We just got our hands on new spy shots of a nearly undisguised prototype of the new Audi Q3, offering a fresh look at the car. Alongside these latest photos, we’ve also gathered all the most recent details we have. On the lighting front, the new Q3 flaunts slim headlights with individual pixel-like segments, echoing the larger Q6 e-tron. These headlamps not only offer customizable daytime running signatures but also come packed with advanced lighting functions, obviously what you get will vary by trim. Moving further back, we can see evolutionary bodywork that features a mix of soft curves and sharp lines. More notably, the compact SUV appears to have grown in size as we can see larger third quarter glass. Other key highlights include a sleeker roof, a sportier D-pillar, and more pronounced wheel arches. It also has a distinctive rear end with a pronounced bumper and heavily stylized taillights.

While the prototypes seen so far are standard five-door SUVs, a sportier Sportback variant with a more aggressive, sloping roofline is expected to join the new Q3 lineup soon. However, it remains to be seen if Audi will bring this model to the US, given that the current generation never crossed the Atlantic. Spy photographers haven’t caught a glimpse inside yet, but the crossover will presumably follow in the footsteps of newer models such as the A5 and Q6 e-tron. If that’s the case, the cabin could feature an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster that flows into a 14.5-inch infotainment system. They may even be joined by an optional 10.9-inch front passenger display.

 

While engine options haven’t been confirmed yet, the Q3 is likely to share powertrains with its MQB platform siblings, the European Volkswagen Tiguan and the new Seat Terramar. This means a lineup of 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline engines, a 2.0-liter diesel, and two plug-in hybrid options boasting up to 268 horsepower and over 70 miles (113 km) of electric range. However, North American buyers will face a more limited selection, restricted to gasoline engines in both front- and all-wheel drive configurations. Alongside the standard models, expect a high-performance SQ3 and possibly the final iteration of the raucous 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder RS Q3, pushing around 400 horsepower, to join the range.

Audi is expected to unveil the new Q3 in the coming months, with a North American launch likely following early next year as a 2026 model. While it’s too early for pricing details, given the current model starts at US$ 37,400 and the latest BMW X1 is priced at US$ 40,950, it’s reasonable to expect the new Q3 to come in at around US$ 40,000.