2025 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 is already a pretty sensational little performance sedan — remember, we don't get the much cooler hatchback here in the U.S. And while that sad fact of life hasn't changed for 2025, Audi has brought a host of upgrades to its smallest RS model with a face-lift for the new model year. New styling, performance tweaks, and even a new standard tire make up just part of this midlife refresher.

Styling is always subjective, but the new RS 3 has gone from handsome to, well, equally as handsome. There are minor tweaks to the front bumper, the headlights and taillights, and the lower part of the rear bumper. The huge blacked-out grille feeds air to the turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine (and it is currently the only car you can have with that number of pistons) that makes the same 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission also returns unchanged.

The changes are small, but they make you go faster

So what exactly did Audi change underneath the skin? For starters it tweaked the software that rules the car's chassis dynamics. The brake torque vectoring is now more finessed, and as a result, drivers will be able to attack corners more aggressively, carry a higher speed throughout a corner, and power out sooner. Audi also says that it's refined the RS 3's oversteer characteristics so that steering adjustments are all you need to kick out the rear (though we're quite sure a big dose of throttle will do it, too). There is also a new standard tire, but a set of super-sticky Pirelli P Zero Trofeo Rs are still available as an option.

The interior is largely untouched, though there is a new steering wheel borrowed from other Audis like the Q4 E-tron and Q6 E-tron. It sports a flat bottom and touch-sensitive pads to control the driver's display. There are also two shortcut buttons on the steering wheel that allow you to activate the RS 3's more racey functions. There is also a new rev counter in the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an app store for the 10.1-inch infotainment display. The gear selector also moves from a sort of lever to a flatter switch — a change that brings the RS 3 in line with other Audi models but doesn't really affect the way you operate it in any meaningful way.

Beyond that the interior of the RS 3 hasn't changed much. The screens are the same size as they were before, the seats are the same (very excellent) RS-specific buckets, and there are still unqiue touches throughout the cabin. You won't find red A/C grill slats and red stitching (or so much Alcantara) on your run-of-the-mill A3. 

Really, aside from the tweaked chassis electronics that made this the fastest compact around the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany (setting a time of 7:33) and the fresh looks, this is a pretty tame update. But then, Audi didn't have to reinvent the wheel here. The RS 3 was already a fantastic, frenetic little pocket rocket and we doubt this face-lift is going to change that. 

The RS 3 carries on its muscular compact ways without much change, likely one of the Audi's last small gas-powered screamers as the brand shifts toward an all-electric lineup.

Audi is planning a blitz of new, redesigned and refreshed models for 2025, including the 2025 Audi RS 3. While about half of the 20 models will be electric, the RS 3 will remain an unabashed gas glutton. While we haven't seen official photos of the upcoming RS 3 yet, we have seen examples of European A3 and S3 models. The honeycomb grille is slightly massaged, with body color extending up to the edges (current versions feature a gloss-black frame) and reshaped air intakes. Audi's signature four-ring badge sits higher up on the grille, splitting space with the lower edge of the hood line. We'd expect the RS 3 to mirror the same changes, with an extra dash of aerodynamic and carbon-fiber bling. 

Edmunds spotlight: RS 3 passes down its tech but remains at the top

The RS 3 will presumably follow other A3 and S3 changes, including four configurable daytime running light signatures. Inside, the cabin gets customizable ambient lighting, backlit door panels and new vents. The bigger question is whether the RS 3 gets new features or capability to further distinguish it from its siblings. For 2025, the middle-child S3 benefits from RS 3 trickle-down tech, inheriting the RS 3's torque splitter, which determines how much power to send to each wheel and can help induce rear-wheel drift. It also gets sportier suspension settings, extra drive modes and a 22-horsepower bump up to 328 hp total — an impressive RS 3 surrogate for less money. Then again, the RS 3 already makes 400 horsepower, comes with an adaptive suspension, and can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Perhaps no compelling need, then, to significantly overhaul the RS 3.

Competitors to consider

The RS 3 compresses muscle-car power into its micro-sedan frame, leaving only a few rivals doing anything similar. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S generates slightly more power (416 hp) in a same-size package, but with enhanced luxury fixings. If you can get by with two doors, the BMW M2 is a formidable competitor offering a 453-hp six-cylinder engine and razor-sharp handling. The slightly larger Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing merits a look for its 472-hp turbo four-cylinder, although it's less refined than the Audi. For a more affordable option, consider the new Acura Integra Type S.