Does The New Audi Q3 Base Model Look Posh Enough to Earn Its Badge?

The new Q3 hasn’t even been announced yet for the United States, but you can already virtually build the compact luxury crossover in its domestic market. Audi has fired up the online configurator tool in Germany, revealing the base model. As you can see from the screenshots we captured from the website, it looks far less sophisticated than the press images released a few days ago.

That makes sense. Automakers always put their best foot forward when launching a new car, typically showcasing the most expensive version available. This 2026 Audi Q3 with zero options is far less desirable once you strip away the S Line goodies and all the other extras. Without ticking any boxes on the options list, German buyers must fork out €44,600 ($52,000). It’s a hefty sum for an entry-level configuration, but keep in mind that 19% of that price is due to the value-added tax (VAT).

So, what do you get on a zero-option Q3? Arkona White is the only paint color Audi includes for “free.” Those basic-looking 17-inch wheels with 235/60 tires will have to suffice unless you’re willing to upgrade to alloys up to 20 inches. While even the standard headlights are full-LED, they appear rather plain. The matrix setup, featuring the 23-segment checkered flag motif seen in the official images, is replaced by a simpler design consisting of rectangles.

Around back, the base Q3 has simple taillights that skip OLED tech and the wide light bar, and the Four Rings logo doesn’t light up either. The honeycomb pattern on the rear bumper of higher trims is also gone, leaving you with a sea of plastic. At least there are no fake exhaust tips, as Audi has pledged to use the real thing forward, acknowledging the widespread disapproval of the faux ones. However, the new Q3 hides the exhaust tip underneath the bumper, though we imagine future SQ3 and RS Q3 hot versions will flaunt theirs.

Unsurprisingly, the interior also looks underwhelming without the silver and metallic accents. The base Q3 loses the ambient lighting and the flat-bottomed steering wheel. Audi wraps the seats in cloth, but at least retains the 40:20:40 split rear bench, even on the most basic configuration.

Another plus: the dashboard has a normal look, unlike other new base models from Ingolstadt that skip the passenger display. Cars like the latest A5 and A6 use the same dashboard, regardless of whether the optional screen is selected. When it’s not, a piece of blank plastic juts out from the passenger side, constantly reminding you of the missing feature.

Speaking of screens, Audi fits all Q3 versions with the same 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.8-inch infotainment system, so you’re not stuck with smaller displays. However, the bezels are much thicker than we’d expect for a 2025 car. Sadly, even the base Q3 gets touch-sensitive keys on the steering wheel.

The Q3 ushers in a newly developed unified stalk on the left side that handles both windshield wiper and turn signal controls, positioned above a separate stalk for adaptive cruise control. This reorganized layout clears space on the right for the gear selector, making room on the center console for features like cupholders and the wireless smartphone charging tray.

We imagine the US-bound Q3 won’t be as decontented as its German counterpart, since luxury brands typically prefer to sell better-equipped versions in America.