2025 Audi S3

Price Range: $48,700 - $54,900

The 2025 Audi S3 will win you over with its quick acceleration, sporty handling and pleasing comfort. While it does fall short in cargo and rear passenger space compared to some competitors, those shortcomings are the S3's only significant drawbacks.Read full review

Rank #2

10 Small performance sedans

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Audi S3 for Sale

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National Market Price

$48,426

Prices based on sales in ND thru 6/16/25

Final assembly in Germany

2025 Audi S3 Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Inspiring performance with strong acceleration and sharp handling
Ample comfort
Small size makes it easy to park and maneuver

Cons

Small trunk capacity
Some functions require digging through on-screen menus

What's new

Power increases slightly
A torque-split differential from the RS 3
Larger front brakes along with retuned suspension and steering
Part of the third A3 generation introduced for 2022

Overview

The 2025 Audi S3 is the spiced-up version of the company's entry-level A3 sedan. The S3 pumps out more than 300 horsepower and boasts upgraded brakes, suspension and tires for improved performance. It's the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of an S-badged Audi. For 2025, Audi has made some changes that should enhance the car's appeal.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

$184/mo

$160/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Edmunds spotlight: Improved performance for the 2025 S3

Driving enthusiasts will be excited to know that the torque-splitting rear differential from the wilder RS 3 is now available with the promise of similar tail-happy antics. The steering and suspension have also been retuned for even sharper responses. Adding to the enhancements are larger front brakes and a modest increase in power output. The S3's turbocharged engine gets a bump from 306 horsepower to 328 hp, though torque remains unchanged at 295 lb-ft. Combined with quicker shifts from the automatic transmission, the 2025 S3 should be marginally quicker.

Competitors to consider

The BMW M235i Gran Coupe is worth considering. Like the S3, it's the sporty version of a base car — the 2 Series Gran Coupe — that gets more power and added performance enhancements. Another option is the Acura Integra Type S. It doesn't have all-wheel drive, but it's arguably more of a driver's car thanks to its standard manual transmission. We also like the newest Tesla Model 3 Performance for its very rapid acceleration and advanced tech features.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Great

8.3

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

9/10

How does the S3 drive? The S3 feels light and nimble on the road, aided further by responsive steering and a sport-tuned suspension. It's quick too. Our test S3 raced from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 4.6 seconds, and there's power all over the rev range, making the S3 feel quick both on city streets and winding back roads. When you're not revving it out, the S3 settles down into an easygoing demeanor, and its responsive transmission shifts quickly.

Standard all-wheel drive makes sure that power always reaches the pavement. The latest S3 also comes with a torque-vectoring rear differential that it shares with the more powerful RS 3. It helps to enhance and tighten the car's handling when you're powering out of turns. We also like the S3's powerful brakes. During our panic-braking tests at Edmunds' test facility, the S3 stopped from 60 mph in a commendable 107 feet and showed excellent stability with every stop. As a bonus, the S3's small size and light steering make it a cinch to park.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the S3? The S3 comes standard with sportier, more supportive and somewhat more comfortable seats than the standard A3. They're well padded and offer lots of adjustment, and they do a great job of keeping you in place in faster curves without feeling confining. With the available sport suspension with adjustable dampers, the ride is actually better than the standard A3's too.

The standard three-zone climate control system is excellent, working quickly and evenly to cool the car down. The heated seats work well in cooler weather. The climate control buttons are all on a row on the dash, making them easy to operate without taking your eyes off the road. We also appreciate Audi's use of real buttons.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The S3 is a fairly small car even as far as compacts go. Still, there's more space than there would appear. Even taller passengers should have no issue finding space up front. The seats offer a lot of adjustment, so it doesn't take too long to get a good driving position dialed in. Rear passengers will be a little more snug, though there's still room for adults to be comfortable over shorter trips. The S3's small width and short doors make it relatively easy to get in and out.

The S3's new interior feels open, with the available buttons and stalks easy to see and reach. As with some rivals, Audi has reduced the number of buttons and moved some controls to the touchscreen. The menu system works well, but some settings are buried deeper than we'd like.

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National average sale prices for the 2025 Audi S3

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Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The S3 features the latest in-car tech from Audi. The navigation system works well, with a clear map that can be displayed in the instrument cluster. It makes turn-by-turn directions easy to understand. The available head-up display helps too, projecting navigation info onto the windshield. We were particularly impressed by the S3's optional Sonos audio system. The S3 also comes with four USB-C ports, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional wireless charging pad.

