The 2024 Audi RS 3's all-wheel-drive system means traction is ever present, even in slippery conditions, and the vibrant turbocharged five-cylinder engine means you're never wanting for power or drama. But just as it can barnstorm a back road, it can also be a civilized counterpart on the day-to-day. The RS 3 is a compelling pick for a hot compact.Read full review
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
9/15/2023
The RS 3 is the high-performance version of the A3, Audi's smallest sedan. It's more powerful and capable than the S3, and it's the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of one of the brand's famed RS models. Its small size, muscular power and tenacious grip allow for spirited driving. But don't let its small stature and performance credentials fool you; the RS 3 also provides a comfortable ride and rear seats spacious enough for adults.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Audi RS 3 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.71 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The RS 3's centerpiece is its 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Lots of cars have four- or six-cylinder engines, but Audi's five-cylinder is unique and makes a sound to match. It's turbocharged and tuned to deliver 401 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, and it's connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that routes power to an all-wheel-drive system fitted with a torque-vectoring rear differential. That potent powertrain blasted the RS 3 from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds when we tested it. The RS 3's adaptive sport suspension (which includes two RS drive modes) and sticky summer tires ensure that the pint-size supercar feels right at home on a curvy road or at the track.
Competitors to consider
The RS 3's rivals include the recently improved Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S and the slightly larger Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. For a more affordable option, consider the new Acura Integra Type S. If you don't mind two doors, you should definitely take a look at the recently redesigned BMW M2. And don't forget about the all-electric alternative: the Tesla Model 3 Performance. For our test team's in-depth review of the RS 3, check out our Edmunds Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expertNick Yekikian
Senior News Editor
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.
We drove the 2024 Audi RS 3 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Performance
8.5/10
How does the RS 3 drive? The RS 3's centerpiece is its 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. It has a unique sound and delivers stunning performance. In our testing we recorded a 3.9-second 0-60 mph run on California's 91 octane fuel, making it quicker than Mercedes' AMG CLA 45. (Edmunds is based in Los Angeles.) But the RS 3 doesn't deliver full thrust until you feed it 93 octane fuel, and once we added an octane booster the RS 3 chipped 0.3 second off its 0-60 time. That's exceptional, but residents in states that can't get 93 will wish the RS 3 could make that happen without having to add a bottle of octane booster with each tank.
Though it delivers crushing speed, the experience of getting there isn't as evocative as we'd like. It's not that it doesn't drive well; it's that the way the RS 3 goes about delivering its almost bewildering performance is anodyne. The Audi RS 5 left us with a similar coldness. It feels like the RS 3 keeps the driver an arm's reach away from the experience thanks to nearly lifeless steering and electronic aids that filter your inputs. If you want something visceral, the RS 3 might not be the best choice.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the RS 3? Audi's RS-badged cars have historically done a good job of balancing comfort and performance and the RS 3 is no different. Even in the suspension's stiffest mode, lumps and bumps from the road surface only rarely make their way into the cabin, a rare trait from a car with such high performance aspirations. You will notice plenty of road noise thrumming its way through the cabin due to the RS 3's 19-inch wheels and high-performance Pirelli tires. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's worth mentioning.
The RS 3's specialized sport front seats only add to the cabin's comfort level. They're covered in soft leather and uniquely supple. They aren't as firm and don't hold on as tightly as the seats from some competitors, but we'll take that trade-off for a bit of added everyday usability.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The RS 3 has an almost identical interior to the A3 and S3. That's both good and bad. It's great thanks to exceptional usability. The rear seat is roomy enough for two 6-foot-tall passengers to be reasonably comfortable. We also like that the climate controls are a cinch to use, and Audi's infotainment setup is significantly easier to learn than iDrive in BMWs and MBUX in Mercedes' small cars. Thanks to the Audi's small dimensions, visibility is also good from all angles and getting in and out of the plush bucket seats is no problem at all.
The biggest downside to this cabin is that, for an RS-badged machine, it doesn't do enough to differentiate itself from its more pedestrian siblings. The RS-specific bucket seats are the only major differentiator between this and an A3, and while we appreciate how comfortable and supportive they are, the rest of the cabin doesn't quite feel as special as it should.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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How’s the tech? The RS 3's infotainment system isn't as flashy as Mercedes' MBUX system, but it works just as well and is even easier to navigate. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is supported, and the interior features four USB ports to make sure everyone's device is fully charged up.
