► All the fun of a Q3, with a sleeker roofline
► Flagship-grade tech trickles down from A6 and Q6
► A highly-polished, hugely capable family car
Some cars are about logic, others about image. Audi’s Q3 Sportback leans firmly towards the latter. It’s the style-led sibling to the Q3 SUV, with the same mechanicals but a more rakish silhouette and lower roofline aimed at buyers who want their compact premium SUV to turn heads as well as haul kids and luggage.
The differences are all in the proportions. Its aforementioned roofline drops 29mm compared with the upright SUV, its tailgate slopes more steeply, and the stance looks tauter and sportier as a result. That sleeker profile inevitably eats into headroom and boot flexibility, but the payoff is obvious kerb appeal – this is Audi pitching at the same image-conscious crowd wooed by the BMW X2.
Should you buy an Audi Q3 Sportback? If you like the Q3’s strengths but prefer style over maximum space, this is the one to go for. If practicality tops your list, stick with the SUV. If you want to know how we came to our verdict, have a look at our how we test page.
At a glance
Pros: Distinctive coupe-SUV styling, long EV range in e-Hybrid, high-quality interior
Cons: Reduced rear headroom, smaller boot in PHEV form, average driving dynamics
What’s new?
Audi has moved quickly with the third-generation Q3, launching both SUV and Sportback bodystyles from the start. The latter isn’t just a marketing exercise: the Sportback is pitched squarely at buyers who want something sleeker and more fashionable than the regular Q3, even if that means giving up some practicality.
Mechanically, the range mirrors the SUV, with the plug-in hybrid e-Hybrid option being the star of the show. The Sportback is all about the silhouette – coupe-SUVs remain divisive, yet Audi clearly believes there’s a big enough pool of customers who will happily sacrifice space for style. Otherwise, just read the regular Q3 SUV review for the full skinny on the interior and engineering changes introduced in this new car.
What are the specs?
The Sportback e-Hybrid pairs a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with an electric motor for 197bhp, sending power to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. That’s enough for a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds.
The 19.7kWh battery allows a claimed 65–73 miles of electric-only range, impressive for a compact SUV, though you’ll need to plug in often to see the full benefit. Audi quotes 133mpg on the WLTP cycle, but expect around 40mpg with the battery depleted. Charging speeds are strong for a PHEV, with 11kW AC and 50kW DC capability.
Boot capacity takes a hit compared with the SUV. Standard Sportbacks offer 488 litres with the seats up, but e-Hybrid versions shrink to 375 litres thanks to the battery, expanding to 1196 litres with the rear bench folded.
How does it drive?
Don’t let the coupe-SUV profile fool you – this is no sports car. The Sportback e-Hybrid feels heavy, reluctant to dart into corners and light on steering feel. Traction can be an issue in wet conditions, with 197bhp fed through the front wheels alone.
Ride comfort is mixed. The PHEV’s weight ties the suspension down more effectively than lighter petrol and diesel versions, but sharp ridges still jolt through the cabin. It’s composed enough on a smooth A-road, but not the most polished in its class. The optional adaptive dampers do put in a good performance, though, blessing it with decent body control on tighter roads.
On refinement, it scores better. Engine and wind noise are well suppressed, and only tyre roar across coarse surfaces betrays its more affordable status within the Audi range. For most buyers, it will feel quiet and civilised – just don’t expect thrills – and don’t be led to believe it’s any sportier than the SUV. It isn’t.
What about the interior?
Audi cabins set the tone for this class, and the Sportback largely delivers on quality. Materials feel expensive, the 12.8-inch infotainment set-up is crisp, and the driving position is spot on. Existing customers will notice the new steering column-mounted module for the indicators and wipers, as well as the drive selector, which has been moved from between the seats. They work well, although until you’re used to them, you’ll conclude it’s change for change’s sake.
But the design-led body shape brings clear compromises. Rear headroom is tighter than in the SUV, and taller passengers will brush the roof lining. The sloping tailgate also makes the boot less useful – fine for shopping bags, less so for bulky loads. And in the e-Hybrid, the battery shrinks capacity even further.
It’s a classic form-over-function trade. The Sportback looks more distinctive than the regular Q3, but those with families or frequent luggage demands may find the SUV the more sensible buy. In reality the differences are marginal – but ultimately, you’re paying more for less.
Before you buy
Trims are the same as the SUV, starting with Sport and topping out with Vorsprung. The e-Hybrid sits as the technological flagship, though at a cost to practicality. Rivals include the BMW X2, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40 – all appealing to the same image-led corner of the market.
Prices start just north of £40,000, with Sportback variants costing a small premium over SUV equivalents. That still puts it competitively against BMW and Mercedes, so the question is simple: do you value sleek looks over extra space? If yes, the Sportback is the Q3 for you.
Verdict
Audi knows the Sportback’s appeal: it looks sharper, feels more fashionable and carries plenty of brand cachet. Yet the compromises are obvious. You get less rear headroom, a smaller boot, and driving dynamics that lag behind the badge’s promise.
For some, none of that will matter – they’ll buy with their eyes. For others, the regular Q3 SUV is the more balanced, rounded car. The Sportback is therefore a niche choice, but a well-executed one if image is your top priority.