Presentation of the Audi Q3 Sportback: flat at the rear

In June, Audi presented the new Q3, now followed by the Q3 Sportback, a variant with a flat rear window that is marketed as an SUV coupé.

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Audi Q3 Sportback 2025

(Image: Audi)

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A double line-up should improve the chances on the market, and the body shape, in which an SUV is fitted with a flat rear window, seems to have a sufficiently large circle of interested parties. Such an offshoot is particularly widespread at Volkswagen. These models include the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, Skoda Enyaq Coupé and VW ID.5, now followed by the Audi Q3 Sportback, a variant that is only available with a combustion engine.

Of course, both Q3s follow a basic design line. Audi describes the design as even more emotional than that of its predecessor, and not without subtle humor. A sharp cut gives the rear a clear character, writes Audi. The authors even claim to have identified a reminiscence of the original quattro in the powerful blisters protruding from the front and rear wheels. Will this rather generous design be perceived in the same way outside the Audi offices? The reader is the only judge of that.

Audi Q3 Sportback 2025 (3 Bilder)

2,68 m Radstand, enthalten in 4,53 m Gesamtlänge: Der neue Audi Q3 Sportback ist nur etwas größer als sein Vorgänger. (Bild:

Audi

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In comparison with the Q4 Sportback e-tron, it is noticeable that space is distributed in a different way. The electric car is around 6 cm longer overall (4.59 m) than the Q3 Sportback with its 4.53 m and offers around 8 cm more wheelbase at 2.76 m. At 94 cm, the front overhang in the combustion engine is longer than in the Q4, where it measures just 85 cm. However, there should also be enough space in the Q3 Sportback. As in the normal Q3 SUV, the trunk measures 488 liters, with up to 575 liters when the rear bench is pushed forward. The differences between the SUV and the coupé only become apparent when the full amount of space is used, i.e. after folding down the seats. Even then, however, the difference is not huge: at 1289 to 1386 liters, the loss is only around 100 liters.

There are no restrictions on the engine range. Audi offers three petrol engines, a diesel and a plug-in hybrid. Customers who want a battery-electric drive will continue to be served by the Q4 e-tron. The plug-in hybrid in particular benefits from the model change. Audi is using a basis here that the Group has already been offering in various models for some time. We have already had it in the Cupra Terramar in the editorial office and can recommend it to anyone who does not want to get involved with a battery-electric drive. At 19.7 kWh net, the battery is significantly larger than in the previous Q3. Audi promises an electric range of up to 118 km for the Q3 Sportback.

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Audi has also significantly increased the charging capacity. A total of up to 11 kW is now possible on alternating current on three phases, and a maximum of 50 kW on direct current. At a DC charging station, the window should close between 10 and 80 percent in less than half an hour. This corresponds to an average net charging capacity of around 27.6 kW, to which the charging losses must be added. Among plug-in hybrids, this platform is therefore one of the fastest charging models.

The Q3 Sportback is to be delivered in Germany from November.

(Image: Audi)

Those who prefer the flat rear window in the Q3 will pay a lot more. At 46,450 euros, the base model is almost 2,000 euros more expensive than the comparable Q3 SUV with a steep rear window. A Q3 Sportback e-hybrid costs at least 51,150 euros. This should still only be seen as a starting point, even if at least a navigation system and LED headlights are now standard. But if the automatic climate control system is to have more than one zone, heated seats, a color other than white or rims with a diameter of at least 18 inches, the customer can pay a lot more. This is how business has worked for a long time, and Audi can probably hope that this will not change any time soon.

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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.