Audi is working on the all-new third generation of the Q3 and our spy photographers caught a camouflaged prototype wearing the production body and looking ready for its debut. The premium compact SUV will still be available with combustion engines under the bonnet, with the highlight of the range being the plug-in hybrid powertrain of the pictured prototype. At first glance, the Q3 looks like a smaller version of the Q6 E-Tron, thanks to the aggressive split headlights, the slimmer grille, and the wide lower bumper intake. The same applies to the profile with a similar greenhouse and toned-up fenders which appear to be free of any plastic cladding.

The tail looks sportier than before, with larger Y-shaped taillights that may deviate from the full-width LED trend. It remains to be seen if Audi will roll out a Sportback coupe-SUV bodystyle as with the outgoing model. The tailpipes are hidden from view, with a charging port on the front fenders revealing that this is the plug-in hybrid version. The interior is also covered, hiding its upgraded design and technology features.

 

The 2025 Audi Q3 will share its MQB Evo underpinnings with the 2024 VW Tiguan and the hybrid-only 2024 Cupra Terramar. The VW Tiguan will measure 4,551 mm long, with the Cupra Terramar being closer to 4,500 mm. This means that the next-gen Audi Q3 will likely grow in size compared to its 4,485 mm long predecessor, although the 2,680 mm wheelbase is expected to remain identical.

VW has already confirmed that the Tiguan’s powertrain lineup range will include petrol, mild-hybrid petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrids, although we can’t be sure which of those will make it to the Audi Q3. The plug-in hybrid – which should be considered a given – will combine the 1.5 TSI Evo2 engine with an electric motor, producing up to 268 hp in the Tiguan. Both the VW and the Cupra siblings promise an electric-only range of 100 km thanks to an 18.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, so we guess that the Audi will follow the same recipe.

The third-gen Audi Q3 is expected to debut sometime in 2024, six years after its predecessor. Production will take place in Győr, Hungary, alongside the closely related Cupra Terramar. Rivals in the premium compact SUV segment include the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, Alfa Romeo Tonale, and Volvo XC40.