The Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are powered by a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which puts out 400 bhp and 480 Nm of torque.
Audi Sport has taken the wraps off the second generation of the RS Q3 SUV and the first generation of the RS Q3 Sportback SUV-Coupé. As the RS prefix already suggest, these are not your regular Q3s but are performance focused RS models that come with several mechanical and cosmetic updates over the standard models.
This being an RS model, let’s start with what’s under the hood. The Audi RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback are powered by a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that also powered the first generation RS Q3. In fact, its also used in the Audi TT RS. The engine now produces 400 bhp and 480 Nm of torque. Power is up by 60 bhp from the first generation RS Q3 which had 340 bhp. Both cars can sprint from 0-100 kph in just 4.5 seconds and will go on to hit a top-speed of 250 khp. If you have the optional performance pack, then top-speed goes up to 280 kph.
Power is sent to all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox, with wheel-selective torque control to aid traction and handling. Also, the drive select system features 6 modes, two of which are bespoke RS modes accessible by a button on the steering wheel. Both the RS models sit 10mm lower than the standard models and come with sport suspension with Audi’s Dynamic Chassis Control as standard. They also get a specially tuned progressive steering, and choices of either 20- or 21-inch wheels with either steel or ceramic brake discs.
Talking about the design, you can immediately tell that they look far more aggressive. These RS models feature wider wheel arches although the track width remains the same. The face is adorned with a new grille with a single-frame design and the front bumper has been completely redesigned with massive sculpted air intakes. The air intakes somewhat resemble the ones of the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback but get a distinctive ‘boomerang’ design that is unique to the two RS Q3 models.
What sets these two RS models apart is evident when you look at them in profile. The RS Q3 Sportback gets a sloping coupe-styled roof which also sits 45mm lower than the RS Q3 and gets a lower shoulder line to make it look wider. The RS Q3 Sportback also gets a distinctive rear wing, a bespoke rear bumper and diffuser, all of which is supposed to set it apart from the RS Q3. Both the RS models feature twin exhausts at the rear.
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On the interiors, the layout is similar to the one you get in the standard Q3. However, there are key elements which sets these RS models apart. You get black leather and Alcantara sports seats, a bespoke leather-covered RS steering wheel with new paddleshifters and bespoke multi-function buttons. There are also some Audi Sport-exclusive options on the Drive Select and infotainment system. With a wide number of customization options, you can even spec your RS models with Nappa leather seats with integrated head restraints.
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With these RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback, Audi is further expanding its RS range of SUVs. We saw the RS Q7 some time ago and eventually, this range will be topped by the upcoming RS Q8 SUV. The Audi RS Q3 will rival the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 and the BMW X3 M. Meanwhile, the Audi RS Q3 Sportback is meant to go against the BMW X4 M.
