New Audi RS Q3, 400 CV of power for the German compact SUV

Audi launched a new generation of one of its best-selling SUVs, the Q3, and at its presentation we had the chance to see for ourselves how much it had changed. Since then, we have wondered how long it would take the brand of the four rings to launch its sporty version, commonly known as RS. It has been a long wait, and even when Audi expanded the Q3 range with the Sportback version, we had to imagine it thanks to renders. Now, however, we can finally see the new Audi RS Q3 in full.

The essence of Audi’s RS models can be felt all over the Audi RS Q3, both in its standard bodywork and in its Sportback version, since it will be available in both body styles. At the front, the Singleframe grille drops its frame to create a sense of depth, reinforced by the glossy black finish and its three-dimensional honeycomb design. Together with a specific bumper featuring large side air intakes with boomerang-shaped details, painted to match the front splitter. The front and rear headlights come as standard with LED technology and, optionally, as is customary with Audi, you can fit Matrix LED headlights.

On the sides, the differences between the standard bodywork and the Sportback are obvious, as they are in the standard versions too, but perhaps the RS treatment suits the Sportback perfectly, apparently looking even more oversized. This effect is undoubtedly supported by the wheel arches widened by 10 mm on both models, which also hide wheels in several designs offered by Audi Sport, coming as standard in 20-inch size, although 21-inch wheels can be fitted as an option.

At the rear we find a situation similar to the front and side views: both incorporate a spoiler that stands out in the overall design to ensure correct aerodynamics, along with a specific bumper that includes a diffuser which also houses the two large oval exhaust outlets, one at each end. However, the RS Q3 Sportback clearly has a more muscular design than the RS Q3. Finally, the rear also features chrome details, as at the front.

Opening its doors, a Audi Sport welcome projection greets us, revealing the renewed, high-tech interior adopted in the new generation of the Q3, but with the necessary Audi Sport touches to add that extra dose of sportiness typical of the RS models. The RS sport seats are upholstered in fine Nappa leather with a honeycomb pattern and integrated headrests, with black stitching that can optionally be contrasting red or blue. If chosen, this colour will also be reflected in the stitching on the steering wheel, belts, gear lever and floor mats, as well as several elements covered in Alcantara. In any case, as standard, both the steering wheel and the gear lever are upholstered in Alcantara.

The inserts available as standard are in Race aluminium or anthracite, although black piano, black or carbon can be chosen as options, all contributing to a cabin that can be entirely black for the first time. This colour is also present on the frame of the MMI Touch screen, in a glossy finish. The screen is complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, which offers specific information such as tyre pressure, torque, power, lap times, G-forces and acceleration measurements.

In terms of mechanics, the Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback use the well-known five-cylinder engine, the 2.5 TFSI, but improved and optimised to be lighter and more powerful, increasing output to 400 CV and delivering 480 Nm of torque available between 1,950 and 5,850 rpm. This allows acceleration to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h, which can optionally be raised to 280 km/h. Its power is transmitted through an S tronic gearbox offering five driving modes, plus one more that provides two individual customisation profiles.

To keep all this power under control, there is Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, an RS sport suspension that lowers the bodywork by 10 mm (optionally upgradeable to the RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Chassis Control), and an RS braking system with ventilated and perforated steel discs measuring 375 mm at the front axle and ventilated 310 mm discs at the rear (optionally available as carbon-ceramic). Rounding off the package is an RS exhaust line that will delight you with the engine’s sound.

Both versions can be ordered from October, with a starting price of 73,950 euros for the RS Q3 and 76,050 euros for the RS Q3 Sportback, arriving at dealerships at the end of 2019.