Spy shots of the all-new Audi RS Q3 Sportback have emerged of the newcomer testing. Here's what we know so far.

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

What you're looking at here is the all-new Audi Q3 Sportback – a rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and BMW X4 – but in the hottest RS spec. With the official reveal of the standard Audi Q3 Sportback scheduled for July 2019, attention turns to the rest of the range. We already know that Audi is preparing an RS Q3, but this will make for an interesting alternative.

The good news is the mighty 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine is going to be retained. In the current TT RS application, for example, the motor develops294 kW and 480 Nm so we know what it's capable of. We suspect that like the previous RS Q3, power will sadly bedetuned. When we last drove an Audi RS Q3, it had228 kW with 420 Nm. Power will go to a quattro all-4wheels setup through an S Tronic dual-clutch gearbox.The Audi RS Q3 Sportback will be even more sporty than its standard sibling, in the same way the GLC Coupe and X4 are sportier derivatives of their SUV relations.

Further Reading

Audi Q3 (2019) Specs & Price

All-new Audi Q3 Revealed

Spy Shots: Audi Q4

Audi Q3 (2018) International Launch Review