Audi’s Smallest Crossover Is Ready To Hit The Big Leagues

Audi’s X1 Alternative Is Aging

The Audi Q3 crossover is a fine alternative to the likes of the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, but it could do with some improvement. The current generation has been on sale since 2019, so it’s getting a little long in the tooth, especially since the X1 was renewed in 2023. Fortunately, Audi is ready to introduce the new model, with two new teaser images whtting our appetites for the big reveal next week. So what do we know so far?

More Technology, More Space

The teasers reveal a tautly sculpted body with strong character lines in all the right places. We can also see a very slim lighting unit housing the daytime running lights, and based on the teaser, it seems that these DRL units will be able to adjust the design of their graphics, like other new Audi models such as the 2026 A6 sedan.

The same is to be expected for the taillights. Lower down on the front fascia, the actual headlight housings are sited, which means that the Q3 will adopt the styling tropes of bigger models. Speaking of bigger, spy shots indicate that the body of the Q3 will swell slightly, likely approaching the dimensions of the first-generation Q5. We’ve seen this in other segments and from other automakers before – the third-generation G01 BMW X3 was almost exactly as big as the first-generation E53 X5.

New Audi Q3 Arrives Early Next Week

Inside, we expect the Q3 to adopt the expansive infotainment interface of recent Audi reveals, which should mean that the driver cluster and central infotainment display will merge to become one in a single-screen installation. We can also expect the center console to be cleaned up, with a smaller, sleeker shifter setup. Other major physical controls will be minimized, with most applications moving to the screen. That said, some buttons and switchgear should carry over for a more tactile experience. Sadly, a new steering wheel with a one-dimensional logo will be fitted, too. Those who have sat behind the wheel of a new Audi understand that this just feels cheap, but hopefully, Audi will counter this with improved tech, efficiency, and performance in other areas.

We’ll find out what Audi has planned on Monday, June 16, at 3:30 PM EDT, but we expect the closely related Volkswagen Tiguan to share its innards with the new Q3, meaning a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will form its basis. We’ll let you know all about it next week.