Mike's Car Review: The 2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro

Audi Q3 S Line quattro

The small luxury crossover SUV is a tricky proposition. If you're in the car business, you pretty much have to sell one because all your competitors do. Think BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Range Rover Evoque, Lexus NX, Cadillac XT4, Lincoln Corsair and Jaguar E-Pace.

So you have to show up. Trouble is, to be a success, you also have to stand out. And that's tricky because small luxury SUVs are all pretty similar---four doors, a tailgate, what would have been called a station wagon in another age, just with less room in the wayback.

2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro

Audi has chosen the safe path---rather than trailblaze, it just doubles down on all the things that Audi has stood for over the years---smooth design, tasteful interiors and, its quattro all-wheel drive system. As a result, there aren't any surprises in the 2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro---but that means there aren't any glaring deficiencies, either. This vehicle is all about quiet competence.

2020 Audi Q3 S Line quattro engine

Under the hood, there's a 228-horsepower two-liter inline four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. That's good for 0 to 60 miles per hour in seven seconds and an EPA-estimated 19 miles per gallon city, 27 highway.

Other standard mechanical bits include the aforementioned quattro (yes, Audi writes "quattro" in all lower case) all-wheel drive, speed sensitive, electromechanical power steering, a start/stop system and 19-inch dynamic wheels with 235/50 all-season tires.

There's also anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stabilization Control with offroad mode, electronic vehicle immobilization, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights with dynamic turn signals, a rearview camera and tire pressure monitoring.

2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro interior
2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro interior
2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro interior

Also standard at the base price of $36,000:

  • Audi drive select
  • Audi MMI touch response
  • 8.8-inch touchscreen
  • Audi smartphone interface
  • Audi sound system
  • Aluminum S line door sills, illuminated
  • Aluminium roof rails
  • Digital instrument cluster
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Full paint finish
  • S line styling kit
  • Heated front seats
  • Leather seating surfaces
  • LED headlights with high beam assist
  • Micrometallic silver inlay
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Mobile phone prep (Bluetooth)
  • Power adjustable, heated exterior mirrors
  • Power tailgate
  • Rear seat with 20/40/20 split folding, sliding and reclining
  • Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel
  • One USB-C and three USB-A ports
  • 8-way power driver's seat with four-way power lumbar
2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro instrument cluster
2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro infotainment and HVAC

Our tester also had some extra-cost options:

  • Prestige Package (alarm, HomeLink garage door opener, SiriusXM All Access service with three-month free trial, Audi advanced key, Audi parking system plus, Audi side assist with rear cross-traffic assist, lane departure warning, eight way power passenger seat with four-way power lumbar, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, aluminum spectrum inlays, full LED headlights, Audi phone box with wireless charging and signal booster, MMI Navigation Plus, MMI touch response upgraded to 10.1-inch touchscreen, Audi Connect PRIME and PLUS six-month subscription, 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D Sound, park steering assist, topview camera, LED interior lighting plus package, heated driver auto-dimming power-folding exterior mirrors and a stainless steel trunk sill): $6,900
  • Sport Interior Package (Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, S Line sport seats with contrast stitching and brushed aluminium matte inlay): $500.
  • Brown Gray Natural Wood, matte inlay: $350.
2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro
2019 Audi Q3 S Line quattro

With $995 destination charge, the bottom line on the window sticker came to $44,745---which is on the reasonable side for this class.

Again, the Audi isn't a segment-buster. It's not out to revolutionize small luxury SUVs. But it absolutely nails its mission---packaging what buyers expect from Audi in a smaller-sized vehicle.


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