Audi India has released the first teasers of the new-generation Audi Q3, signalling that one of the brand's most important SUVs is preparing to return in an all-new form. The teaser campaign went live on August 17 with two deliberately brief messages: “Designed to keep you curious. Almost Here” and “We've shown enough. For now. Arriving Soon.” Audi has stopped short of revealing the full India-spec SUV or announcing prices, but the campaign confirms that the third-generation Q3 is now approaching its Indian debut. The timing matters because the Q3 sits at the entry end of Audi's luxury-car portfolio in India. Audi India brand director Balbir Singh Dhillon has also identified the Q3 as one of the company's key products for attracting first-time luxury-car buyers.
The teaser itself reveals very little beyond confirming that the new SUV is coming soon. Audi India has used cropped images and short captions rather than releasing India-specific specifications, variants or prices. What we already know comes largely from the global third-generation model, which was unveiled in 2025, and from reports surrounding the India-bound version. The new Audi Q3 adopts a noticeably more aggressive design than the outgoing SUV. It gets a split-headlamp arrangement, with slim daytime running lights positioned above the main lighting units, along with a larger Singleframe grille and Audi's newer two-dimensional badge. At the rear, the global model uses a connected lighting treatment and a more sculpted bumper. Audi offers wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches internationally, although Autocar India reports that the India-spec version is expected to ride on 18-inch alloy wheels.
The changes inside could be even more noticeable. The new-generation model features an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.8-inch central infotainment touchscreen, creating a much more screen-focused dashboard than the outgoing SUV. The dashboard itself is angled slightly towards the driver, while Audi has also redesigned the steering wheel and moved several functions to column-mounted controls. For India, expected equipment includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS features. Those features remain expected rather than confirmed until Audi publishes the official India equipment list.
Audi has not yet formally released the India-spec powertrain details. However, multiple reports expect the SUV to continue with a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine producing around 204hp and 320Nm of torque. The engine is expected to be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with power going to all four wheels through Audi's Quattro AWD system. That makes the earlier 188bhp figure in some reports worth avoiding for the new model unless Audi confirms a different India-specific tune. Globally, the third-generation Q3 is available with a wider range of petrol, diesel and electrified powertrains, but Audi India's recent strategy remains centred on petrol and battery-electric models rather than hybrids.
This is where the reporting needs careful wording. Hindustan Times Auto has reported an August 25 India launch, while other outlets have also pointed towards an imminent unveiling.
However, Audi India's own recent business guidance points to a later commercial launch. On August 5, Balbir Singh Dhillon told Business Standard that the new-generation Q3 would arrive in the fourth quarter of calendar 2026, describing it as a festive-season product. Audi also plans to locally assemble the model in India. Autocar India similarly says the model is likely to make its debut between October and December. For that reason, the safest answer on the Audi Q3 launch date in India is that Audi has confirmed the SUV is arriving soon, while reports disagree on whether August 25 represents the full launch, an unveiling or an earlier stage of the rollout. Until Audi India formally announces the date, August 25 should not be presented as completely settled.
Pricing is another area where estimates should be clearly labelled. Autocar India and Hindustan Times Auto expect the new Audi Q3 price in India to start at around ₹60 lakh ex-showroom. That would be considerably higher than the outgoing model. The existing Q3 is currently listed at approximately ₹43.67 lakh to ₹53 lakh ex-showroom, depending on variant.
So rather than saying ₹60 lakh would be broadly in line with today's pricing, it is more accurate to say the estimate suggests Audi could move the new generation noticeably upmarket.
The final figure may also depend on variants, equipment levels and the extent of local assembly.
There is no official Audi Q3 on road price for the new-generation model yet. On-road pricing can only be calculated properly once Audi announces the ex-showroom price because registration tax, insurance and other charges vary considerably by state and city. For context, even the outgoing model currently shows substantial city-to-city differences. CarWale lists the existing Q3 from about ₹53.44 lakh on-road in Mumbai, while Bengaluru prices begin at roughly ₹54.23 lakh. If the new-generation model really does start near ₹60 lakh ex-showroom, its final on-road figure would naturally be substantially higher, but quoting a specific amount now would be premature.
The Q3 is more important to Audi than its compact dimensions might suggest. Dhillon has said the Q3 and A4 have historically served as key entry points into the Audi brand, particularly for first-time luxury buyers. The new Q3 is also expected to be one of the company's main volume drivers as Audi attempts to rebuild its market share in India. Audi's teaser confirms that the waiting period is nearing its end. What remains uncertain is exactly when Indian customers will be able to place orders, what equipment will be standard and where Audi ultimately positions the SUV on price.
For now, the new Q3 is officially on its way. The next announcement should tell buyers whether “arriving soon” means August 25 or a broader festive-season launch later in 2026.
Everything you need to know
There's no confirmed date yet. CarWale and Hindustan Times Auto point to around 25 August 2026, Business Standard cites Audi executives targeting Q4 2026, and News9Live (citing Autocar India) mentions October 2026. Some earlier reports suggested a launch before Diwali 2026.
Hindustan Times Auto reports an expected starting price of around Rs 60 lakh ex-showroom, roughly in line with the outgoing model. The final on-road price will depend on state registration and insurance costs, confirmed only at launch.
CarWale reports the new Q3 is expected to use Audi's 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine producing around 188 bhp and 320 Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and standard Quattro all-wheel drive.
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