The S3 is available with a full suite of driver aids, though most of them must be added as options. What's available works well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The S3 isn't a big car. Its 10.9-cubic-foot trunk is smaller than the trunks of other luxury compacts. The available space is tall and wide, though, and the rear seats fold flat to open the space up further. Don't focus on the figure so much as the usable space itself. Storage up front offers a similar story. The center console is small, so we appreciate the decently sized door pockets and phone bin in front of the cupholders. Rear-facing child safety seats will be a tight fit because of the car's limited rear legroom.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Audi S3 gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is pretty good for a sporty luxury compact. We saw an impressive 30.3 mpg from our test car on our mixed-driving evaluation route, indicating you should have no problem staying frugal if you want to.

Value

8/10

Is the S3 a good value? The S3 starts out priced about equally to the BMW M235i Gran Coupe. It's considerably more expensive than the standard A3 sedan, but we think the upgrades to performance and style make it worth it. Overall build quality is excellent, though some hard plastics in the interior can feel a bit cheap as prices rise.

Audi offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic and drivetrain warranty, average for this class of cars. The A3 also gets four years of roadside assistance. That's a nice perk, but some rivals also include a few years of regular maintenance.

Wildcard

9/10

The S3's sporty accents give it a bit more character than the A3 without the big intakes and wider fenders you'll see on the RS 3. It fits the S3's personality, which is to say sporty but not hardcore. It's quick and fun around town without being uncomfortable. It's even more fun on winding roads where you can take advantage of the sport suspension and torquey turbocharged engine.

Which S3 does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend the midrange Premium Plus trim for the best value of the S3 lineup. For a reasonable price increase, you get a lot of desirable items that include adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, a wireless charging pad and additional safety features.

Compare 2025 Audi S3 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Audi S3 Owner Reviews

4.2

5 reviews

5(80%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(20%)

The overall sentiment for the 2025 Audi S3 is mixed. Owners love its powerful and fast ride, comfy seats, and good gas mileage. The car's buttons and sporty drive make it fun for daily use. However, some are unhappy with its high cost, pesky interior features, and some tricky tech issues.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

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Most Helpful Owner Review

My 2022 Audi S3

Tom S., 03/06/2022

2022 Audi S3 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I love this car. I bought one of the first 2022 S3s that arrived at the dealership in October of 2021. It is a premium plus package and has all the options that a fully loaded Audi offers except head up display and dancing lights (?). MSRP was little over $57K and I got it a touch below MSRP (😊) and got all the $$$ for my trade and more. I have close to 3200 miles on it. It is quick, …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Audi S3, so we've included review for other years of the S3 since its last redesign.

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2025 Audi S3 Features & Specs

Trim:

Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$48,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the S3 include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

FAQ

Is the Audi S3 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 S3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.3 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 S3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 5 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the S3 has 8.3 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Audi S3. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Audi S3?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Audi S3:

Power increases slightly
A torque-split differential from the RS 3
Larger front brakes along with retuned suspension and steering
Part of the third A3 generation introduced for 2022

Learn more

Is the Audi S3 reliable?

To determine whether the Audi S3 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the S3. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the S3's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Audi S3 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Audi S3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 S3 and gave it a 8.3 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 S3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 5 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 S3 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Audi S3?

The least-expensive 2025 Audi S3 is the 2025 Audi S3 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $48,700.

Other versions include:

Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $48,700
Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $51,100
Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $54,900

Learn more

What are the different models of Audi S3?

If you're interested in the Audi S3, the next question is, which S3 model is right for you? S3 variants include Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). For a full list of S3 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2025 Audi S3

Pricing

2025 Audi S3 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: Improved performance for the 2025 S3

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $2,478 with Edmunds

National Market Price

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which S3 does Edmunds recommend?

Audi S3 Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Review

My 2022 Audi S3

Helpful shopping links

2025 Audi S3 Features & Specs

Compare the Audi S3

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the S3 include:

FAQ

Is the Audi S3 a good car?

What's new in the 2025 Audi S3?

Is the Audi S3 reliable?

Is the 2025 Audi S3 a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2025 Audi S3?

What are the different models of Audi S3?

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