India-Bound Audi Q3L Design And Details Leaked
Audi will launch the new Q3 in India this year. This time, the carmaker is expected to launch the long wheelbase (LWB) version here. It is already on sale in China, as the Q3L. Details and design of the upcoming third-generation Q3L have now leaked online, giving us a clear picture of what to expect.
This leak is from China. Images that look like snapshots from Audi’s product presentation have surfaced, along with some interesting numbers. The new model will measure 4643mm in length, 1862mm in width and 1623mm in height. The wheelbase will stand at 2791mm.
For perspective, the previous Q3 that was on sale here, was 4,484mm long, 1,849 mm wide and up to 1,607 mm tall. It had a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. The Q3L will have a wheelbase that’s 111mm longer. The length, width and height have also increased significantly. These will translate to more room inside and increased cargo capacity. The SUV will ride on 19-20 inch wheels. The second-generation used to feature 18-inch wheels.
The new SUV will have a sleeker, more aggressive design than before. It will borrow heavily from models like the new Q5 and Q7. The new Q3L will have a split headlamp arrangement. The DRLs are kept visible whereas the actual MATRIX LED headlamps are concealed behind smoked glass. Each headlight has over 25,000 micro-LEDs and is claimed to deliver incredible illumination. MATRIX LED technology is widely considered the best all-around lighting technology.
One of the leaked images also shows the rear design of the upcoming SUV. It will look fresh and feature an LED light bar and OLED tail lights with six customisable lighting signatures. Additionally, it will also have a cleaner bumper design at the rear, with no faux exhausts. Higher trims may come with a subtle rear diffuser. There seems to be a strong focus on aerodynamics, and the Q3L could have a better drag coefficient than its predecessor. We will have to wait till launch to learn the actual numbers.
The Q3L will look modern and futuristic inside. It will come with a tech-heavy cabin. Expect to find Audi’s latest 11.9-inch digital cockpit and 12.8-inch central touchscreen powered by Google Android Automotive System, touch-sensitive controls instead of physical buttons, column-mounted gearshifter, cooled wireless charging tray, repositioned USB ports, acoustic glazing on front-side windows, and more. Overall material quality and finish will improve on the new model.
The Q3L gets two engine options in the Chinese market- 1.5L mild hybrid turbo-petrol and 2.0L turbo-petrol. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is offered with the bigger engine alone. Additionally, a plug-in hybrid variant is also known to be in plans for China. It remains unclear as to which of these will be brought to the Indian market.
When launched here, the Q3L will compete with models like the new BMW X1, and Mercedes Benz GLA. The X1 last got an update in 2023. Then, the third-generation (U11) was launched in India. In early 2024, the second-generation GLA got a facelift here. The Q3L could potentially become a more modern and larger alternative to these.
In recent years, we have seen many carmakers launch Chinese spec cars in India, particularly in the luxury and premium segments. These can either be the same spec or those that are heavily derived from Chinese counterparts. This is because of the fact that the consumer preferences of India now closely resembles those of China, in these segments. It makes more sense for global automakers to launch Chinese-spec models here than European ones.
The Q3L is a product of Volkswagen Group’s joint venture with FAW Group, in China. If launched in India, it will address concerns around rear-row room and comfort, which many buyers had about the previous generation Q3.