2015 Audi RS Q3
The Audi RS Q3 is not coming abroad to the United States market – on what has been deemed cost grounds. This makes sense if you start adding up what the showroom sticker would be for Audi of America.
With the new Q3 priced in the $35,000 to $45,000 range with options and the upgraded 2.0-liter turbo engine, there is little headroom for the price premium that Quattro GmbH models command. Based on the RS5 versus the S5, we are talking a full $10 to $15,000 price bump – which would lead the RS Q3 perilously close to $60,000. This, taking it past the S Q5 one size above it. And even $10,000 above the base $50,000 pricing of both the Macan S and the Porsche Cayenne. For a mini Audi crossover?
The bosses rightly deemed this to be a non-starter.
Mercedes-Benz seems relatively confident with the GLA45 AMG as the one engine upgrade to the GLA250 series, and the GLA45 AMG will make its way well past $55,000 with a few options packages.
So what is the Audi of America counter-strategy?
Check out part two of this article series to see the rumored solution…
2015 Audi RS Q3
EXTERIOR GALLERY
2015 Audi RS Q3
INTERIOR GALLERY
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.