Audi Sport expands hot SUV line-up with RS Q3 Sportback

Audi Sport has expanded its range of performance SUVs with the launch of the new Audi RS Q3 Sportback coupé-crossover as its second high-performance SUV. It will take on the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 and BMW X4 M when it goes on sale early next year.

The new machine is based on the recently launched Audi Q3 Sportback, and shares the same underpinnings as the new second-generation Audi RS Q3, which was unveiled as the same time. That includes a 394bhp turbocharged five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine.

Along with the forthcoming RS Q8, it's part of a major expansion of Audi Sport’s SUV line-up designed to boost the performance division’s sales.

Product manager Carolin Krause said that the RS Q3 Sportback was aimed at a “completely new segment, for young lifestyle-oriented customers, who want performance and everyday usability.” Krause said there were no concerns within Audi about the new RS Q3 Sportback cannibalising sales from the standard RS Q3, adding: “The market is ready for these models, especially in the smaller segments.”

The RS Q3 Sportback features a number of design changes from the regular Q3 Sportback, both to stand apart from the range and to reinforce the links to the RS Q3. Design Matthew Baggley said: “When we designed the regular Q3 and Q3 Sportback, the aim was to give customers as much differentiation as possible, but for the RS models, we felt it necessary to bring them back together.”

As a result, both models have wheel arches to widen their width by 10mm (the track remains unchanged). They also get a customised front grille with a single-frame design. There are also sculpted air intakes in the new-look front bumper. While the intakes are designed to reflect the Audi RS6 Avant and Audi RS7 Sportback, they feature a ‘boomerang’ design that's unique to the two RS Q3 models.

There are standard LED lights at both the front and rear of the car.

The differences between the RS Q3 and the RS Q3 Sportback are more apparent from the side, with the Sportback’s sloping, coupé-style roof making it 45mm lower than the RS Q3. It also has a lower shoulder line, designed to emphasise the car’s stance. The RS Q3 Sportback gains its own rear wing design and a bespoke rear bumper and diffuser, designed to set it apart at the back and make the car appear even wider. As with the RS Q3, the RS Q3 Sportback features twin exhausts.