The price of entry-level grades has increased since last year because only one grade is offered for the 2026 Audi S3 and Q3. The 2026 Q3 starts at $44,996 and features larger screens, more flexible seating, and tech features such as keyless entry and phone charging. The 2026 S3’s base price of $53,295 now includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge panel, GPS, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 15-speaker sound system. In the last few years, several cars, including the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Subaru BRZ, have dropped their base trim levels. This is because car companies are trying to get people to buy more expensive, fully loaded models. Some have changed their minds and brought back basic models, like the Ford Bronco, but Audi is not doing that for 2026. Audi is making the selection into just one model of the sporty S3 sedan and the new third-generation Q3 SUV. This raises the starting price but makes it easy for buyers to choose. The Audi Q3 is all-new for 2026. It has a 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine and a smaller body than the 2025 model. The 2026 model has only the S-Line Quattro trim, but the 2025 model had two trims, Premium and Premium Plus, both of which could be made to look sportier with an S-Line package. The 2026 Q3 S-Line Quattro is $44,996. That’s nearly $1,000 more than the 2025 Q3 S-Line Premium Plus and $6,301 more than the 2025 Q3 Premium. Audi, on the other hand, says the Q3 is still a good deal compared to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLB-class ($44,950) and BMW X1 (starting at $43,975). They also say it has enough features to justify the higher base price. The four-cylinder engine has 27 more horsepower and 22 more pound-feet of torque than the 2025 model. Plus, the digital instrument cluster has grown from 10.3 inches to 12.3 inches, and there is now a 13-inch touchscreen in the cockpit, which is 2 inches larger than the last model. The eight-way adjustable front seats are better than the old four-way ones because they have a memory feature. Along with the fancy additions like colorful mood lighting and an illuminated Audi logo on the back fascia, this car now comes standard with GPS, keyless entry, remote start, traffic sign recognition, wireless phone charging, and an acoustic windshield. When the S3 got an update in 2025, Audi chose to cut its lineup from three to one. The lineup stays the same in 2026. There is now only one version, starting at $53,295. This is different from the earlier ones: Premium ($49,995), Premium Plus ($52,395), and Prestige ($56,195). Even though this is a big increase over last year’s base price, Audi has added more standard luxury features. The Technology package, which includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge panel, navigation, traffic sign recognition, and a three-year Audi Connect Plus subscription with Wi-Fi hotspot, is now standard on all S3s rather than optional. The single level now has an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 15-speaker Sonos sound system, among other things that used to be available. One of the most well-known add-on features for the S3 is the S Sport Package, which includes adaptive dampers and red-painted brake rotors. A Black Optic kit with black trim and 19-inch wheels covered in summer tires is also an option, along with the Driver Assistance Plus package, which includes adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a head-up display. Audi has an interesting way of doing things. It makes the hard process of getting a new car easier, but it costs more upfront. Customers can’t choose as many things as before. If the only thing you want is the most basic, the sole product might be easy to find. But the value of the single-trim method depends on the choices you make at the start. Next year, we’ll see if this new plan is good or bad for S3 and Q3 sales.
