Audi RS Q3 Has Turned Ten

And a special edition celebrates the occasion.

Any Audi with an ‘RS’ badge always attracts attention. And understandably so because that logo denotes top-of-the-line performance. A fine example would be the RS Q3. When it first broke cover back in 2013, it demanded interest, especially from younger audiences. This year, the Audi RS Q3 has turned ten. And to celebrate the occasion, the carmaker has devised a sporty special edition – the RS Q3 edition 10 years. Only 555 examples will be built, split between both body types – the SUV and the Sportback.

So, how does the RS Q3 edition 10 years differentiate itself from the donor product? First of all, the celebratory model is available in two colours – Dew Silver matte (introduced earlier this year) and the exclusive Chronos Grey. Next are the black 21-inch light alloy wheels with a double-spoke design and wrapped with 225/35 tyres. Accompanying them are 19-inch high-performance brakes with carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic brake discs available as an optional extra. The callipers are Anthracite Grey by default, or Audi will paint them red or blue for an additional fee.

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Of course, there’s more. The special-ness pops up with various bits and pieces finished in black or glossy black. The ORVM caps, for instance, and the matrix LED headlights have received a darkened treatment. The roof frame, window slot rims, door trim, front spoiler, model lettering and diffuser insert are in glossy black. Indoors, the seatback cover in matte carbon is one of the highlights. Also, the bucket seats are draped in a leather-Dinamica combination of black and jet black. The Dinamica used consists of nearly 45 per cent recycled PET fibres. Adding contrast to the dark theme is the copper-coloured stitching throughout the cabin. Even the MMI screen, which displays the serial number of the special edition (“1 or 555”, for example), has a carbon look.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine that puts out 400hp/480Nm. Coupled with that are a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The setup is enough for a 0-100kmph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kmph. On request, however, the latter figure can be bumped up to 280kmph.

The commemorative package for the RS Q3 edition 10 years costs 5,990 euros in Germany. And the bookings counter will open before October 2022 comes to a close.