Mysterious New Audi Q3 Hits The European Patent Office

Audi took the wraps off the all-new Q3 a little over a week ago, so why does this patent filing with the small crossover has a recent registration date? Indeed, according to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the filing date is July 10 and coincides with the registration date, and is to remain valid for the next five years.

A closer look at these rather dull patent images shows a slightly different design compared to the Q3 models depicted in the official gallery published at the end of July. For starters, the "air intakes" of the front bumper are bigger while the lower grille has been changed as well. Looking at recent spy shots of the SQ3 prototype, the front fascia designs appears to be a perfect match, which leads us to believe we are in fact looking at the warm version likely slated to arrive in 2019 as a 2020MY.

The side profile shows the Q3 riding on what could possibly be the company's well-known rotor-styled alloy wheels and behind them, the front brakes (at least) seem to be a tad bigger. There's nothing particularly interesting about the rear end, but having seen the latest SQ5 with fake exhaust tips, we're not expecting anything better from its kid brother. Those prototypes we've mentioned of the SQ3 had quad exhaust tips as it is normal for an S-badged Audi, so hopefully, the sporty crossover will have those as well.

Whatever these patent images depict, there are slim chances we're looking at the RS Q3 since the rear bumper does not have cutouts for Audi's RS-specific pair of oval exhaust tips. In addition, we're also expecting the range topper to adopt a more aggressive body since this version doesn't look all that mean.

While we can't pinpoint the model's identity, the patent images are a sign Audi is working on a slightly more exciting derivative of its posh crossover.