The Q3 is Audi’s most affordable and smallest SUV in India, competing with the Mercedes GLA and BMW X1.
Audi Q3 price in India starts at Rs 45.24 lakh, making it the most affordable SUV from the brand. Moreover, the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA rivals are significantly costlier, especially in their entry-level variants. It has a lot more going for it, but there are a few areas where the German rivals pull ahead. Read on to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the Q3.
Audi Q3 Pros
1. Tidy handler
Our Q3 review raved about its overall poised stance, as well as a planted ride at high speeds. There’s enough feel from the steering, and direction changes are smooth. The Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system further lends it a lot of grip and is quite helpful in inclement weather conditions. Notably, AWD is not offered with either the X1 or GLA. Ride comfort is impressive too, with meaty tyres absorbing much of the initial blow and the well-damped suspension taking care of the rest.
2. Comfortable seats, even for tall passengers
In addition to being underpinned by the space-efficient MQB platform, the Q3 boasts surprisingly large front seats. People as tall as 6 feet will appreciate the comfy seating position and generous headroom and legroom at the back. It can also be reclined for added convenience. But due to the short middle seat squab and high centre tunnel, it’s best suited for 2 people.
3. More powerful petrol variant than X1 and GLA
| Audi Q3 vs BMW X1, Mercedes GLA Engine Specs Comparison | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | Audi Q3 | BMW X1 | Mercedes GLA |
| Petrol engine | 2-litre, turbo, 4 cyls | 1.5-litre, turbo, 3 cyls | 1.3-litre, turbo, 4 cyls |
| Power (hp) | 190 | 136 (-54) | 163 (-27) |
| Torque (Nm) | 320 | 230 (-90) | 270 (-50) |
| Transmission | 7dct | 7dct | 7dct |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | FWD |
| 0-100kph (s) | 7.3 | 9.2 (-1.9) | 8.9 (-0.3) |
| Top speed (kph) | 222 | 210 (-12) | 210 (-12) |
The Q3 is powered by a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The quick-shifting unit sends 190hp, 320Nm to all four wheels, enough to hurl the SUV from 0-100kph in 7.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 222kph. Refer to the table above to find out how these Q3 specs are better than those of the GLA and X1 petrol models.
Audi Q3 Cons
1. No diesel engine option
Audi no longer sells the Q3 diesel in India, though it’s still available overseas. In contrast, both the X1 and GLA continue to offer 2-litre diesel engine options here. They also come in all-electric versions, another option the Audi Q3 lacks. For reference, the previous-gen Q3 diesel variants were known for being punchy and quick-revving.
2. The interior feels dated
Another area for improvement has to be the Q3 interior. The cabin doesn’t quite match the flash factor of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which makes more impactful use of features, for instance, ambient lights. The same can be said for the 10.1-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch driver’s display, which aren’t quite as vibrant or configurable as the competition. That said, Audi has tackled these gaps well with the new Q3, which is expected to launch in India by the end of 2026.
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