2025 Audi S3 Review, Pricing, and Specs
EPA MPG
26 Combined
Seating
5 Seats
Cargo Capacity
8 Cubic Feet
Powertrain
Gas
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Limited Warranty
4 Years/50,000 Miles
Overview
The Audi S3 sedan splits the difference between the sensible and appealing standard A3 and the intense and track-ready 401-hp RS3. This compact, all-wheel-drive sedan's handsome, reserved exterior provides a nice foil for the rorty turbocharged four-cylinder found under the hood. Audi has announced a mild power bump for the 2025 S3, an increase of 22 ponies for a total of 328 horsepower. Numerous chassis revisions are intended to further hone its already sharp handling skills, and there's a sassy new drift mode. But the S3's story has always been about its remarkable balance, not only in terms of style and performance but also in the way its tasteful interior blends modern tech with decent material quality in a way that never looks forced or garish. It's a smart and sensible small luxury sedan with an athletic side, a car that can cut and run when called upon but won't beat you up every day with a harsh ride or booming exhaust note. Its enthusiast-friendly personality has made it one of our favorites in a class full of fun-to-drive cars.
What's New for 2025?
The S3 receives a well-curated round of updates, all focused on elevating its performance. Horsepower from the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is up by 22, for a total of 328 horses. Torque remains the same at 295 pound-feet but is available across a wider rev band. Likewise, the chassis, driveline, and software receive some massaging, including a new torque-split system on the rear axle—similar to the one in use in the RS3—that uses two clutch packs to enable variable output between the two rear wheels. Front-end tweaks include larger brakes with two-piston calipers, revised geometry with different camber curves, and retuned steering.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2025 Audi S3 starts at $49,995 and goes up to $56,195 depending on the trim and options.
Premium
$49,995
Premium Plus
$52,395
Prestige
$56,195 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k
The Premium Plus trim hits the sweet spot. It has driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control and includes features such as memory settings for the driver's seat and wireless smartphone charging. Drivers who desire a head-up display and top-notch Bang & Olufsen audio will need to step up to the Prestige.
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Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The S3's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine is rated for 328 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, 22 horsepower higher than last year's model. A seven-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard. During our test drive of the 2025 model, we praised the S3's lithe handling and found its powertrain to be perky, eager, and sonorous. The engine improvements help the car feel even more responsive than before, and we felt the new torque-splitting differential at work in the corners, where the S3 is a precise and willing partner.
0–60-MPH Times
In our testing, the updated S3 got to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. That's slightly quicker than the old model.
View Exterior Photos
Audi
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The S3 is EPA-rated for 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. It's more efficient than the CLA35 and just a bit behind the M235 Gran Coupe. When we get a chance to test the S3's highway fuel economy on our 75-mph test route, we'll update this story with results. For more information about the S3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The S3's cabin is nearly identical to the new A3's but adds some racier styling elements such as sport seats with quilted leather inserts and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The S3 uses the same toggle-switch gear selector as the A3 as well. Audi offers the S3 with a more comprehensive set of standard features, though, including a panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, and illuminated door jamb scuff plates. Passenger space is slightly more generous than in the previous-gen S3, but the new car's trunk is smaller.
View Interior Photos
Audi
Infotainment and Connectivity
The S3 comes with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display. The screens run Audi's latest MMI software interface and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard. Buyers of the mid-range Premium Plus trim can opt for the Technology package, which adds a larger 12.3-inch digital gauge display, in-dash navigation, and a Sonos-branded stereo system. The top-of-the-line Prestige model gets all those same features as standard equipment.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Like most Audis, the S3 comes standard with several driver-assistance features; more advanced technology is optional. For more information about the S3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The new S3 comes with the same standard warranty as the rest of the Audi lineup, which includes coverage on the vehicle's powertrain and a bumper-to-bumper policy that spans four years or 50,000 miles.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Audi S3
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $49,995/$60,840
ENGINE
turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3
Power: 328 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.1-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.2-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
235/35R-19 91Y RO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.6 in
Length: 177.4 in
Width: 71.5 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 48/40 ft3
Cargo Volume: 8 ft3
Curb Weight: 3575 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.2 sec
100 mph: 10.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.8 sec @ 109 mph
140 mph: 24.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Speed (mfr claim): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 152 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 303 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.95 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
500-mi Trip: 22 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/31 mpg
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