2018 Audi RS 3
2018 Audi RS 3 pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich RS 3 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
For Audi nerds, the arrival of the RS 3 on U.S. shores is a big deal. This fire-breathing compact sedan has until now been forbidden fruit, with sales limited to overseas markets. The first handful of RS 3s arriving will bear a 2017 model designation and be identical to the 2018 model.
The RS 3 is what happens when you fortify Audi's class-leading A3 entry-level luxury sedan with a 400-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine. Naturally, the brakes and suspension have been upgraded to match, and most of the A3's and S3's optional equipment has been made standard on the RS 3.
It's Audi's answer to the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 and the terrific BMW M2, both potent performers in their own rights. The RS 3 is philosophically much closer to the Benz, with its transverse engine layout and all-wheel drive, while the BMW takes a more classic rear-drive approach. One thing's for sure — this is the kind of rivalry we can get behind.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Audi RS 3 as one of Edmunds' Best Sport Sedans for this year.
Trim levels & features
The 2018 Audi RS 3 is a high-performance variant of the A3 and S3 sedans. It is available in a single trim level and is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine (400 hp, 354 lb-ft). A seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels.
Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, automatic LED headlights, heated and power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, adaptive suspension dampers, selectable drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, heated eight-way manual sport seats with power lumbar adjustment, and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats. Electronic features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a rearview camera, and a 10-speaker audio system with HD and satellite radio and a USB port.
Most of the RS 3's options are offered in packages. The Technology package includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, smartphone vehicle monitoring and control, navigation, an expanded digital instrument cluster display (Virtual Cockpit) and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. There's also the Dynamic package (wider front wheels and tires, a sport exhaust and red brake calipers) and the Dynamic Plus package (a higher top speed, a carbon-fiber engine cover, individual tire pressure monitors, front ceramic brake rotors and a fixed sport suspension). Driver assistance features are bundled into a package, and there are two more packages that largely consist of cosmetic items.
Stand-alone options are limited to carbon-fiber interior trim, rear-seat side airbags and premium vinyl-covered armrests and kneepads.
Trim tested
Driving
Comfort
Interior
Utility
Technology
Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Audi RS 3.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite RS 3 safety features:
- Audi Pre Sense Basic
- Senses when a front collision is imminent. Can tighten the seat belts, power up the windows and close the sunroof automatically.
- Audi Side Assist
- Alerts you if a car is approaching or lurking in the blind spots and beeps if you signal for a lane change in that direction.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Assist
- Warns the driver if a car is approaching from the sides when backing out of a parking spot.
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See your car's valueFans of Audi performance models await the arrival of the 2018 Audi RS 3 with bated breath. Even if you're not a rabid Audi enthusiast, this 400-hp, all-wheel-drive, bite-size thrill ride might be right up your alley. Audi has offered its top-level RS cars in the United States before, but never before as a variant of the otherwise affordable and unassuming A3 sedan.
The first 200 RS 3s arriving at dealers will technically be 2017 models. Otherwise, the 2018 RS 3 is going to be the new model for everyone. Standard feature highlights on 2018 models include 19-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires, LED headlights, power-folding mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry/ignition, an adaptive suspension, selectable drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, leather upholstery, manually adjustable sport seats, split-folding rear seats, Bluetooth, a rearview camera and a 10-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a USB port and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
If that's not enough for you, head to the options packages. The Technology package adds a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote vehicle monitoring and control, navigation, a virtual cockpit expanded instrument panel and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system. Driving enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Dynamic package (wider front wheels and tires, a sport exhaust and red brake calipers) and the Dynamic Plus package (a higher top speed, a carbon-fiber engine cover, individual tire pressure monitors, front ceramic brake rotors, and a fixed sport suspension).
Direct competitors to the RS 3 include the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 and BMW M2. For a given price point, the RS 3 is probably the best equipped. We haven't tested the Audi yet, but all indications point to a dead heat among them performancewise.
Otherwise, we'd look within Audi's own stable to the TT RS coupe as a possible alternative. We can't wait to try out the 2018 Audi RS 3, but in the meantime, use all of Edmunds' shopping tools to see if it's a good fit for what you expect out of a compact sport sedan.
2018 Audi RS 3 Overview
The 2018 Audi RS 3 is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include , and quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM).
What do people think of the 2018 Audi RS 3?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Audi RS 3 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 RS 3 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 RS 3.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Audi RS 3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 RS 3 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Audi RS 3?
2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM)
The 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $63,800. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) is trending $500 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $500 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$63,300.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) is0.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Audi RS 3s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Audi RS 3 for sale near. There are currently 5 new 2018 RS 3s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $63,000 and mileage as low as 8 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Audi RS 3. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $500 on a used or CPO 2018 RS 3 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Audi RS 3s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Audi RS 3 for sale - 11 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $20,974.
Find a new Audi for sale - 12 great deals out of 20 listings starting at $22,831.
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Should I lease or buy a 2018 Audi RS 3?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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2018 Audi RS 3 Information
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