Would You Prefer the New 2026 Audi Q3 in a Sportback Body Style?
The Audi Q3 subcompact SUV ushers in a third generation that is slated to launch in Canada next spring. As the German luxury brand's second most popular vehicle and a multi-time “Best Buy” award winner according to our team at The Car Guide, expectations are high.
The addition of a plug-in hybrid variant should attract more customers, too. On the other hand, the coupe-style Q3 Sportback unveiled on Monday is not likely to be sold here—similar to the previous generation but a departure from the larger Q5, not to mention the battery-powered Q4 e-tron and Q6 e-tron.
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This new model shares most of its features and design cues with the conventional Q3. However, as you can see, the roofline is even more sloping and devoid of roof rails, creating a sleeker and more dynamic silhouette. The full-width taillights with optional OLED lighting and the rear bumper with a faux diffuser are identical, mind you.
According to Audi, the Q3 Sportback is 29 mm shorter overall. Moving inside, the layout remains unchanged, unsurprisingly: designers have carried over the Digital Stage concept from the most recent models. The 11.9-inch digital instrument panel pairs with a driver-oriented 12.8-inch central touchscreen, the latter powered by Android Automotive OS. As part of the new steering wheel control unit, the lever on the left side acts as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers, while the new lever on the right serves as a gear selector, thus freeing up space on the centre console.
In the rear, the bench can be reclined for greater comfort or adjusted fore and aft to maximize either legroom or cargo volume. When folded down, it can fit 1,298 litres of gear, down from the standard Q3’s 1,386 litres. Trunk capacity with all five seats occupied is not specified, unfortunately.
Whether you'd like to have the Q3 Sportback model in Canada or not, let's just say that the new powertrain options under the hood excite us more. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine returns with output increased from 228 to 261 hp and torque rising from 258 to 295 lb-ft. Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid system delivers just as much torque along with 268 hp combined. With its 25.7kWh battery, pure electric range is estimated at 92 km by North American standards, beating out the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC.
You should also know that Audi engineers have reworked the Q3's suspension to improve handling, especially where the optional sport suspension is concerned. What’s more, the spread between comfort and sporty driving will be more noticeable. The Car Guide will get the opportunity to test drive the new 2026 Audi Q3 sometime in September, so don’t miss our review.
