Audi India on Friday launched the third-generation Q3 at ₹51.99 lakh (ex-showroom), as the German luxury carmaker looks to strengthen its position in India's competitive entry-level luxury SUV segment.
2026 Audi Q3 Powertrain
Replacing the second-generation model introduced in India in 2022, the new Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 150 kW (204 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in a claimed 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 229 kmph.
The new Q3 is offered in two variants, Nova and Zenith, with the 2.0-litre petrol engine as the sole powertrain option. Bookings opened in September for ₹1 lakh through Audi's website, mobile application and dealerships.
The SUV is locally assembled at Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited's (SAVWIPL) Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility in Maharashtra. The company commenced local assembly in September, ahead of the model's market launch.
2026 Audi Q3 Exterior Updates
The third-generation Q3 features a redesigned exterior with a wider Singleframe grille, split LED headlights, configurable daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and a connected rear LED light strip.
The SUV measures 4,531 mm in length and 1,859 mm in width, with a wheelbase of up to 2,681 mm. It is around 40 mm longer than its predecessor.
2026 Audi Q3 Interior Updates
Inside, the new Q3 gets a redesigned, driver-focused dashboard with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The gear selector has been moved to the steering column, freeing up additional space in the centre console.
Other equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, powered front seats, wireless smartphone connectivity and a reversing camera.
2026 Audi Q3 Features
The entry-level Nova variant gets LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-speaker audio system and seven airbags. The higher-specification Zenith adds digital Matrix LED headlights, a head-up display, a 12-speaker Sonos sound system and nine airbags.
The new Q3 will competes with the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA in India's luxury SUV market.
Growth Strategy & Local Manufacturing
The launch forms part of Audi's broader strategy to strengthen its India business through new products and an expanded retail network.
Speaking at the launch, Balbir Singh Dhillon, Brand Director, Audi India, said the company was preparing a stronger product offensive, with three more launches planned as part of its growth strategy.
"Our next phase of growth is focused on a strong product offensive," Dhillon said.
Audi plans to expand its showroom network from 28 outlets currently to around 40 by the end of 2027 and more than 50 by 2030, with a particular focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
The company is targeting a doubling of its market share in India's luxury passenger vehicle segment over the next three to five years.
Dhillon said the Q3 had attracted approximately 26,000 customers in India since its introduction in 2012. According to a customer survey conducted by Audi, 85% of Q3 owners drive their vehicles themselves, a finding that influenced the company's focus on the driving experience and cockpit technology while retaining rear-seat comfort.
"For us, the opportunity is not just to sell more cars, it's to make Audi relevant to more customers in a bigger part of India while delivering the best possible customer experience," he said.
Meanwhile, Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, said the new Q3's local assembly reflected India's importance to the Volkswagen Group as both a consumer market and a manufacturing and engineering hub.
The new Q3 is the first launch in Audi's latest India product offensive, with the A5 sedan and flagship Q9 SUV also expected to join its portfolio.