2026 Audi Q3 Sportback 'coupe SUV' unveiled ahead of Australian launch

The Sportback ‘coupe’ variant of the third-generation Audi Q3 crossover SUV has been unveiled with a dash more sportiness in return for reduced practicality.

Compared to the regular Q3 SUV, the Sportback has a roof line that curves down more aggressively after the A-pillar, and is 29mm lower.

Boot space with the rear seats folded down is reduced from 1386L to 1289L. Head room for those in the rear seats should be tighter too.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.

As with the Q3 SUV, the Sportback comes with two levers behind the steering wheel: the one on the left controls the wipers and indicators, while the unit on the right is the gear selector.

There’s a 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Android Automotive operating system with built-in Google apps and access to the Google Play store.

Optional features include matrix headlights with more precise micro-LED modules, OLED tail-lights, acoustic glazing for the front side windows, illuminated badges, laser-cut door trim with backlighting, a 420W Sonos sound system, and a parking assistant that can be trained to perform certain manoeuvers.

In Europe there will be five drivetrains available at launch: three petrol, one diesel, and one plug-in hybrid.

For petrol buyers there’s the front-wheel drive 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 110kW/250Nm, and an all-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbo making either 150kW/350Nm or 195kW/400Nm. The turbo-diesel is a 2.0-litre unit that makes 110kW and 360Nm.

The flagship e-hybrid setup pairs the 1.5-litre with an electric motor to make a total of 200kW and 400Nm. Despite being the most powerful model in the range, the plug-in hybrid requires 6.8s to reach 100km/h, 1.1s more than the 195kW 2.0-litre.

That’s likely down to its increased weight, and front-wheel drive layout. The e-hybrid 25.7kWh battery has a claimed WLTP electric-only range of 118km in the Sportback (119km in the regular Q3), and supports DC fast-charging up to 50kW.

Despite looking sportier than the regular Q3, the Sportback is often 0.1s slower to 100km/h than its SUV sibling, and uses 0.1L/100km more in WLTP fuel economy testing.

The standard Q3 will be available from October in Europe, with the Q3 Sportback arriving in showrooms from November. The third-generation Q3 range is expected to land in Australia early in 2026.

In Germany, prices for the new Q3 range are up around €10,000 from today’s car. The 1.5-litre Q3 starts at €44,600 (A$80,300) with the equivalent Sportback beginning at €46,450 (A$83,600).

Pricing, specifications, and drivetrain options for Australia will be announced closer to the local launch.

MORE: Everything Audi Q3