Fans 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: Sedan. Available styles include quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM). RS 3 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 RS 3 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual. The 2018 RS 3 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay 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 $65525. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) is trending $1 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $65524.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) is 0% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
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 $65175. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) is trending $1 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $65174.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) is 0% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
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 $63225. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) is trending $1 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $63224.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) is 0% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) 2018 Audi RS 3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 Audi RS 3 a good car? 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 All of our reviews are 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.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
MPG
2018 audi rs-3 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM), 7-speed automated manual, premium unleaded (required) 22 combined MPG 19 city MPG/28 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2018 Audi RS 3?
Available Audi RS 3 2018 Submodel Types: Sedan
Available Audi RS 3 2018 Trims: quattro
Exterior Colors: Glacier White Metallic, Catalunya Red Metallic, Daytona Gray Pearl Effect
Interior Colors: Black w/Crescendo Red Stitching premium leather, Black w/Rock Gray Stitching premium leather
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Adaptive Cruise Control, Alarm, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Aux Audio Inputs, Back-up camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Bluetooth, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Keyless Entry/Start, Lane Departure Warning, Leather Seats, Mobile Internet, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Navigation, Parking sensors, Post-collision safety system, Pre-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Upgraded Headlights, Upgraded Stereo
Engine/Mechanics: 5 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATED_MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
