Audi RS Q3 Sportback already driven: All information about the sports SUV

A real sports car and an SUV – that is impossible in most cases. The still booming crossovers are too high, too heavy and anything but aerodynamic. The impressive colossi such as the BMW X3 and X4 M and Mercedes-AMG GLC are dubbed with power. Audi is now also involved in this league with the RS Q3 Sportback.

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The three premium providers from Germany pursue completely different philosophies. Mercedes relies on a V8 biturbo (510 hp, 375 kW, 700 Nm). BMW uses a six-cylinder in-line engine (510 hp, 375 kW, 600 Nm) and the colleagues from Ingolstadt use a five-cylinder. Although it is actually a compromise due to the narrow engine compartment for a transversely installed engine, it is a successful engine for Audi in motorsport and for advertising purposes.

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The numbers for the five-cylinder

The engineers tickle 400 HP (294 kW) and 480 Nm from a displacement of 2.5 liters. Although the RS Q3 Sportback sprints to 100 km / h in 4.5 seconds, it cannot hide a noticeable starting weakness. But once this has been overcome, the sports SUV just puts you in a good mood. And it’s not about anything else. No one cares about recuperation, electrification or even standard consumption.

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Incidentally, according to the test cycle, he would be content with just under nine liters, which will degenerate if the waste is treated appropriately. It doesn’t get any greener than the paintwork.

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This is how the 400 PS SUV drives

Visually, it could inflate the cheeks a little more, but this does not detract from driving pleasure. The all-wheel drive vehicle impresses with smooth running and driving dynamics. The sports suspension compares the RS to the normal Q3 ten millimeters lower. Steering and steering behavior: top!

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The driving modes already offer a good spread between everyday comfort and driving fun bite. And with the optional adaptive dampers, the spread becomes even wider. In addition, the brakes know how to grab properly, but like the competition, they cannot hide the weight of 1.8 tons.

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Sports car with space

There are no surprises in the interior. Fine Nappa leather sports seats with honeycomb stitching and integrated headrests are typical of RS models. The rest is Q3 standard.

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In terms of space, the SUV is of course superior to a sports car. The loading volume is 530 to 1400 liters. In addition, the RS Q3 has a rear seat that can be moved by 13 centimeters instead of an adjustable rear spoiler.