2020 Audi RS Q3 and Audi RS Q3 Sportback Bring the Power

The Audi Q3 is a nice little crossover, but it’s not exactly the most thrilling vehicle to drive. So leave it to the guys at Audi Sport to give the Q3 the boost it deserves, with the announcement of the RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback.

These upgraded crossovers each pack a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes an impressive 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. That power goes to the ground via a 7-speed S tronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system, launching these special vehicles from a dead stop to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

The RS Q3 has a more conventional SUV roofline, while the RS Q3 Sportback has a more dramatically sloped roofline. The latter may reduce cargo space a little, but it definitely looks more sporty. Both vehicles also get wide fender flares, a blacked-out mesh grille with a body colored frame, large air inlets, and a gloss black roof spoiler.

A sport suspension system rides about 10mm (0.39″) lower than the standard models, and can optionally be equipped with the RS sport suspension plus, which adds adaptive damping. There are also six-piston sport brakes with steel rotors, with an option to upgrade to ceramic discs with aluminum calipers. 20″ performance wheels are standard, with 21″ rims available as an upgrade. You can expect a little added soundtrack from the dual-branch RS exhaust system, which ends with cool oval-shaped chrome tips.

Inside, you’ll find sweet hexagonally-quilted black leather seats, Alcantara trim, embossed RS logos, and stitching in either gloss black, red, or blue for added contrast.

Both vehicles will be available in Germany and other EU countries by the end of 2019, with prices starting at 63,500 euro (~$69,800 USD). At this point, Audi has yet to announce plans to sell the RS Q3 or RS Q3 Sportback here in the US.