Audi’s third-generation compact SUV, the Q3, is once again available as a Sportback, featuring a more elegant, coupé-like shape. The new model is available with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain from launch, featuring a large battery that delivers an electric driving range of over 100 km.

After launching the all-new Q3 a few months ago, Audi has now unveiled the equally new Q3 Sportback for 2026. It features the same design language introduced with the combustion-powered A6 and the recent Q5, including intricate lighting with a programmable light signature and OLED rear lights.

Only a small price to pay for beauty

The main difference between the Audi Q3 and the Q3 Sportback is, of course, the sloping rear end of the latter. The roofline starts to sweep down from the A-pillar, but the overall height difference is only 29 mm. The angled rear hatch gives the vehicle a more compact appearance and a sporty stance.

Usefully, no real practical compromises had to be made to transform the Audi Q3 into an SUV-coupé. The trunk maintains a constant volume of 488 liters under the parcel shelf, and an adjustable rear bench is still available to increase the volume further, up to 575 liters. Only with the rear bench folded flat, there’s a difference in trunk space: 1,289 liters, compared to 1,386 liters for the Q3 SUV.

Potent plug-in hybrid

Under the hood, the 2026 Audi Q3 Sportback offers a choice of mild-hybrid gasoline engines, a diesel engine, and a plug-in hybrid variant. Power for the combustion engines ranges from 150 to 265 horsepower, with standard front-wheel drive or quattro four-wheel drive available for the most powerful TFSI gasoline engines.

The Audi Q3 Sportback e-hybrid combines a 177-horsepower 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a 115-horsepower electric motor. Combined, the system outputs up to 272 horsepower, which is sent only to the front wheels. Performance is decent, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.8 seconds and a limited top speed of 215 km/h.

Thanks to its large 25.7 kWh battery (19.7 kWh usable capacity), the Q3 Sportback e-hybrid offers a substantial electric range: up to 119 km on a full charge. Thanks to 50 kW quick charging, up to 80 percent of the battery’s power can be recovered in 30 minutes.

From €42,000

The 2026 Audi Q3 Sportback is now available for order, with pricing starting at €42,000 in Belgium. That makes it €1,500 more expensive than the SUV variant. The plug-in hybrid Q3 Sportback e-hybrid is available from €53,400. The first cars are expected to arrive at dealerships by November 2025.