Audi unveils new Q3 crossover to take on BMW and Mercedes

Audi Q3
Audi

• The Audi Q3 made its world debut on Tuesday.
• The subcompact crossover will go on sale this November
  in Germany.
• It will be powered by a selection of turbocharged,
  four-cylinder engines ranging from 150 to 230
  horsepower. 
• Audi has not announced pricing for the new
  Q3. 

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Audi finally unveiled its long-awaited second-generation Q3
subcompact crossover on Tuesday. The Q3 will be the entry-level
crossover for the Ingolstadt, Germany-based luxury automaker’s US
lineup and will slot in below the award-winning Q5, Q7, and
recently unveiled Q8. 

It is also slated to take on BMW’s new X2 and the Mercedes-Benz
GLA.

In terms of size, the new Q3 will be 3.8 inches longer and 0.7
inches wider than the first generation model it replaces. 

At launch, Audi Q3 will be available with a quartet of
turbocharged, four-cylinder engines. Entry-level Q3s get a 1.5
liter, 150 horsepower unit. Buyers can step up to a 2.0-liter
powerplant that produces 190 hp. There is also an up-rated
version of the 2.0-liter engine that produces 230 hp. Some
markets will also get a 2.0 liter, 150 horsepower diesel option.

After the Q3’s market launch, a fifth engine option in the form
of a 190 horsepower version of the 2.0 TDI diesel engine will
join the lineup.

Audi

The base gasoline Q3s will be equipped with a seven-speed
S-tronic twin-clutch transmission sending power to the front
wheels. While a six-speed manual option will be available later
this fall. 

The 2.0-liter gas-powered cars will get the
S-tronic transmission with full-time quattro
all-wheel-drive. Diesel Q3s will initially be available with
quattro all-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual while the
S-tronic and front-wheel-drive version will follow after
launch. 

Audi has not announced which engine options will be available in
the US, although I wouldn’t hold your breath for the
diesel. 

Audi

The Q3 will also be available with the latest from Audi’s arsenal
of tech goodies including 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise
control, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 10.25-inch virtual
cockpit instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment
screen. 

The original Audi Q3 debuted back in 2011 and is based on the
first generation Volkswagen Tiguan, which itself is a descendant
of the Mark V VW Golf. In other words, it’s old. VW pulled the
gen one Tiguan from frontline duties last year and replaced it
with a new version built on VW Group’s MQB platform.  

Audi

The Győr, Hungary-built Q3 is expected to commence
delivery in Germany and other European markets in November. This
means the Q3’s US launch will likely be closer to 2019.

Audi has not yet revealed official pricing for the new
Q3. For context, the current Q3 starts at $32,900.