Review: Audi Q3 Sportback 35 TDI 150HP S-tronic SE (2025)

What would sacrifice for a badge? Is there much point in buying a base model luxury car? At what point does cost cutting turn into an insult? Well the 2025 Audi Q3 Sportback puts all these questions to the test. Debuting for the 2019 model year, the Q3 Sportback aims to be a sleeker and sexier version of the monstrously successful Q3. How does it stack up to its rivals, the BMW X1/X2 and the Mercedes GLA? 

The Looks 

The new Q3 Sportback is just that, a Q3 with a more purposeful and sporting appearance. It doesn’t share much with the standard Q3 being lower, longer and thinner then its brother. In this “SE” trim, it does look rather muted with it being clear it can be a more beautiful car with the right changes. You have to pay for these changes, with the better looking “S-Line” trimmed Q3 Sportback starting at €53,850 compared to the €50,110 base price. It also adds some extras as standard with better LED headlights, sport seats and extra chrome for the exterior and pedals. I do think it adds enough visual appeal both inside and out that if your budget can stretch you should spring for it. If you’re going to the trouble of getting the Sportback you might as well lean into the design over money idea. 

With the “S-Line” option picked the Sportback begins to shine, especially when paired to some of the brighter colours on offer. “Progressive Red” is a favourite of mine but I do appreciate that it can look a bit vulgar especially on an “S-Line” equipped car. If you want something a bit more formal and classy then sticking to the “SE” trim and selecting the €1,047 “Mythos Black” as seen in the car pictured is the way to go. The “5-twin arm” wheels equipped to this Sportback match the classy look, with larger and sportier 19 and 20 inch wheels also being available as options. 

Compared to its rivals, the Q3 Sportback is both the best looking and cheapest option. From BMW, the X1 competes with the Sportback in price, coming in at €400 more expensive. Sadly it can’t compete on looks, looking more like a base model and not as sleek as the Sportback. The true Sportback equivalent, the X2, costs almost €10,000 more and still has a front end only a mother could love, although it should be noted it starts with slightly more standard equipment. Mercedes don’t have a coupé SUV at this size class and can only offer the GLA to complete. In classic Mercedes fashion it costs more than its rivals at a base price of €54,840. It isn’t as sexy as the Q3 Sportback but it does feature more creature comforts then its rivals, as I will now explain.

The Interior

Audi is famously stingy with options, but with all but one or two glaring issues the Q3 Sportback manages to have everything you would expect from a compact luxury crossover. The interior leather is plush and aluminium look trim lifts the look well. Dual-zone climate control comes as standard with an option for a third zone in the rear. You get physical HVAC control which is far better than the lower screen in the higher end Audi models. As standard, you get a basic version of Audi’s “Virtual Cockpit” that is mildly configurable and features incredible colour dynamics with dark blacks and crisp reds. The centre infotainment system is Audi’s “MMI” unit which works great here as it does in all new Audi products. The volume control being on the passenger side of the centre console can be annoying, with it being clear there was little thought paid to the right hand drive market. Head room is a little tight in the rear but the extra length helps with leg room over the standard Q3. 

Now, with all these praises and small annoyances aside, there are more glaring issues. For one, the Q3 shares the little plaque on the passenger side of the car with the little line where something would be if you paid more for an RSQ3, which isn’t even offered on the Sportback in Ireland. A more glaring issue is that you can spend close to €60,000 on the Sportback and still not have power closing mirrors, a back up camera or adaptive cruise control. The lack of power closing mirrors is the most egregious, although in fairness to Audi the base X1 also requires you to lean over and stick your hand out the window to fold the mirror in. The lack of a back up camera is also very petty. The €24,295 Volkswagen Polo comes with a reversing camera, the €50,110 Q3 Sportback doesn’t. 

The Drive

Powering this Sportback is a 2.0 TDI making 150hp and 360 nm of torque, labelled as the “35”. It’s hooked up to a 7-speed “S-tronic” automatic transmission that comes with a manual and sport mode. It is a tried and true engine that pulls well and feels strong. It handles competently and soaks up bumps well with being exactly as it looks on paper, a front wheel drive small crossover.

You can set the drive mode to “Dynamic” and gearbox to “S” and the car will become a bit more sporting with heavier steering and faster throttle response. It definitely feels more direct than other brands in the VAG line-up. Something like a Skoda Karoq for example feels way floatier even if it is a similar size and the same drivetrain. My recommendation for any person in the market for a car like this is to put it in “Auto” and cruise, it is much more comfortable and soothing in that mode. Again, thanks to its extra length and the detriment of not having any cameras in the car tested, the Sportback feels substantial on the road, feeling a class bigger than it is for better or worse.

The Verdict

As with all Audi’s, if you get the base trim you are in the Audi penalty box, but with the Q3 Sportback being the most well rounded of its rivals, and a reasonably priced option at that, it’s hard not to recommend it. Once you add the must-have options, you will be up to a €53,132 sticker price and for that you get a smart looking coupé styled SUV with a generally good interior and solid road holding.