The 2025 Audi S3 isn’t just a sportier version of the A3—it’s an entirely elevated driving experience. This small luxury sedan blends sharp handling, blistering speed, and refined luxury into a package that feels equally at home carving up mountain roads as it does cruising city streets.
Positioned neatly between the A3 and the more hardcore RS 3, the S3 offers enough power and agility to keep driving enthusiasts grinning without veering into track-focused territory. For those who want something more refined than a Volkswagen Golf R or Honda Civic Type R but less extreme than an RS 3, the S3 hits the perfect balance.
Sure, it’s not without its quirks—rear space is snug, the trunk is tiny, and the price tag isn’t exactly entry-level—but the S3’s strengths far outweigh these trade-offs. If you’re after a compact sports sedan with premium appeal, the 2025 Audi S3 absolutely deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Why the Audi S3 Stands Out
- Class-Leading Acceleration: Quick off the line with a turbocharged punch.
- Agile Handling: Dynamic steering and torque vectoring make corners a thrill.
- Premium Cabin Materials: Audi’s attention to detail shines in every stitch and button.
A Few Considerations:
- Tight Rear Seat and Trunk: Space is at a premium.
- No Manual Transmission: Enthusiasts might miss rowing their own gears.
- High Starting Price: Luxury and performance aren’t cheap.
Verdict: The 2025 Audi S3 combines everyday usability, luxury, and performance into a well-rounded package. It’s a more practical choice than a dedicated sports car and a sharper, more engaging drive than many sport sedans in its class.
What’s New for 2025?
The 2025 Audi S3 gets some notable upgrades:
- More Power: 22 extra horsepower boosts output to 328 hp.
- RS 3 Torque Splitter: Improved rear-wheel power distribution enhances handling.
- Suspension Upgrades: Sharper steering and better stability thanks to chassis elements from the RS 3.
- New Dynamic Plus Drive Mode: Optimizes performance for spirited driving.
- Updated Exterior Design: New lighting options, grille design, and rear diffuser.
- Interior Touches: Revised shifter design and illuminated checkered-flag cutouts in door panels.
Pricing and Trims: Three Ways to Experience the S3
The 2025 Audi S3 is available in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. We recommend the Premium Plus for the best balance of features and value.
Premium – Starting at $49,995
- Key Features Include:
- 18-inch Alloy Wheels
- Sunroof
- Heated Leather-Trimmed Sport Seats
- 10.1-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 10-Speaker Audio System
- Forward Collision Warning & Lane-Keeping Assist
Optional: Convenience package adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, wireless phone charging, and more.
Premium Plus – Starting at $52,395
- Includes all Premium features + Convenience Package
- Adds access to the Technology Package:
- 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Panel
- Integrated Navigation
- Amazon Alexa Integration
This trim offers the most flexibility with optional upgrades.
Prestige – Starting at $56,195
- Includes all Premium Plus + Technology Package
- Adds:
- Head-Up Display
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Features
Available Packages Across Trims:
- Black Optic Package: Sporty black trim and 19-inch wheels.
- S Sport Package: Adaptive sport suspension and red brake calipers.
Engine and Performance: Small Sedan, Big Punch
Under the hood, the 2025 Audi S3 packs a punch with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering:
- 328 horsepower
- 295 lb-ft of torque
Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring.
Performance Highlights:
- 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds: Among the fastest in its class.
- Torque Vectoring: Enhances grip and cornering agility by managing power distribution between rear wheels.
- Dynamic Plus Mode: Optimizes engine response, suspension stiffness, and steering feel.
While the RS 3 remains the more hardcore choice, the S3 offers thrilling performance with a hint of refinement, making it a more approachable daily driver.
Fuel Economy: Respectable for Its Power
Despite its sporty credentials, the 2025 Audi S3 delivers respectable fuel economy:
- 23 mpg city
- 31 mpg highway
- 26 mpg combined
For comparison:
- BMW M235i Gran Coupe: Similar at 23/32 mpg
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: 23/31 mpg
- Acura Integra Type S: Lower with a manual gearbox
Interior: Tech-Forward and Premium
Step inside the Audi S3, and you’ll find a cabin that blends luxury with a sporty edge.
Interior Highlights:
- Driver-Centric Layout: Everything feels intuitively placed.
- Premium Materials: Soft-touch surfaces, fine stitching, and aluminum accents.
- 10.1-inch Touchscreen: Intuitive interface with crisp graphics and haptic feedback.
- 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster (optional): Fully customizable with sharp visuals.
Space and Comfort:
- Front Seats: Supportive and comfortable for spirited drives or long trips.
- Rear Seats: Adequate legroom, but headroom is tight for taller passengers.
- Cargo Space: Just 10 cubic feet—small even for a compact sedan.
Infotainment and Connectivity: Modern and User-Friendly
Audi’s 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen remains one of the most intuitive systems in the industry:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Standard on all trims.
- Amazon Alexa Integration: Hands-free control for music, navigation, and more.
- Optional Bang & Olufsen Audio System: Crystal-clear sound for audiophiles.
- 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit Display: Available on higher trims with customizable layouts.
Audi excels at blending cutting-edge tech with user-friendly functionality, making it easy to stay connected on every drive.
Safety: Confidence Behind the Wheel
Standard safety features include:
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Braking
- Lane-Keeping Assist
- Parking Sensors
Available upgrades:
- Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- 360-Degree Camera System
- Head-Up Display
Audi ensures the S3 feels secure and confidence-inspiring on every drive.
Audi S3 vs. The Competition
- Acura Integra Type S: Sharper handling and a hatchback design, but less refined and manual-only.
- BMW M235i Gran Coupe: Slower acceleration and a less premium interior.
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: Stylish and luxurious, but pricier without clear advantages.
The Audi S3 balances premium luxury, impressive performance, and everyday practicality better than most competitors.
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