- Audi Q3 Basis trim starts at €44,600 ($51,800) in Germany, as seen on the configurator.
- Entry-level version features 17-inch wheels, thick tires, and durable cloth upholstery.
- Fully loaded models with extras can push the price up by €30,000 ($35,000) more.
Even for a mainstream model like the Audi Q3, it’s worth taking a closer look at how the base version compares to the polished, fully-optioned examples featured in press photos. As it turns out, the gap is wider than you might expect.
The new-generation Audi Q3 was quietly added to the European online configurator, so naturally, we took a look at what the entry-level model actually looks like. Compared to the rich, option-loaded version featured in Audi’s promotional materials, the cheapest configuration is noticeably stripped back.
Called the “Basis” trim, the most affordable Q3 cuts a modest figure. The standout detail, and not in a flattering way, is the set of 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/60R17 tires that wouldn’t look out of place on a delivery van. The only exterior paint that doesn’t cost extra is Arkona White, which doesn’t do much to elevate the look.
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Even so, the standard bodykit holds up surprisingly well. It lacks the sharper detailing of the S Line package, but the clean lines give it a solid, understated presence. Standard LED headlights are included, although the design isn’t quite as sophisticated as the available Digital Matrix LED units, which bring more personality if you’re willing to pay for it.
Interior Surprises in the Entry Model
Step inside, and you’ll find basic cloth seats and a functional, if no-frills, layout. What’s surprising is that Audi hasn’t cut corners with the screens. The entry-level Q3 still features the curved panoramic digital cockpit, which includes an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment display, technology that was front and center in the high-spec press models.
Audi has also retained its unconventional stalk setup: the right stalk manages gear shifts, while the left combines turn signals, lighting, and wipers.
Audi Deutschland
According to the German configurator, the base model, equipped with a 1.5-liter TFSI gasoline engine, is priced at €44,600 (around $51,800). It produces 148 horsepower (110 kW or 150 PS) and drives the front wheels via a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic. There’s no manual transmission option and no all-wheel drive at this level.
From The Cheapest To The Most Expensive
To see how close we could get to the fully spec’d version shown in press images, we configured a much more expensive Audi Q3. By the time we were done adding equipment, the price had ballooned to €74,945 (about $87,000), with roughly €15,000 ($17,400) in options alone. That’s a €30,000 ($35,000) jump from the base version.
What do you get for all that extra cash? First, a lot more power. This build uses a 2.0-liter TFSI engine good for 262 hp (195 kW or 265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque. It also comes standard with quattro all-wheel drive and the same seven-speed S Tronic transmission. Currently, this is the fastest Q3 configuration, as even the slightly more powerful plug-in hybrid is slower in real-world acceleration. Audi hasn’t yet confirmed whether an RS Q3 successor is in the works.
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Visually, the S Line bodykit gives the SUV a sharper edge, thanks to more aggressive bumpers, larger grille openings, and a different mesh pattern. It’s standard with the 110 TFSI, but our build added black exterior trim and the Dynamic package for an even sportier look. Sage Green paint and 20-inch Audi Sport wheels wrapped in 255/40R20 tires help complete the transformation.
Tech, Comfort, and a Few Extras
The interior in this configuration looks and feels significantly more premium. It comes with microfiber sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, ambient lighting, and most of Audi’s tech features. Additional upgrades include tri-zone climate control, heated seats, a wireless charging pad with mobile antenna coupling, a head-up display, and a Sonos premium audio system.
And for those who really want to lean into the lifestyle branding, Audi offers extras like a Dakar-style roof basket or one of several matching luggage boxes, all available through the accessories catalog.
If you want to create your own Audi Q3, you can visit Audi websites in Europe, including the German configurator we tried. As for the US site, this still has the previous generation of the Q3, with the new one expected to arrive for the 2026 model year.
