Audi is going more upscale! Those are some of the most recent statements we’ve heard from the officials and as a result, smaller models like the Q1 and Q2 will have to go, while the Q3 will become an entry-level model. The current generation has been in production since 2018 and the latest reports suggest a new generation to be launched in 2025. That means there is one more Q3 with internal combustion engines for us, which is a great thing to hear. Meanwhile, the 2024 Audi Q3 will carry on in the same way, without more important updates.
All this means that the next year’s model will bring a familiar layout. We will see a familiar design, which offers composed handling, a nice interior, and lots of tech features. There are two powertrain options in North America, both turbo-four units. On the other hand, the next generation is expected to bring a lot of novelties, including an electrified powertrain, although we already mentioned that the all-electric iteration will have to wait for some more time.
2024 Audi Q3 Design
So, the overall layout will remain the same for some more time. The current generation will remain in production for another year or two and we don’t expect to see more important updates in that period. So, expect to see a familiar styling, along with other technical features that characterize this small crossover. Unlike the rest of the lineup, this model rides on a smaller, MQB platform, the one that’s usually reserved for VW models. So, there is actually a transversally-mounted engine, along FWD-biased all-wheel drive system, different from what we used to see in Audi models. As a result, this model is slightly less capable on loose surfaces but still a pretty decent performer.
The same goes for the interior design, which will carry on with the same dashboard design, which combines conservative aesthetical solutions with nice materials and pretty good build quality. The cabin is well-equipped, and full of modern tech features, while the amount of space is typical for the class.
2024 Audi Q3 Engines
Things under the hood won’t change for the 2024 Audi Q3, so you may count on two variants of the familiar 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. The first one is good for about 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, the same one that powers the Tiguan. For those who are looking for better performance, there is a more capable variant of the engine, with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines come coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all wheels in all variants. Still, keep in mind that this is an AWD system based on the Haldex differential, a little bit different compared to other Audi models that use the Torsen differential.
With the base engine, the average fuel economy goes around 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is below average for the segment. The more powerful unit is even thirstier and returns around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
New Gen Scheduled For 2025
As we’ve already talked about, the new generation should arrive in 2025. If we take that the company’s plan is to release new ICE models by 2026, it’s pretty clear that this will be the final Q3 with gasoline engines. At this point, there isn’t much known about the next generation, but we expect pretty much an evolution of the current design.
In other words, the new model might get new aesthetics, but the changes under the sheet metal won’t be radical. Instead, we count on the new version of the MQB platform called Evo, which debuted a few years ago. This update will bring improvements in many ways, including advanced technologies, such as semi-autonomous driving, which is already available in the new, eighth-generation of Golf hatchback.
Audi Q3-E
The engine lineup will include some updates as well. The current turbo-four would probably come with updates, which would improve fuel economy and probably bring mild electrification. Still, the biggest novelty should be the introduction of the plug-in hybrid to the North American market.
That system would be based on the 1.4-liter turbo-four engine and offer a combined output of 241 horsepower. The system includes a 13-kWh battery pack, which provides 37 miles of the all-electric range, so we may presume that the Q3 will feature a slightly shorter range, or maybe it could come with a larger battery pack.
2024 Audi Q3 Release Date and Price
Before it receives a full redesign, this small crossover will remain in its current form for a few more years. The 2024 Audi Q3 will feature no bigger changes and, therefore, it should come in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 38.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus UX etc.
