What Is New in the 2025 Audi Q3 vs the 2024 Model Year

The Audi Q3 remains the entry point into the brand's SUV lineup, offering luxury features in a compact package. The latest model brings subtle refinements rather than a complete overhaul, maintaining the Q3 position as an attainable luxury crossover with the signature Audi styling and technology.

 

 

Exterior Updates

 

The most notable addition to the new Audi Q3 lineup is the new Black Optic Plus package, available exclusively on the 45 TFSI models. This appearance package features a striking blacked-out aesthetic, highlighted by dark 19-inch wheels and black finishing on the exterior trim elements. The black treatment extends to the badging, roof rails, and mirror caps, giving the Q3 a more aggressive and sporty appearance compared to the 2024 model.

 

The overall silhouette remains unchanged, with the Q3 retaining its sharp exterior design that has been praised for its understated yet tastefully detailed approach. The distinctive LED headlights continue as standard equipment, maintaining the model's premium lighting signature.

 

Powertrain and Performance

 

Audi has carried over both powertrain options from last year's model. The new model continues to offer two turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engines, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive.

 

The base 40 TFSI specification produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, identical to the 2024 model. Stepping up to the 45 TFSI powertrain yields an output of 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of approximately 7.4 seconds – unchanged from the previous year.

 

Fuel efficiency ratings remain consistent with the 2024 model, with the base powertrain slightly more efficient than the more powerful option. The compact dimensions continue to contribute to its relatively agile handling characteristics, although the ride quality maintains a slightly firmer feel compared to the previous model year.

 

Interior and Technology

 

Inside, the new Q3 with the Black Optic Plus package features red stitching accents on the seats, complemented by carbon-look trim and metal pedal caps, for a sportier interior aesthetic. This represents a new interior option not available in the 2024 model year.

 

The Q3 continues to impress with its digital cockpit setup. The Technology package still adds a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a premium Sonos audio system. Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remains standard, as does Amazon Alexa integration.

 

One of the strengths carried over from last year is its generous rear passenger space, particularly impressive given the vehicle's subcompact exterior dimensions. The interior dimensions remain unchanged, with 40.0/39.1 inches (101.6/99.3 cm) of front/rear legroom and 23.7/48.0 cubic feet (671.1/1,359.6 litres) of cargo space with the seats up or down.

 

Safety Features

 

The latest Q3 maintains the comprehensive safety package from the older model. Unlike some higher-end Audi models, where adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are optional extras, the Q3 comes standard with these features. Other driver assistance and active safety features carried over include front and rear automatic emergency braking, side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams.

 

Trim Comparison

 

Both model years offer the same trim structure with the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI powertrains available across the lineup. The most significant difference for this year is the addition of the Black Optic Plus package as an option for the 45 TFSI models, providing a distinctive appearance upgrade not available last year.

 

5 Facts About the 2025 Audi Q3

 

• The back seat offers more legroom than some competitors in the luxury subcompact SUV segment, despite its compact exterior footprint.

 

• The Black Optic Plus package represents the first time Audi has offered red contrast stitching in the interior.

 

• Despite being the entry-level SUV in the Audi lineup, the Q3 comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive across all trim levels, unlike some competitors who offer AWD as an option.

 

• The cargo capacity can expand from 671 litres to over 1,359 litres with the rear seats folded, making it surprisingly practical for its size class.

 

• The Audi Q3 maintains the traditional combustion engine approach while many of its stablemates have moved to electric or hybrid powertrains in the brand's e-tron lineup.

 

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Audi Q3

 

What is the most significant change for the Audi Q3?

 

• The most significant addition is the new Black Optic Plus package for 45 TFSI models, featuring blacked-out exterior trim, dark 19-inch wheels, red interior stitching, and carbon-look trim elements.

 

Has the engine lineup changed for the new year?

 

• No, it retains the same powertrain options as last year's model, with 40 TFSI (184 hp) and 45 TFSI (228 hp) variants, both using a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

 

What is the acceleration time for the Q3 45 TFSI?

 

• It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.4 seconds, unchanged from the older model.

 

Does the new Q3 have more cargo space than the 2024 model?

 

• No, the cargo capacity remains the same at 23.7 cubic feet (671 litres) with seats up and 48.0 cubic feet (1,359 litres) with rear seats folded down.

 

What safety features come standard on the new Q3?

 

• Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, front and rear automatic emergency braking, side cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams.

 

Is all-wheel drive standard on the Q3?

 

• Yes, the Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system comes standard on all models, regardless of trim level.

 

Has the infotainment system been updated?

 

• The core infotainment features remain the same, with optional 12.3-inch digital gauge display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

 

How does the rear passenger space in the Q3 compare to its competitors?

 

• It offers generous rear legroom of 39.1 inches (99.3 cm), which is more spacious than that of some competitors, such as the BMW X1 (37.0 inches/94.0 cm) and the Alfa Romeo Tonale (38.0 inches/96.5 cm).

 

What transmission is available in the Q3?

 

• All models come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, paired with either the 40 TFSI or 45 TFSI engine.

 

Are there any new interior colour options for the latest Q3?

 

• The new Black Optic Plus package features red contrast stitching on the seats, a new interior accent option not available on the previous model.
  
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