Automatic makers usually introduce innovations in their high -end models before the new technology reaches more affordable cars. The 2026 Q3 is sitting near the lineup, yet it begins a new feature in which the conflict is believed to rise. Traditional sticks are no longer placed on the steering column in the compact luxury crossover. Instead, it adopts the horizontal bar behind the wheel.
But this is not the most interesting part. The windscreen wiper controls are no longer where you will expect them. Now they are located on the left side of the steering wheel, where Audi has installed a small dial to adjust the severity of the wipers. There is a button in the outer edge of the bar that activates the same sweep of the windshield. Press it long, and the washer engages.
The rear wiper is now running through a separate button, even on the left, triggers a long press washer. Turn signal control still moves up and down, but only the tip of the bar moves. Activation of the high beam is done by pressing the outer edge of the bar, while pushing you towards the same high beam flash.
At this point, you are probably wondering: Why change? The wiper control was shifted to the left, allowing Audi to free the gear selector for the steering wheel to the right side of the steering wheel. This can reduce the center console, which makes the cup holders a place for a couple. A sliding cover now hides the dual USB-C ports and cool, 15 watts charming charging pad.
We understand that it will take some time to make Audi a habit that calls Audi a “new steering wheel control unit”. It does not appear to be intuitive at first, but perhaps the owners will get their execution quickly. Audi insists that this is not a change for change, but then, what was wrong in the old order? However, traditional poles have been going on for decades, and we have not heard people complain.
2026 Audi Q3 Gear Selector
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2026 Audi Q3 Center console
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The logic shows that other models will eventually adopt this layout, as it will not be cost effective to implement the horizontal bar in just one vehicle.
