2020 Audi RS Q3 Bringing Over 400HP From 2.5L Inline-Five Turbo

Audi is putting the final touches on the next RS Q3, with a pair of pre-production test cars spotted wearing significantly less camouflage than before.

The high-performance version of the Q3 will get to keep its turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, only here it’s expected to produce around 414hp (420PS), according to the latest reports.

That’ll make the 2020 RS Q3 the most powerful compact SUV you can buy, at least until we get an official power figure for the also upcoming Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.

No matter the horsepower, the Audi RS Q3 will stand out either way from its rivals thanks to the characteristic soundtrack of the five-pot engine.

A beefed-up Quattro all-wheel drive system will be responsible for providing more than enough grip, while a dual-clutch transmission with paddles on the steering wheel will be the only option. Bigger brakes and an uprated suspension are also going to help with harnessing all this firepower.

Exterior revisions will follow the usual Audi Sport recipe, including more aggressive bumpers front and rear with bigger openings, fender extensions, fatter side sills and dual oval exhaust tips, along with a rear spoiler and a different mesh pattern for the front grille.

The cabin will be similarly spiced up with body-hugging seats dressed in expensive leather, alcantara trimmings and lots of contrast stitching. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit will get an additional RS-specific viewing mode, as is the norm with every model that comes out of Audi Sport.

Audi is expected to launch the 2020 RS Q3 in the European market towards the end of the year.