Audi Q3 local assembly begins in India, SUV launch set for 16 October 2026
Synopsis
Audi India has started assembling the new Q3 domestically at its Maharashtra plant, ahead of a 16 October 2026 launch. The move deepens the Volkswagen Group's India manufacturing footprint and puts a locally assembled compact luxury SUV into a segment that has been heating up for two years.
Key Takeaways
Audi India commenced local assembly of the all-new Audi Q3 at the SAVWIPL plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra on 25 September 2026 .
The compact luxury SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine with quattro all-wheel drive and is scheduled for launch on 16 October 2026 .
Bookings are open via the Audi India website , myAudi Connect app , and authorised dealerships.
Audi India sold approximately 4,510 units in 2025 , with GST 2.0 credited with lifting buyer sentiment.
The company raised prices by up to 2% across its model range from 1 April 2026 , citing input cost pressures and currency volatility.
German luxury carmaker Audi India has commenced local assembly of the all-new Audi Q3 at the SAVWIPL plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, the company announced on 25 September 2026. The compact luxury SUV is scheduled for its official launch on 16 October 2026, with bookings already open across digital and physical channels.
Key Details of the New Q3
The new-generation Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine and comes equipped with Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive system. According to the company, the model blends dynamic performance with everyday practicality, and features a range of segment-first technologies aimed at modern luxury car buyers.
Customers can book the vehicle through the Audi India website, the myAudi Connect application, or at any Audi India dealership across the country.
What the Management Said
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL), said the start of production marks 'an important milestone' for the group's India operations. 'It reflects the strong capabilities of our Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility and our commitment to supporting the growth of our brands in the country,' he said.
Arora added: 'We are proud to produce the latest Audi Q3 in India, with the same high standards of quality, precision and engineering excellence that define Audi globally.'
Make in India Angle
The local assembly of the Q3 at the Maharashtra facility aligns with India's broader Make in India push to deepen manufacturing of premium and luxury goods domestically. The SAVWIPL plant, which also assembles other Volkswagen Group vehicles for the Indian market, now adds the Q3 to its production roster — signalling growing confidence in India as a viable base for luxury automotive assembly.
Audi India's Recent Performance and Pricing
Audi India sold approximately 4,510 units in 2025, navigating what the company described as evolving market conditions in the luxury automobile segment. The rollout of GST 2.0 reportedly helped boost buyer confidence during the year.
Separately, Audi India raised prices across its entire model range by up to 2% starting 1 April 2026, citing rising input costs and currency fluctuations as the primary drivers of the revision.
With the Q3 launch pencilled in for 16 October 2026, all eyes are on how the compact luxury SUV segment responds to renewed competition in a market that has seen sustained interest from younger, aspirational buyers.
Point of View
BMW and Mercedes are all investing in domestic production. But 4,510 units sold in 2025 is a modest base, and a 2% price hike in April already compressed affordability at the margins. The Q3's success will hinge on whether the segment-first features justify the premium over mass-market SUVs that have been relentlessly closing the value gap. The bigger story here is the SAVWIPL plant's expanding role: as Volkswagen Group deepens its India manufacturing commitment, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is quietly becoming a serious luxury-auto production hub — and that has long-term implications for India's export ambitions in the segment.
NationPress
25 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new Audi Q3 launch in India?
The all-new Audi Q3 is scheduled for official launch in India on 16 October 2026. Local assembly at the SAVWIPL plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, began on 25 September 2026.
Where is the Audi Q3 being assembled in India?
The Audi Q3 is being assembled at the SAVWIPL (Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited) plant located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. The facility already produces other Volkswagen Group vehicles for the Indian market.
What engine does the new Audi Q3 use?
The new Audi Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system. The company says the model combines dynamic capability with everyday practicality for luxury compact SUV buyers.
How can I book the new Audi Q3 in India?
Bookings for the all-new Audi Q3 are open via the Audi India website, the myAudi Connect application, or at any authorised Audi India dealership nationwide.
How has Audi India performed recently?
Audi India sold approximately 4,510 units in 2025, navigating what it described as evolving market conditions. The company also raised prices across its entire model range by up to 2% from 1 April 2026, citing rising input costs and currency fluctuations.
