New Audi Q3 Starts At €44K, But Our Dream Build Costs €75K

The next-gen Audi Q3 has quietly made its way onto the European configurator, and naturally, we had to check out what the most basic version actually looks like. Let’s just say it’s a far cry from the fully loaded press cars you’ve seen in glossy photos.

At the entry point, you’ll find the “Basis” trim. It’s no-frills and makes a pretty modest first impression. The most obvious detail? A set of 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky 235/60R17 tires. If you want to avoid paying extra for paint, your only option is Arkona White, which doesn’t do much to dress things up.

There’s no aggressive bodywork or fancy grille here, but the clean, simple lines still give the Q3 a quietly confident look. LED headlights are standard, though they lack the sparkle of the higher-spec Digital Matrix LEDs that add a bit more personality (for a price, of course).

Inside, the vibe is functional and straightforward: cloth seats, basic materials, and a layout that’s more about practicality than pizzazz. Still, credit where it’s due: even the base model comes with Audi’s sweeping new curved display setup, including a sharp 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen. Audi’s quirky stalk system is still here too: right for shifting, left for just about everything else.

Under the hood, the base Audi Q3 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 148 horsepower. It drives the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. No manual gearbox, no quattro all-wheel drive. The starting price? €44,600, or about $51,800.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Start playing around with the configurator, adding options like a bigger engine, all-wheel drive, fancy wheels, and interior upgrades—and suddenly you’re looking at €74,945 (roughly $87,000). That’s nearly double the base price.

All that extra cash gets you power, for one. The upgraded 2.0-liter engine delivers 262 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Quattro is included, and you get the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s the quickest Q3 currently on offer, even faster than the plug-in hybrid.

Visually, it looks the part too. The S Line body kit adds more aggressive styling, with a sharper front end, larger grille openings, and slicker mesh detailing. Our dream build added black exterior trim, 20-inch Audi Sport wheels, and finished it in a moody Sage Green paint.

Inside, it’s a whole different vibe, with sport seats in microfiber, a flat-bottom steering wheel, ambient lighting, heated everything, tri-zone climate control, and even a Sonos premium sound system. There’s also a head-up display and wireless phone charging with a built-in signal booster. Want to lean into the outdoorsy image? Audi’s got optional roof baskets and matching luggage boxes ready to go.

If you want to spec one out, head to Audi’s European sites—the German configurator is already live. In the U.S., we’re still seeing the outgoing model, but don’t worry, the new Q3 is expected to hit American shores for the 2026 model year.