“it's pretty clear Audi was aiming for luxury rather than performance or driver engagement with the Q3. The standard leather seats are highly adjustable and above average in terms of comfort, while the ride is soft and the cabin is kept nice and quiet” – Edmunds
The 2018 Audi Q3 still uses the old Audi design and is desperately in need of a redesign. Having said that, the old design makes the Q3’s cabin quite simple and clean. Although the instrument cluster looks good, there is no option for Audi’s virtual cockpit. There are many storage options inside.
The shifter is traditional, and paddle shifters are only added to the sports package. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, but you have some weird and dated toggles to adjust the temperature. A panoramic moonroof comes standard.
2018 Audi Q3 Seating and Comfort
The 2018 Audi Q3 uses standard leather seats which are available in black, rock grey, and chestnut brown colors. Premium Plus has standard aluminum color, but balsamic brown walnut is also available for $350.
12-way power-adjustable seats with 4-way lumbar support are standard on the driver’s as well as passenger’s side. The sport pack also adds thigh extensions. The Premium Plus trim also adds 3 stage heated seats.
Model |
2018 Audi Q3 |
2018 Infiniti QX30 |
2018 BMW X1 |
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 |
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Passenger Volume(ft.3) |
106 |
108 |
101.2 |
104 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
36.9/55.8/40 |
38.4/54.8/52.1 |
41.9/55.6/40.4 |
40/54.8/41.9 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
37.4/53.6/31.1 |
37.5/54.8/49 |
39.4/55.2/37 |
38.2/53.1/27.3 |
Here is a list of the standout features in the 2018 Audi Q3’s cabin:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rearview camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Heated side mirrors
- 10-speaker sound system
- Satellite radio
- Bluetooth
- USB port
Optional features include:
- Proximity-key entry
- Power lift-gate
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Bose surround sound system
- MMI infotainment system
- Navigation
- LED headlights and taillights
- Audi Side Assist
2018 Audi Q3 Infotainment
If you thought the engine and handling were Q3's Achilles' heel, prepare to be disappointed again since Q3 has even more to offer. The 2018 Audi Q3 does not come with a standard infotainment system, unlike its competitors or any vehicle these days. To add the MMI interface, you'll need to select one of the available packages.
The standard system includes a 10-speaker sound system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and a USB port. Optional upgrades include a Bose surround sound system, the MMI infotainment system, and navigation.
2018 Audi Q3 Cargo
Although the 2018 Audi Q3 is not the most luggage accommodating vehicle out there, the cargo storage is satisfactory, given the list of problems Q3 has in other departments. The cargo space with all seats up is not impressive, but once the 2nd row is folded, the Q3 provides more storage than some key rivals.
Model |
2018 Audi Q3 |
2018 Infiniti QX30 |
2018 BMW X1 |
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 |
Volume behind 2nd row (cube ft.) |
16.7 |
19.2 |
27.1 |
17.2 |
2nd row folded (cube ft.) |
48.2 |
43.6 |
58.7 |
43.6 |
The BMW X1 is the king in cargo storage, with a maximum capacity of 58.7 Ft.3 and 27.1 Ft.3 when seats are up. The Mercedes provides a little more storage than Q3 when seats are up, but lags behind when seats are folded.