Is quattro® all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Audi A3 in Seaside, CA?
Audi Monterey Peninsula - Is quattro® all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Audi A3 in Seaside, CA?
Yes — quattro® all-wheel drive is standard on the 2026 Audi A3. At Audi Monterey Peninsula in Seaside, CA, we see in-market shoppers asking this question first because confidence and control matter on everyday Highway 1 drives, damp morning commutes through coastal fog, and quick weekend runs up to Monterey or Pacific Grove. With quattro®, the A3 proactively distributes power between the front and rear axles to enhance grip before slip occurs, then prioritizes efficiency when high traction is not needed. The result is an upscale compact sedan that feels settled, responsive, and surefooted on varied Central Coast roads.
On the 2026 A3, quattro® works hand-in-hand with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers 201 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque and the quick-shifting 7-speed S tronic® transmission with manual mode and steering wheel-mounted paddles. Audi drive select adds Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual modes, allowing a tailored setup for steering feel, throttle mapping, and transmission behavior. Pair this chassis tuning with the available sport suspension — included with the Black optic package and new S line plus package — and the A3 delivers poised handling plus the all-weather peace of mind that coastal California drivers value year-round.
Beyond the traction benefits, the A3 brings a premium experience that feels far beyond compact. Standard LED headlights illuminate Seaside streets with a crisp, modern signature, while a standard panoramic sunroof brightens the cabin. Inside, the driver-centric layout puts everything right where it belongs. New for 2026, Audi virtual cockpit plus is standard, delivering a stunning 12.3" HD digital instrument cluster that presents key information in your line of sight. The MMI® touch display provides acoustic feedback for each command — tap to access navigation, contacts, and media with smartphone-like ease. Available Sonos® audio with 15 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier adds immersive sound for scenic drives from Del Monte Forest to Carmel Valley.
For day-to-day confidence, the A3 also offers a robust suite of driver assistance technologies. Standard Audi side assist helps monitor blind spots, while Audi pre sense® front can provide warnings and initiate automatic braking to help mitigate or avoid a potential collision. Premium Plus models add Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, helping maintain a set time-distance to traffic ahead while assisting with lane centering — a useful advantage during busy weekend traffic near the Seaside Auto Mall or along Fremont Boulevard. Available park assist plus can help with perpendicular and parallel parking by assisting with throttle, braking, steering, and gear changes, ideal for tight downtown Monterey spaces. Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. Always obey all speed and traffic laws.
As you evaluate whether quattro® should be a must-have, consider the local context. Morning marine layers can leave road surfaces damp, coastal winds can blow sand onto lanes, and hills around the Monterey Peninsula can challenge traction at low speeds. quattro® helps the A3 feel planted when merging onto Highway 1, smooth when accelerating from a stop on an incline, and composed when cornering on uneven surfaces. Visit 3 Heitzinger Plaza to experience how the system’s predictable, proactive power delivery elevates everyday driving across Seaside, Marina, and Pacific Grove.
- Standard traction advantage: quattro® all-wheel drive is included on every 2026 Audi A3 for balanced grip in dry, wet, or variable conditions.
- Seamless performance pairing: The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 7-speed S tronic® deliver quick responses that quattro® puts to the pavement.
- Adaptive tuning options: Audi drive select offers Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual modes to match your route and mood.
- Everyday visibility and comfort: Standard LED headlights and a panoramic sunroof enhance coastal commuting.
- Modern, intuitive tech: Audi virtual cockpit plus and the MMI® touch display keep key info front and center.
For a sportier edge, the available Black optic package adds 18" 5-double-spoke modular design wheels in a graphite gray finish, black exterior trim and badging with anthracite Audi rings, and a sport suspension with a lowered ride height. New for 2026, the S line plus package layers in front Sport seats with S embossing, Aluminum spectrum inlays, stainless-steel pedals, and the inclusive Black optic exterior treatment with 18" 5-Y-double-spoke design wheels in a black finish. Both options complement quattro® by sharpening response and elevating curb appeal — a perfect match for drives across the Monterey coastline.
- Plan a test route: Experience quattro® on a short loop that mixes city streets by the Seaside Auto Mall with a quick Highway 1 stretch to feel stable acceleration and confident lane changes.
- Try multiple drive modes: Switch from Comfort to Dynamic to sense how the A3 adjusts steering weight and throttle response while quattro® keeps traction seamless.
- Explore visibility tools: Use LED headlight illumination and available parking assistance features to navigate tight evening parking near Cannery Row.
- Ask about packages: Compare the Black optic and S line plus packages to find the chassis and design setup that best fits your driving style.
Our team at Audi Monterey Peninsula will guide you through trims, available features, and package combinations so you can build an A3 that feels tailored to life in Seaside. From the standard confidence of quattro® to the intuitive tech and upscale finishes, the 2026 Audi A3 sets the standard for compact luxury — ready for your daily routine and weekend escapes alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does quattro® all-wheel drive work on the A3?
quattro® monitors traction and proactively distributes power between the axles — sending torque where it is needed for grip and reverting for efficiency when not required, helping the A3 feel composed in changing conditions.
Is quattro® useful in Seaside, CA if the weather is usually mild?
Yes. Coastal fog, damp mornings, sandy patches, and occasional storms can reduce traction. quattro® helps with stable launches, confident passing on Highway 1, and surefooted cornering on uneven or slick surfaces.
Does quattro® change how the A3 handles compared to front-wheel drive?
With power routed to both axles, the A3 can accelerate more evenly and maintain better balance mid-corner. The system works with Audi drive select to keep responses predictable and engaging.
Which features pair best with quattro® for daily driving?
Consider Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance on Premium Plus for smooth traffic flow, available park assist plus for parking in tight spaces, and the Black optic or S line plus packages if you want a sharper, lower stance that complements the A3’s planted feel.
Ready to experience quattro® on the 2026 Audi A3? Visit Audi Monterey Peninsula in Seaside, CA, or call 831-717-1611 to schedule your test drive. Our team, also serving Monterey, Pebble Beach, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, will help you compare trims, explore packages, and find the A3 that suits your everyday drives across Monterey County.