Goodbye German cars without optional extras. If until a few years ago the optional equipment lists of premium German cars were extremely long, the situation has improved considerably over the past few years thanks to fittings designed to keep the residual value high. An example comes from the new Audi Q3 e-hybrid, where by choosing the ‘right’ equipment you can considerably shorten the options to be added. Of course, no comparison can be made with Chinese models, all of which are practically full-featured to attract more customers but above all to reduce customisation to a minimum given the logistical complexities, but as the configured example of the Q3 demonstrates, you don’t have to add tens of thousands of euros to get a complete car;
Audi Q3 plug-in hybrid
Before the chosen configuration, a quick technical review. The new Audi Q3 Plug-in is based on the 1.5-litre Tfsi Evo Miller-cycle engine with 272 horsepower and a 25.7 kWh battery (19.7 kWh effective). Thanks to an indicative doubling of the battery size compared to the previous series and a charging capacity of up to 50 kW DC, the Audi Q3 e-Hybrid claims 114 kilometres in electric with Wltp approval (more than twice as much as in the past) and takes less than 30 minutes to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent battery.
New Audi Q3 e-hybrid, versions
Audi Q3 e-hybrid, the acronym that identifies the hybrid version with recharging on tap, is sold starting from 49,800 euro in the Business trim with equipment that includes Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 11.9”, MMI navigation system plus with MMI touch 12.8″, Lane departure warning with emergency assist, Audi Sound System, electrically opening and closing luggage compartment door. This is followed by the Business Advanced version on sale for 53,000 euros, which adds 18″ alloy wheels with multi-spoke design, Tech package (which also includes a central mirror that can be screened and parking assistant plus with parking aid system with visual display of the surrounding area), Adaptive Cruise Control, electrically adjustable lumbar support and a rear view camera. The most highly configured trim is the S-Line Edition, which retails for 55,200 euros and, compared to the Business Advanced, features 19-inch alloy wheels with 5-spoke design, platinum grey, S-Line styling characterisation, complete paintwork without contrasting parts, LED Plus front headlamps and LED Pro rear lights and an interior package with black Impressum fabric sports seats.
Audi Q3 e-hybrid, how much it really costs
Starting with the S line version, let’s take a look at the options that cannot be missed on the new Audi Q3 plug-in hybrid. The first addition comes in the form of the Tech Pro package, priced at €3,600, which includes: acoustic front side windows, electric front seat height adjustment, longitudinal seat position, seat and backrest adjustment, memory function for the front seats and exterior mirrors, electric front seat belt height adjustment, side assist, exit warning, rear cross-traffic assist, rear turn assist, pro-active occupant safety system, pro-active parking and assistance package with safety plus package: front, rear, side, progressive steering, sound actuator for engine sound, suspension with shock absorber control and red front and rear brake callipers. Further accessories come in the colour scheme, with metallic and pearl colours all offered for 950 euros. If you want to fit a rim other than the 19-inch 5-spoke design you have to add up to 800 euros for the same size or up to 1,800 euros for the 20-inch rims. If the ‘bigger’ alloy wheels are not deemed indispensable, the digital Matrix LED headlamps (1,500-euro opt added to the configuration) improve driving safety and are included in our configuration. Moving on to the interior, standard leather seats add between 1,500 and 1,800 euros, sports seats in the same material 2,800 euros and microfibre 3,200 euros. For fans of the heated steering wheel, the surplus varies between 500 and 600 euros depending on the model. For those who often travel with passengers in the rear seats, the 3-zone climate control is recommended at 1,300 euros and tinted rear windows at 500 euros. To add the Audi phone box (400 euros) with induction charging plate.
Total recommended configuration? 62.150 euro.
