Audi Sport presents the new edition of the RS Q3 and with the RS Q3 Sportback extends the product range to include an all-new model. The two sport compacts offer outstanding performance, athletic design and maximum everyday usability.
“The first Audi RS Q3 established its own segment. We aim to continue this success story with the new generation of the compact high-performance SUV,” says Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “With the offering of the all-new Audi RS Q3 Sportback, a progressive SUV coupe crossover, we are the trendsetter and are leveraging to the full the phenomenal growth potential for Audi Sport.”
Athletic: the exterior
The Audi RS Q3 and the Audi RS Q3 Sportback are synonymous with strength and outstanding performance. Virtues that are also reflected in the design. The Singleframe with no color-contrasting surround in the compact SUV creates an even sharper impression. The gloss black grill with three-dimensional honeycomb structure is inset deeper and directly into the RS bumper with its large side air inlets. The striking boomerang-shaped blades in the bumper are designed exclusively for the RS Q3. The RS genes are also apparent in the flat slits above the Singleframe radiator grille.
With its downward sloping coupe-like roof line, the RS Q3 Sportback is with a height of 1,557 millimeters 45 millimeters lower than the RS Q3. The rising shoulder line on the Sportback is set farther down than on the sister model, lowering the body’s optical center of gravity. As such, the body appears even more muscular and the wheels larger. Both Audi Sport high-performance sports cars underscore their performance aspiration with pronounced muscles over the wheel arches, which have been flared by 10 millimeters.
The rear design also appears very powerful. With the low rear window and the roof edge spoiler with RS-specific spoiler lip in gloss black, the RS Q3 Sportback appears even wider than its sister model. The low-slung roof line culminates in strong, flat sloping D-pillars. The RS-specific long roof edge spoiler in the RS Q3 emphasizes the pronounced forward thrust of the high-performance SUV and ensures improved downforce. The new generation of the RS Q3 comes for the first time with a dual-branch RS exhaust system with large oval tailpipes on both sides and chrome-colored trims.
Outstanding: the drive
Within the Audi Q3 family, the RS Q3* and RS Q3 Sportback** are the sporty flagships. The performance figures for the compact engines are compelling: five-cylinder, 294 kW (400 hp) power output, 480 Nm of torque, quattro all-wheel drive. The five-cylinder engine is a modern classic. Last year, Audi Sport received the sought-after “International Engine of the Year Award” for the 2.5 TFSI engine for the ninth consecutive time.
The power from the five-cylinder engine flows via a seven-speed S tronic to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive that distributes the power as needed between the axles via a multi-plate clutch. The wheel‑selective torque control perfects the safe and agile handling.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system influences the quattro drive and other components such as steering, suspension, S tronic, engine characteristic and sound. Depending on the selected equipment variant, there is a choice of five or six modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual or, as an alternative to the individual mode, the two new RS modes RS1 and RS2. Via the MMI the driver can adjust and save the two RS modes individually. Simply pressing the new “RS MODE” steering wheel button provides rapid access to the two new modes and allows the driver to switch between modes.
Driver-oriented: the interior
The athletic design of the exterior is echoed in the car’s interior. The emphasis on the horizontal lines conveys a generous sense of space. The air-conditioning control unit, the center console and the MMI touch display are tilted toward the driver by ten degrees – the entire cockpit is very much designed with the driver in mind. The engine can be started using the optional start-stop button with its red ring.
The architecture of the instrument panel with the Audi virtual cockpit in the RS design harmonizes perfectly with the operating concept. The MMI touch display with its high-gloss black glass-look surround slots in seamlessly as another central element. As an option, the driver can choose the larger Audi virtual cockpit plus with shift light display that prompts the driver to upshift when the maximum engine speed is reached. Special RS displays in the Audi virtual cockpit plus also provide information on tire pressure, torque, power output, lap times, g-forces and acceleration measurements.
Entry lighting with Audi Sport projection in the doors welcomes the driver and front passenger. RS logos adorn the interior on the steering wheel and the illuminated front door sill trims. The RS sport leather steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, including newly designed shift paddles comes with multifunction buttons that allow the driver to control the two optional RS modes in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. The RS-specific displays open automatically in the Audi virtual cockpit plus.
Generous: space concept and equipment
The new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are designed as fully fledged five-seater models and also offer maximum everyday usability for all their sportiness. The rear seats can be moved fore-aft as standard by 150 millimeters in the RS Q3 or 130 millimeters in the RS Q3 Sportback; their three-way split backrests can be tilted in seven stages. The luggage compartment holds 530 liters, with the backrests folded down the figure rises to 1,525 liters (Sportback: 1,400 liters).
Eight paint colors are available for the new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback, including the RS-specific colors Kyalami green and Nardo gray. Customized paint finishes are available from Audi exclusive. The standard gloss black styling package adds highlights to blades in front- and rear bumper, window slot trims and on the insert in the side sills. The customer can also order these items in aluminum look as an option. In combination with the gloss black styling package, the Audi rings and the RS logos come in black on the front and rear.
The RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback can be ordered starting in October 2019 and will go on sale at dealerships in Germany and other European countries by the end of 2019. Prices for the high-performance SUV start at 63,500 euros. The SUV coupe starts at 65,000 euros.
For the Middle East markets only the RS Q3 Sportback will be available in 2020.