Last updated August 4, 2026
The Audi Q3 starts with Premium and 40 TFSI Premium, the straightforward versions with Audi comfort and all-wheel drive. Premium Plus and 40 TFSI Premium Plus keep the regular Q3 look but add the parking, entry, charging, and cabin-lighting conveniences that make daily use easier. The sporty branch includes S line Premium, the 45 TFSI S line Premium name variations, and Sport Premium. Their Premium Plus counterparts combine that more athletic character with richer convenience features. Prestige and S line Prestige are the traditional flagship versions, while the newer standalone S line serves as a well-equipped main Q3 with updated power, screens, safety features, and flexible seating.
The Base Model trim level—40 TFSI Premium and Premium—is the straightforward Q3, built around all-wheel drive and the core comfort expected in a compact Audi SUV.
Best for: Shoppers who want the essential Audi experience without making extra convenience tech the priority.
Highlights
The Practical Upgrade trim level—45 TFSI S line Premium, S line 45 TFSI Premium, S line Premium, and Sport Premium—is the Q3’s more athletic-looking and driver-focused branch without the fuller Premium Plus equipment package.
Best for: Drivers who value sportier styling and feel more than added parking and cabin conveniences.
Highlights
Adds a sportier look and feel over the Base Model. The 45 TFSI versions bring stronger engine response, while Sport Premium adds sport seats and selectable drive modes.
105 in stock
The Mid-Level trim level—40 TFSI Premium Plus and Premium Plus—is the comfort-and-convenience upgrade for shoppers who prefer the regular Q3 appearance.
Best for: Commuters and city drivers who want easier entry, more parking help, and a richer cabin without the S line look.
Highlights
Moves away from the Practical Upgrade’s sport-focused theme and adds broader everyday convenience, including easier entry, parking help, wireless charging, and ambient lighting.
24 in stock
The Premium Upgrade trim level—45 TFSI S line Premium Plus, S line 45 TFSI Premium Plus, S line Premium Plus, and Sport Premium Plus—combines the sporty branch with the Q3’s richer convenience package.
Best for: Shoppers who want athletic styling or controls without giving up the useful Premium Plus upgrades.
Highlights
Combines the Mid-Level’s convenience focus with the Practical Upgrade’s sportier presentation. The 45 TFSI versions also bring stronger engine response.
37 in stock
The Top Tier trim level—Prestige, S line, and S line Prestige—is the flagship end of the Q3 range, known for richer presentation and the lineup’s more advanced cabin technology.
Best for: Buyers who want a small Audi SUV with the fullest technology and presentation offered for its era.
Highlights
Moves beyond the Premium Upgrade with flagship-level presentation and technology. Prestige versions emphasize navigation and premium audio, while the newest S line centers the redesigned Q3’s updated screens, driver assistance, power, and flexible rear seating.
5 in stock| Feature | Top Tier | Mid-Level | Base Model | Premium Upgrade | Practical Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | Prestige, S line, S line Prestige5 in stock | 40 TFSI Premium Plus, Premium Plus24 in stock | 40 TFSI Premium, Premium34 in stock | 45 TFSI S line Premium Plus, S line 45 TFSI Premium Plus, S line Premium Plus, Sport Premium Plus37 in stock | 45 TFSI S line Premium, S line 45 TFSI Premium, S line Premium, Sport Premium105 in stock |
| Lineup role | Flagship or newest main trim | Regular-look convenience upgrade | Core luxury and comfort | Sport plus convenience | Sportier entry branch |
| Exterior character | Prestige finish or S line styling | Regular Q3 styling | Regular Q3 styling | S line bodywork or Sport treatment | S line bodywork or Sport treatment |
| Powertrain emphasis | Newest S line: 255-hp turbo, AWD | 40 TFSI or regular Premium setup | Core Q3 setup with all-wheel drive | 45 TFSI power or Sport tuning | 45 TFSI power or Sport tuning |
| Entry and seat convenience | Keyless entry on Prestige; driver memory on newest S line | Keyless entry; memory on 40 TFSI version | Core comfort package | Memory features on 45 TFSI versions | Keyless entry on Sport Premium |
| Parking and driver help | Broader suite on newest S line; 360 camera on S line Prestige | Parking sensors or top-view camera; lane support | Adaptive cruise control | Top-view camera or parking sensors; lane support | Adaptive cruise on 45 TFSI versions |
| Cabin technology emphasis | Upgraded displays; navigation and premium audio on Prestige versions | Wireless charging and ambient lighting | Core touchscreen interface | Charging, lighting, and premium audio on 45 versions | Smartphone interface on S line versions |
They identify two power levels of the Q3’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. In the second-generation lineup, 40 TFSI was the lower-output version and 45 TFSI was the stronger one. Audi dropped the 40 from the U.S. range for 2025.
Premium is generally the straightforward entry trim. On second-generation models, it delivers the core Q3 experience with all-wheel drive, a panoramic sunroof, heated seating, digital gauges, and smartphone-connected touchscreen tech. Exact equipment changes by year.
Premium Plus generally adds everyday convenience and parking help rather than more engine power. Depending on the year, upgrades include keyless entry, a 360-degree camera or parking sensors, wireless phone charging, cabin accent lighting, and seat memory.
S line Premium mainly adds a sportier appearance. On relevant second-generation models, it uses sharper bumpers, side trim, badges, and larger wheels while keeping the Premium trim’s main comfort features and 228-hp turbo engine.
It adds convenience without changing the lower-output 40 TFSI engine. In the years these trims were sold, Premium Plus could bring a 360-degree camera, keyless entry, wireless charging, lane-keeping help, cabin accent lighting, and driver-seat memory.
Premium Plus keeps the same 228-hp 45 TFSI engine and S line bodywork, then adds convenience features. On newer second-generation models, these include a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, richer cabin lighting, seat memory, power-folding mirrors, and upgraded audio.
Not necessarily. On many Q3s, S line refers mainly to sport-styled bumpers, side trim, badges, and larger wheels. Engine strength is identified separately by names such as 40 TFSI or 45 TFSI. The redesigned 2026 S line is the sole trim and has 255 hp.
Sport Premium is a first-generation trim with a more driver-focused feel. It adds sport seats, selectable drive modes, a flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles, 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, and a power liftgate.
Sport Premium Plus combines the Sport trim’s seats, steering wheel, drive modes, and larger wheels with extra upscale and safety equipment. Its additions include full LED lighting and blind-spot monitoring, while both use the same 200-hp turbo engine.
Audi changed the trim ladder over time. Prestige marked the top version of the first-generation Q3 and returned as S line Prestige for 2020. Later second-generation lineups used Premium Plus as the main feature-rich step above Premium.
A Premium Plus model is the most useful target for parking help. Depending on the year, it adds front and rear parking sensors or a 360-degree camera that shows the area around the SUV. Check the specific vehicle because equipment changed over time.
For second-generation shopping, look for a 45 TFSI trim rather than a 40 TFSI. The redesigned 2026 Q3 has a stronger 255-hp engine, but its only U.S. trim is S line, so there is no higher-output trim within that year’s range.