Image Source: Audi Media centre
Audi has done something few automakers dare to try it has radically redesigned one of the most familiar elements in any car: the steering column. The 2026 Audi Q3, a compact luxury SUV, is the first model to introduce a new horizontal “switch module” that replaces traditional stalks with touch-based controls and dials. And yes, that includes windscreen wipers and turn signals.
Let’s break down what’s changed and why it might take some getting used to.
No More Stalks: Audi’s New Steering Wheel Control Layout
Instead of the usual stalks behind the steering wheel, Audi has added a fixed horizontal bar behind the wheel. From this bar extend small levers and dials that perform all the functions you’re used to but in unfamiliar ways.
- Windscreen Wipers: A rotating dial on the left side of the steering wheel now controls the front wipers. Tap once for a single sweep, or press longer to activate the washer system. The rear wiper gets its own button nearby.
- Turn Signals & High Beams: Only the tip of the control bar moves now to activate turn signals. For high beams, you press the outer edge or tap to flash them no more pushing or pulling stalks.
- Gear Selector: The gear controls have been moved to the right side of the bar. Push down for drive, up for reverse, and press in to engage park. Audi says the controls include haptic feedback to confirm selections.
But… Why Change Something That Wasn’t Broken?
According to Audi, the switch was made to free up space in the centre console. The result? A more minimalist layout with two cup holders, a cooled 15-watt wireless charging pad, and hidden USB-C ports behind a sliding cover.
It’s a clever packaging move, but also one that could alienate traditionalists who have relied on muscle memory for decades. Audi’s design team argues that this is not “change for the sake of change “rather, it’s a push to modernize, simplify, and streamline driver controls.
A Step Forward or Over-Engineering?
While the Q3’s new setup might seem futuristic, some critics say it borders on over-engineering. The tactile feedback is meant to reassure users, but whether drivers will appreciate the changes during day-to-day use especially in tight traffic situations remains to be seen.
That said, it’s not the first time we’ve seen dramatic control shifts. From Citroën’s single-spoke steering wheels to Tesla’s yoke-style controls, automakers have often experimented with control ergonomics. The difference with Audi’s approach is that it’s functional, tactile, and still incorporates physical components unlike those that shove everything into the touchscreen.
Inside the 2026 Q3: More Than Just a New Steering Layout
Beyond the controversial stalk setup, the 2026 Q3 brings a tech-heavy, premium cabin upgrade. It features:
- A 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen running Android Automotive OS
- A curved 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster
- Optional head-up display
- Premium materials like laser-perforated fabric door panels with ambient lighting
- SONOS 12-speaker sound system
Visually, the Q3 borrows styling cues from the larger Q5 and the electric Q6 E-Tron, featuring pronounced wheel arches, a full-width LED light bar at the rear, and athletic proportions.
In terms of powertrains, Europe will get multiple options, including hybrids. The exact global configurations haven’t been announced yet, but a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with all-wheel drive is expected to be the standard for many markets.
What This Means for the Future of Car Interiors
Audi’s new switch module signals more than just a design refreshit’s a statement. As the automotive world continues to evolve toward cleaner, smarter, and more minimalist vehicles, the way we interact with cars is bound to change.
While it may seem disruptive now, innovations like this could eventually become the new norm, especially as automakers look to free up space, enhance comfort, and integrate more technology. Whether or not it catches on will likely depend on driver feedback over the next few years.
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