2026 Audi Q3 brings micro-LED lighting technology and can be trained to park where you want it

---

The 2026 Audi Q3 will take the fight to the BMW X1 and other luxury compact SUVs with new technology that includes micro-LED exterior lighting, a new ‘steering wheel control unit’, and a parking system that can be taught different manoeuvres.

Audi has revealed its third-generation Q3 overnight, ahead of the model’s European launch in September and its later arrival in Australia sometime in 2026.

The Q3 was Audi’s biggest-selling vehicle locally in 2024, where it played second to the bigger Q5 in worldwide sales.

Rivals include the aforementioned X1, Mercedes GLA, Mini Countryman, Volkswagen T-Roc, and Volvo XC40.

Here’s Chasing Cars’ quick guide to the new Audi Q3…

Exterior design with micro-LED lighting

The 2026 Q3 will be offered with Matrix digital headlights featuring micro-LED technology that bring lighting functions tied to driver assist systems. First seen in the A8 limo, the headlight modules incorporate more than 25,000 micro LEDs that are half the thickness of a hair follicle.

Following another automotive trend, the headlights sit below daytime running lights – which are also now digital, featuring 23 segments that can be configured into different presentations via the cabin’s infotainment screen.

Digital OLED tail-lights (and four-ring logo) will also be optional, with a full-width narrow light strip standard across models.

The front end takes some inspiration from the brand’s electric large SUV, the Q6 E-Tron, though the Q3’s grille remains very much open in respect to its range of combustion engines.

There’s a significantly more athletic design for the latest Q3, featuring blistered wheelarches, a wider grille, and a generally sportier stance that’s complemented by wider tyres than the outgoing model.

The official images showcase a Q3 in a new Sage Green exterior paint in conjunction with an optional S Line black exterior package.

Wheel sizes range from 17 to 20 inches, with options including aerodynamic rims and Audi Sport rims.

Audi has released images of the Q3 ‘SUV’ only for now, with a more coupe-like Sportback variant to join the line-up once again.

The German brand hasn’t provided details yet on the new Q3’s dimensions.

Interior

The big news for the Q3 interior is what Audi dubs a ‘Steering wheel control unit’ that dispenses with a conventional indicator stalk and instead employs physical buttons for directional changes on a fixed left-side stalk. This stalk also features buttons and a scrolling wheel for wiper functions.

Transmission selection also switches from a conventional gearlever to another fixed stalk on the right side of the steering wheel.

The 2026 Audi Q3 cabin is dominated by a black upper-dash structure that incorporates an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster immediately ahead of the driver, and more centrally a 12.8-inch infotainment display.

As with the current Q3, the infotainment touchscreen is angled towards the driver. Audi references a head-up display, though it’s unclear if this would be standard on all models.

Physical climate control movements make way for digital buttons at the bottom of the touchscreen. 

This creates a cleaner, flatter centre console design that incorporates engine start-stop button, audio volume and track controller, cupholders, and a sliding cover that hides a 15-watt smartphone charging tray.

Options include a 420-watt Sonos audio system and an illuminated fabric door panel that expands the cabin’s ambient lighting.

Audi says nine interior packages are available, with the Q3 cabin adopting increased use of sustainable materials.

The flat-topped and flat-bottomed steering wheel with S logo and semi-perforated leather wrapping, plus well bolstered fabric front seats, points to an S Line interior.

The Q3’s second row of seating will again slide fore-aft to allow owners to balance passenger space and boot capacity.

However, boot space apparently drops for the new-generation model. While the current Q3 offers between 530 and 675 litres depending on position of the rear seatbacks, the replacement model’s range is quoted at 488 to 575 litres.

Drivetrains

Will Audi Australia import the next Q3 with the headline plug-in hybrid powertrain? The impending New Vehicle Emissions Scheme (NVES) might prompt the inclusion of a drivetrain that now brings a 19.7kWh battery that’s almost twice the size and increases the Q3 PHEV’s electric range from 51km to 120km (WLTP).

Far more certain are a choice of petrol engines, with options including a 110kW front-drive arrangement, a 150kW/320Nm ‘quattrol’ all-wheel drive, and a 195kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder all-wheel drive.

Europe will also have access to a 110kW front-drive diesel Q3, though this seems unlikely for Australia considering the current model focuses on petrol only.

There’s no news yet on whether the range will eventually be again topped by a flagship RSQ3. 

Driver assistance

The 2026 Q3 adds the ability for the owner to train the vehicle to make up to five different parking manoeuvres, up to a maximum distance of 50 metres. Audi uses the examples of difficult-to-access garages or car ports, and says the driver can jump out and simply watch.

Emergency assistance has been upgraded to have the ability to drive the Q3 autonomously to a safe stop at the side of the road if there’s no response from the driver.

Traffic sign recognition also adds more signs, including animal crossings and railroad crossings.