Every safety aid that Audi makes available on its small cars is standard on the RS 3. That means adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, and lane keeping assistance are all here at no extra cost. To our surprise, Audi's adaptive cruise control has been massively improved in the RS 3. Previous Audis, performance models or not, suffered from adaptive cruise systems that were too quick to panic brake or randomly disengaged altogether. Not so in the RS 3, and this improvement makes using the system a much more confidence-inspiring experience.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Though it's a small car, the RS 3 still offers plenty of storage space. Generously sized door bins and well-placed cupholders in the center console swallow cups and other small items with ease. The center console is too small, however, and not deep enough to be considered a real storage option. It also relies on the armrest to act as its lid, and if you plan on supporting your arm at all, the center console is technically never shut.
The truck opening is large enough to make loading and unloading relatively easy. The truck is also a decent size for a small car, offering 8.3 cubic feet of free air to work with. Things are opened up further thanks to 60/40-split folding rear seats that help make way for larger items.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
7/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA says the RS 3 should get 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving, but on our mixed-driving evaluation route, our test RS 3 managed 20.9 mpg, and we aren't surprised. Spirited driving will always gulp fuel at a quicker rate than simply commuting, and we aren't surprised that the RS 3 struggled to match its EPA estimate.
Value
7.5/10
Is the RS 3 a good value? Know that you're paying for performance here, not exceptional cabin quality. The plastics are akin to what you'd find in a base A3, and there is a vast amount of piano black plastic that will snag your fingerprints immediately, giving the screens and parts of the center console a grimy look. That said, we have to give credit to how well the RS 3 is screwed together. Our test car had no errant squeaks or rattles, and all of the buttons, knobs and switches felt very high-quality.
Wildcard
8/10
It's safe to say you won't see many RS 3s around, but we're willing to bet this car will be more popular than the RS 3 that came before it. It's a more well-rounded package and looks more like an RS-badged Audi should, with a more aggressive front end and lower stance than before. We like the Audi's looks. It's also devilishly fast, and if it did a better job of connecting us to the driving experience, it would score higher here. We just wish the RS 3 was a bit less serious and a bit more fun, but there's no denying how effective it is.
Which RS 3 does Edmunds recommend?
The RS 3 is only available in one model, but there are several option packages and stand-alone options to consider. We suggest adding the RS Technology package for the Bang & Olufsen sound system and the convenient head-up display. Make sure to opt for the RS sport exhaust system for an improved aural experience.
Audi RS 3 models
The 2024 Audi RS 3 is a high-performance version of Audi's small A3 sedan. It's powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine (401 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Keep reading for our rundown of the RS 3's significant standard and optional features:
RS 3
Comes well equipped with:
19-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires
Adaptive sport suspension with lowered ride height (for improved comfort and handling)
LED headlights
Panoramic sunroof
Keyless entry and ignition
Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
Heated, power-folding side mirrors
Premium leather upholstery with diamond quilt stitching
Power-adjustable and heated front seats with driver's seat memory
Three-zone automatic climate control
LED interior lighting
Digital instrument cluster
10.1-inch touchscreen display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (includes wireless connectivity)
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Advanced driver assist features include:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
The RS 3 also offers several packages and a few stand-alone options. Highlights include:
RS Technology package
Integrated navigation system
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Bang & Olufsen audio system
Traffic sign recognition (detects certain road signs and displays them on the instrument panel)
Black Optic Plus package
19-inch wheels in matte black finish
Black badging
Carbon package
Carbon-fiber mirror caps, rear spoiler and side sill inlays
RS sport exhaust
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
2023 Audi RS 3 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)
For almost the past decade, I have been driving an Audi S4 with a manual transmission, which had been my dream car since it came out in Europe while I was still in graduate school. That S4 has been as great as I had imagined, but I now have over 150K miles on it, so I put in an order for an RS3 in Kemora Gray, as there is a 2-3 year wait list, and I wanted to get one before my S4 gave … up the ghost. Our Audi salesman called last month to let me know that someone had traded in a Kemora Gray RS3 with 16,800 miles on it and asked if I wanted to drive it. On the test drive, I was amazed at what a multitool chameleon this car is. In comfort mode, it is a very comfortable and smooth sedan, and in RS mode, it is a tight and incredibly powerful track car, thanks in part to its relatively small size. As with all of my other Audi's (this is our sixth), the MMI works wonderfully, and the B&O stereo is fantastic. For a car of its size, Audi has still made a vehicle with reasonable room in the back seats and a surprisingly large trunk. Thanks to having slightly wider front tires than rear tires and the availability of rear torque vectoring, understeer is gone, and the 2.5L inline five cylinder engine is as wonderful as advertised. I have a 250 mile commute every 4-7 days that is almost all on the interstate, and the RS3 has a smooth ride in the "Comfort" setting, and I live in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, with lots of twisty up and down backroads, on which the RS3 excels. I'm looking forward to a long relationship with this car.
