New hybrid brawler incoming: 2026 Audi Q3 plug-in hybrid debuts with impressive electric driving range and performance to battle the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA

One of Audi’s most popular models is getting a modern makeover.

The big news is the Audi Q3 isn’t going all-electric, instead it will use petrol power with mild hybrid assistance and plug-in hybrid grunt.

Audi isn’t giving up on diesel either with an oil-burner variant confirmed for Europe.

The base mild-hybrid petrol, which is a likely starter for Australia, uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech and produces 110kW.

This is joined by purely petrol motors that make 150kW and 320Nm and a 2.0-litre unit that makes 195kW and 400Nm paired with all-wheel drive.

A 110kW/360Nm diesel engine caps off the internal combustion engine variants.

Sitting at the top of the range is the plug-in hybrid version, which pairs a petrol engine with an electric motor for a total of 100kW/400Nm.

This is combined with a sizeable 25.7kWh battery, which can deliver an electric-only driving range of 120km as tested under the benchmark WLTP cycle.

It can be charged at up to 50kW via a DC fast charger that can top up the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in under half an hour.

Audi claims it has done substantial work on the suspension to improve the driving dynamics and a smoother commute.

The Q3 sports a fresh face, with a big bold grille featuring lattice work design, big side intakes and sleek headlights with pixel LED styling. This is added to broader shoulders and a sleek side profile and curvy panel creases.

The Q3 will be rammed with active driver aids and hi-tech features, including a 12.8-inch multimedia display and a 11.9-inch digital driver display. 

Included in the new safety tech is the controversial driver attention warning, which uses a camera to watch the driver for signs of drowsiness or a lack of concentration. In other brands this tech goes off for menial reasons such as looking at the rear-view mirror or squinting into the sunlight.

The new Q3 will launch in Europe later this year, with an Australian arrival likely for the first half of 2026.