2025 Audi RS 3 Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs

Key Features

• Starting at $63,400 MSRP
• 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine with 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and 7-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission
• quattro® all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and RS Torque Rear drift mode
• RS torque splitter

• Adaptive suspension with damper control (DCC) (-10mm compared to S3)
• Matrix-design LED headlights (darkened)
• 3-spoke flat bottom/top steering wheel with RS satellite buttons, shift paddles
• SONOS® Premium sound system with 3D sound

About the Audi RS 3 

With the trademark roar of its turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine, you might be inclined to call the RS 3 the quintessential Audi performance car - and we'd be inclined to agree with you. With over 400 horsepower on tap, the RS 3 has the tire-shredding performance you demand in a package that's practical, comfortable, and packed nose-to-tail with the latest technology. The newly upgraded quattro® all-wheel drive system utilizes electronic torque vectoring, as well as selectable drive modes to match the situation - even if that situation involves copious drifting action. Naturally, the aggressive styling of the RS 3 makes it stand out in a crowd, and exciting, exclusive colors like Kyalami Green will make you the talk of the town. No matter what your day brings, the Audi RS 3 gives you the tools you need to tackle any situation and make it more exciting and engaging. Every trip to the grocery store, gym, or office will feel like you're hot-lapping the Nürburgring.

What the Critics Say

"Fast driving also reveals razor-sharp but progressive steering. The slightest steering movements become directional changes. Steering assistance can be adjusted in three stages to suit personal preferences. Audi claims that 62 mph comes up in 3.8 seconds and that the RS 3 tops out at 180 mph. We expect it to be quicker; the old RS 3 could clip off 3.4-second runs to 60 mph." - Car and Driver

"The car is very fast. With the help of those grippy Trofeo Rs, an RS3 adorned with the five-cylinder's 1-2-4-5-3 firing order lapped the Nürburgring in 7 minutes, 35 seconds. That, as multiple Audi representatives told us at different times, is five seconds faster than a Bugatti Veyron." - Road & Track

What's New for 2025

The high-octane Audi RS 3 receives a variety of thrilling updates for the 2025 model year. Visual changes include a new front grille with larger air intakes, a full-width front splitter, and new Matrix LED headlights with choreographed lighting signatures. Ascari Blue, Daytona Gray, and Progressive Red are three new exterior colors for 2025. Several new alloy wheel options are also offered this year. Inside the cabin, drivers will find a new steering wheel, tachometer graphics, and carbon-fiber-backed seats. Finally driveline software updates have improved stability and responsiveness within the chassis for the 2025 Audi RS 3.

Audi RS 3 Features

Passionate Performance

There's just over 400 thundering, stampeding horsepower under the hood of the Audi RS 3, courtesy of the powerful 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine. If you want to get into specifics, we're looking at 401 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 MPH time of 3.6 seconds. Of course, you need to handle all of that horsepower somehow. A seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic® transmission handles shifting duties, while the legendary quattro® all-wheel drive makes sure as much of that power makes it to the road as possible. The newest version of quattro® found in the RS 3 features electronic torque vectoring and three selectable drive modes. One of those modes, RS Torque Rear, can send all of the power to the outside rear wheel during cornering - allowing for impressive drifts and billowing tire smoke. Under non-drifting conditions, of course, the optional Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires wrap 19-inch wheels and offer incredible grip. The suspension is carefully tuned for maximum performance without sacrificing comfort, and available 380mm carbon ceramic front brakes provide supercar-level stopping power.

Performance-Oriented Interior

To a racing driver, the cockpit of their race car is their office. That ethos dictated the interior design of the Audi RS 3, but we also understand that your needs are more diverse than those of a racing driver. That's why comfort, luxury, and high technology were also added to the mix. A 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display includes a heads-up display and provides performance-oriented digital readouts for all major vehicle functions. A 10.1-inch MMI® touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability handles your essential infotainment functions, and other luxuries include a built-in WiFi hotspot and a wireless charging pad for your mobile device. Drivers will find themselves surrounded by race-inspired materials, such as Alcantara and carbon fiber. Both the flat-bottom steering wheel and quilted leather sport seats feature unique contrast stitching, and optional special trim can be ordered to match your exterior color choice.

Trims & Specs

RS 3

• Starting at $63,400 MSRP*
• 2.5-liter turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine with 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque and 7-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission
• quattro® all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and RS Torque Rear drift mode
• RS torque splitter
• Adaptive suspension with damper control (DCC) (-10mm compared to S3)
• Matrix-design LED headlights (darkened)

*Price excludes taxes, registration, title, other options and dealer fees. Final price will vary based on the final negotiated price and terms agreed upon by you and the Audi dealer.