vary by variant.
Safety and driver assistance are also expected to be major parts of the new Q3 package.
The India-spec model is reported to get Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera and auto-park functionality. These systems are designed to provide additional assistance during highway driving, parking and other manoeuvres.
The final safety equipment list, including variant-specific features, should be confirmed by Audi India at the launch.
Audi India opened bookings for the new Q3 on September 1, 2026.
Customers can place bookings through the Audi India website, the myAudi Connect application or Audi dealerships.
This means interested buyers do not have to wait until the October launch to register their interest in the new SUV.
Audi has not yet officially announced the final launch price of the new Q3.
The locally assembled model is expected to remain positioned in India's compact luxury SUV segment, where it will compete with models such as the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.
The final price will be announced closer to or at the October 16 launch.
Why Local Assembly Matters for the Q3
Local assembly is an important part of Audi's India strategy.
Producing the Q3 locally allows Audi to use the Volkswagen Group's existing manufacturing infrastructure in the country. It also gives the company a domestic production base for one of its important SUV models.
The Q3 has traditionally served as an important gateway into the Audi brand, and the company has said the new generation is intended to build on that position and help broaden its customer base in India.
New-generation Audi Q3
With local assembly now underway, Audi's next major milestone will be the October 16, 2026 India launch.
The launch should reveal the final variant structure, equipment levels, official specifications and pricing. Audi will also provide more clarity on the features and technology offered across the India-spec Q3 range.