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NEWS
May 21, 2026
The Audi Q3 series has undergone a full model change for the first time in six years.
Audi Q3 | The Audi Q3
Audi Q3 Sportback | Audi Q3 Sportback
Audi Japan has launched the premium compact SUV "Q3" and the premium compact SUV coupe "Q3 Sportback," both fully redesigned for the first time in six years. Additionally, the "Q3 Sportback Matte Edition," a limited-edition model of 200 units to commemorate the Q3 series' arrival in Japan, and the special edition "Launch Edition" were also released.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
A muscular, wide & low styling that blends SUV strength with coupe elegance
The Q3 series has been fully redesigned for the first time in six years. Models featuring a more extreme wide & low styling have arrived in Japan.
The exterior boasts a muscular proportion, merging the robustness of an SUV with the elegance of a coupe. Sharp horizontal shoulder lines extending from the octagonal Singleframe grille to the rear lights, and powerful blister fenders reminiscent of the first-generation quattro, create a striking form.
In the "Q3 Sportback" SUV coupe, the roofline, which flows downwards from the A-pillar, is about 30mm lower than the Q3, accentuating an elegant side profile while creating an even sportier silhouette.
The rear also features a clean design. The two-part rear combination lights are separated, with thin light strips sharply bisecting the vehicle's full width. The contrast with the gentle surface below creates a clean impression.
Furthermore, all models in the Q3 series come standard with red brake calipers to emphasize their sporty character.
Aerodynamics have also been improved, with a drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.30, and emphasis has been placed on acoustic comfort.
The interior has also been updated. A soft wrap design connecting the doors to the dashboard creates a cockpit that conveys a sense of spaciousness.
The "Digital Stage," a first for the premium compact class, previously only available on higher-end models, has been adopted. The MMI panoramic display, composed of the 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus and the 12.8-inch MMI touch display, features a curved design oriented towards the driver, enhancing visibility and operability.
Additionally, a new steering wheel control unit, the first for the Audi brand, has been adopted. By integrating the two steering column levers, it contributes to increased storage space in the center console and improved operability.
The right side of the lever functions as the shift selector, while the left side serves as the control element for lights and wipers.
The rear seats are highly versatile, capable of sliding fore and aft, providing a luggage space of up to 1,386 liters, 97 liters more than the previous model.
Two types of power units are available. The "TFSI 110kW" combines a 1.5-liter engine producing a maximum output of 110 kW (150 hp) and a maximum torque of 250 Nm with cylinder deactivation (cod) and a mild-hybrid system, contributing to fuel efficiency.
Additionally, the "TFSI quattro 150kW" model pairs a 2.0 TFSI engine with a maximum output of 150 kW (204 hp) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm with a four-wheel-drive system, offering a sportier driving experience.
All models feature a 7-speed S tronic transmission. The suspension incorporates a two-valve electronic damping control system, previously found mainly in high-performance models, marking its first introduction in a premium compact SUV.
The two-valve structure allows for shorter and more precise control of damping force. The independent oil chamber structure and check valves optimize the oil flow, achieving both high responsiveness and smoothness.
This type of shock absorber is the second application for the Audi brand, following the Audi e-tron GT, indicating the significant effort Audi's development team has put into the Q3 series.
The Digital Matrix LED headlights, standard on the "TFSI quattro 150kW," feature 25,600 micro-LEDs in a 13mm wide module, significantly enhancing illumination performance and visibility. Audi states that this new micro-LED technology achieves unprecedented high-resolution lighting and advanced personalization.
For example, the Coming Home/Leaving Home function projects animations onto the front of the vehicle upon departure and arrival, and the Orientation Light projects two lines onto the road to assist with lane-centering. These features contribute to communication and safety.
Prices are as follows: "Q3 TFSI 110kW" at 5.5 million yen, "Q3 TFSI quattro 150kW" at 6.07 million yen, "Q3 Sportback TFSI 110kW" at 5.71 million yen, and "Q3 Sportback TFSI quattro 150kW" at 6.28 million yen.
Limited editions and launch editions to commemorate their arrival in Japan
The "Q3 Sportback Matte Edition," a limited model of 200 units, is based on the "TFSI quattro 150kW." It features Madiera Brown metallic matte, a rare genuine matte paint typically only available through Audi exclusive.
It also comes equipped with the S line package, the Dark Audi Rings & Black styling package, and Audi Sport aluminum wheels, completing its sharp styling. The price is 7.78 million yen.
In addition, special edition "Launch Editions" are available for both the Q3 and Q3 Sportback.
Both are based on the "TFSI 110kW" and are offered in exclusive Arrow Grey pearl effect, as well as Tambora Gray metallic and Glacier White metallic. All are combined with a contrasting paint that emphasizes their SUV-like robustness.
They are fitted with Audi Sport 19-inch five-arm dynamic silk matte gray polished aluminum wheels. The Digital Matrix LED headlights, privacy glass, and sport seats with Impuls cloth interior contribute to their sporty presence.
The "Launch Edition" is priced at 6.36 million yen for the Q3 and 6.57 million yen for the Q3 Sportback.
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To learn more about the Audi Q3 / Q3 Sportback
Q. What is the positioning of the new Q3 series for Audi?
Since its introduction in 2011, the first generation has sold over 2 million units worldwide, making it a bestseller in the premium compact segment. This model has now evolved into its third generation. This popular model, which has been a favorite for over a decade, now boasts significant advancements in design, digital functionality, and efficiency, with its first full model change in Japan in approximately six years.
Q. Are there any assistance features for drivers who struggle with parking?
Park Assist Pro supports parking through two approaches: memory function and reversing assist. The memory function records a parking route previously driven, and the system reproduces it by taking over the driving operations. Up to five entry and exit routes can be saved, and names or icons can be assigned to each route in the MMI. The reversing assist automatically records the route during forward travel, and after stopping, it can reproduce the backward movement simply by selecting reverse gear and pressing a button.
Q. To what extent can the interior lighting be customized?
Multi-color ambient lighting is standard, allowing personalization of the lighting from up to 30 colors. The optional Ambient Lighting Plus adds an animation function to the laser-cut illuminated door panels, offering a more impressive interior ambiance. Furthermore, four patterns of digital light signatures for the Digital Matrix LED headlights can be selected via MMI, allowing the exterior's expression to be customized to personal preference.