This beauty is a beast
5 out of 5 stars
CMcG, 09/16/2024
2024 Audi RS 3 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)
LOVE this car. Perfect combination of a rally car & a true race car. When you launch this little devil, you can literally feel your fingers trying to peel off of the steering wheel, it’s that fast. Very smooth ride & cornering is a breeze. Downside, the RS3 makes it too easy to reach felony speeds! The MSRP is worth every penny. Most fun I’ve ever had behind the wheel.
5 cylinder harmony!!
5 out of 5 stars
DAVE J, 04/10/2024
2024 Audi RS 3 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)
Car is spectacular to drive and looks 10 times better in person! Definitely worth the money and is the best car I've ever owned!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Audi RS 3, so we've included reviews for other years of the RS 3 since its last redesign.
The AMG CLA 45 S is the Mercedes to get if you're considering an RS 3. As part of the 2024 CLA refresh, the CLA 45's power increased to 416 horsepower (up from 382 hp) and gained an S in its name. Like the RS 3, it sports an all-wheel-drive system and various performance upgrades. Mercedes says the CLA 45 S can blast from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. As with most Mercedes models, it boasts some of the best tech in its class and a well-crafted elegant interior.
The CT4-V Blackwing is a compelling alternative to the RS 3. It's similar in price but packs a more powerful 472-hp turbocharged V6, and unlike the Audi, the Blackwing gives you a choice of a manual or automatic transmission. It also touts an excellent combination of precise handling and superb ride comfort. The Caddy is longer than the RS 3 but it surprisingly provides less rear legroom. For a more engaging driving experience, the rear-wheel-drive CT4-V Blackwing is the way to go.
If you don't mind going all-electric, the Performance version of the Model 3 should be on your short list. It's quicker than the RS 3 and very agile, and it offers more passenger and cargo space. Even better, the Model 3 Performance is less expensive. The electric sport sedan provides a solid estimated driving range of more than 300 miles and gets access to Tesla's extensive national charging network. On the downside, you'll miss out on the alluring rumble of the RS 3's turbocharged five-cylinder engine.
That question can be answered with one word: FUN. With a sonorous 401-horsepower five-cylinder engine, a compact footprint and all-wheel drive, the Audi RS 3 is a potent little performer. It's the high-performance variant of the A3 small sedan and bookends the midrange S3. The RS 3 was just redesigned for the 2022 model year, so we don't expect any big changes for 2024, but some spy shots of a prototype hint that a slightly reworked grille and some other exterior styling updates may be in development.
The newly redesigned BMW M2 represents the most direct rival to the RS 3 and it enjoys a 52-hp advantage. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 isn't quite as raucous as the RS 3 or M2, favoring luxury and refinement instead.
Edmunds says
The Audi RS 3 is a serious performer that's willing to play. The burly-sounding five-cylinder engine encourages you to explore its sporting potential, yet it's civilized enough for daily commuting. This kind of track-to-traffic versatility is both rare and inspiring.
FAQ
Is the Audi RS 3 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 RS 3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 RS 3 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the RS 3 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 RS 3. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Audi RS 3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Audi RS 3:
No significant changes for 2024
Part of the third generation A3 lineup introduced for 2022
To determine whether the Audi RS 3 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the RS 3. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the RS 3's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Audi RS 3 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Audi RS 3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 RS 3 and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 RS 3 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 RS 3 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Audi RS 3?
The least-expensive 2024 Audi RS 3 is the 2024 Audi RS 3 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $62,300.
Other versions include:
4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $62,300
If you're interested in the Audi RS 3, the next question is, which RS 3 model is right for you? RS 3 variants include 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM). For a full list of RS 3 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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