This is becoming a topic. The online car community gets worried about something, and then I come here and tell you it’s actually not that bad. Just a few days ago, we talked about the six-speed manual transmission in the new Ferrari 12 Cylinder Manual, and now I’m turning my attention to something else that has a big role to play in the automotive world: the turn signals fitted to new Audis, such as the redesigned Q3.
When the new stalks were first introduced on the third-generation Q3 compact crossover, everyone turned their lids due to their perceived finicky operation, overly complex design and unnecessary wheel reinvention. Well, I am here to tell you that you have to put this problem to rest. Having spent over 450 miles behind the wheel of the Q3 in both the US and Germany, as well as spending time inside the new Q7 and Q9, I can confidently say that I am one of the leading experts on Audi’s new turn signal design. Because of that, I can declare without any doubt that the Q3’s turn signals are perfectly fine, and actually quite satisfying to use. I can already hear your keyboard clicking.
full disclosure: As per my wish, Audi loaned me a 2026 Q3 with a full tank of gas for a week.
Why so crazy?
I’ll wholeheartedly admit that at first glance the turn signal stalk looks a little odd – certainly like nothing we’ve ever seen before – but I promise it’s very conventional in its operation. The driver still presses up to indicate right, down to indicate left, pulls back to activate high beams and presses forward to activate auto high beams. The only real difference here is that, instead of the entire stalk being shaken, only the small stalk at the end is shaken. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, and, in fact, it provides a really satisfying action. The up, down, forward and reverse movements are very well weighted and engaging, reminiscent of early 2000s BMW turn signals.
Therefore, turn signal operation is not a problem. This has been resolved, but people are still complaining about how the front and rear wiper functions are also integrated on this stalk, and they’re goofy about it too. There are two buttons and a knob that control those functions, and they’re all incredibly simple. The main wiper is controlled by a small knob that is clearly labeled and easy to see and control. You won’t crash the car while driving it, and you won’t hit it accidentally. Plus, it glows at night. Then, there’s a small button that controls the single-wipe speed for the front (as well as the front washer mode) and another small button for the rear. Again, both are very clearly labeled and easy to see.
Andy Kalmowitz/Jalopnik
Even if you foolishly argue that it’s all very complicated, I promise you that it will only take a couple of minutes of driving for you to become completely comfortable and attuned to the system. There is zero learning curve involved here. Audi isn’t out to trick you or pull a fast car. It clearly wanted to make a cool piece of design and integrate the turn signal stack into one piece of hardware with the shifter on the right side of the wheel. It not only looks good, but feels good, and I’m so sorry if it scares you, but I promise it’s okay.
