The 2025 Audi S3 IS ALMOST an RS3 with its game-changing update!
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:45 What’s New
1:16 Under The Hood
2:57 RS3 Torque Splitter
3:11 Wheels And Tires
3:26 Cargo Space
3:47 Pricing
4:59 Rear Seat
5:34 Interior And Tech
8:08 Driving
15:24 Verdict
This is the 2025 Audi S3, positioned perfectly between the understated A3 and the bonkers RS3. This year, Audi has packed in everything we love: increased power, improved handling, and a special feature borrowed from the RS3.
The last redesign of the Audi S3 was in 2022, so this year brings a significant mid-cycle update. While the changes may not be immediately obvious, they are there. The headlights and taillights have a fresh look, the grille is now framed with body-colored accents, and the rear diffuser has a bolder design. Inside, the updates are just as subtle, featuring enhanced interior lighting and a new shifter among the key changes. But let’s be honest, what really matters is how it drives.
Under The Hood
The well-known turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine now delivers an impressive 328 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque (the European model offers 310 lb-ft). This marks a 22 horsepower increase compared to last year. Power is transmitted through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Additionally, the throttle response has been enhanced with a new preload feature that keeps the turbo active during low-demand situations, a technology adapted from the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R ‘20 Years Edition (which isn’t available in our market).
The seven-speed automatic distributes power to all four wheels, and Audi claims that full-throttle upshifts are about 50 percent faster. According to Audi, the S3 can accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds quicker than its predecessor. I believe it might be even faster than that.
2025 Audi S3 Numbers
BASE PRICE: $48,700
AS TESTED PRICE: $60,840 (Prestige Trim)
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE: 2.0-liter turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4
POWER: 328 hp @ 5,450 rpm
TORQUE: 295 lb-ft @ 2,100 – 5,500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
0-60 MPH: 4.5 sec
CURB WEIGHT: 3,549 lb
CARGO VOLUME: 8.3 cubic feet
TIRES: Goodyear Eagle F1 235/35R-19
EPA COMB/CITY/HWY: 26/23/31 mpg
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 23.1 mpg
PROS: Effortlessly quick, more poised, superb handling, lovely interior
CONS: Limited trunk space
How does the turbo preload feature work?
The preloaded turbocharger maintains a steady speed during overrun mode, enabling the engine to generate power more rapidly when you really need it. This is aided by the throttle valve that remains continuously open. When the driver releases the accelerator and then presses it again, it facilitates a quicker torque build-up, significantly enhancing the engine’s responsiveness.
AWD System
Another piece of technology that’s been borrowed is the rear torque splitter from the sportier RS3. It features electronically controlled clutches on each drive shaft that distribute torque between the rear wheels, ensuring power is directed where it’s most required. It can transfer up to 100 percent of the torque to either wheel.
Wheels and tires
You get the choice of 225/40 run-flat summer tires or an available 19-inch wheel with 235/35 conventional summer tires. The front rotors are now bigger, measuring 4 inches; no changes to the rear brakes.