2023 Audi RS 3

Price Range: $60,900 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

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The 2023 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

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2017

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$57,544

2023 Audi RS 3 Review

byDan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

rating written byNick 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.}

Pros

Strong and characterful engine
Excellent grip and stability around corners
Comfortable front seats and ride for a performance car

Cons

Driving experience isn't particularly engaging
Some interior materials seem low-rent given the RS 3's price

What's new

No significant changes after last year's redesign
Part of the third generation A3 lineup introduced for 2022

Edmunds Recommended Trim

Our editors recommend the Base trim for the best balance of features, performance, and value. See why we chose it

Overview

From a quick glance at the compact 2023 Audi RS 3, you wouldn't think it was loaded with 400 horsepower or tuned for elite sports-car handling. Instead you might see a stylish mini-sedan that looks easy to park around New York City. That makes the RS 3 one of the sleeper hits among the rare breed of today's performance sedans, a car you might not notice until it passes you well above the speed limit. The only giveaway might be its array of colors that are as boisterous as its turbocharged five-cylinder powertrain.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$196/mo

$153/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Audi redesigned the RS 3 just last year and, among other upgrades, installed a new torque-vectoring rear differential. This gives the all-wheel-drive RS 3 a notably different character than the A3 or even S3. In the RS 3, power can be apportioned to each rear wheel individually, giving the car the feel of a rear-wheel-drive sports car. Driver-selectable modes further enhance performance, whether you want to cruise in a cushy suspension setting or slide out the tail end with some enthusiastic acceleration. There's even a Track mode, and an optional set of Pirelli tires specifically designed for track use.

We like the RS 3 and find it a competitive pick among the BMW M2 and Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to see if this pint-size powerhouse makes a case for a spot in your garage.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{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.}

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

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 form 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 as 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

Save as much as $4,451 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $4,451 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Base trim.}

2023 Audi RS 3 pricing in Ashburn, VA

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Build & Price

Technology

8.5/10

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 comes in just one trim, but it offers some options for extra performance or personalization. We'd opt for the Technology package for the navigation system and premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. We also think the upgraded RS sport exhaust is a near must-have.

Compare 2023 Audi RS 3 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Audi RS 3 models

The RS 3 is a high-performance version of Audi's regular A3 sedan. It comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine (401 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic suspension and all-wheel drive. Standard and optional feature highlights include:

LED headlights
19-inch wheels
High-performance summer tires
Panoramic sunroof
Keyless entry and ignition
Auto-dimming mirrors (with power-folding side mirrors)
Premium leather upholstery with diamond quilt stitching
Power-adjustable and heated front seats with driver 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 charging pad
Two rear USB ports
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

Advanced driver assist features include:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the A3 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)

The RS 3 also offers several packages and a few stand-alone options to further enhance the RS 3. Highlights include:

RS Technology package

Integrated navigation system
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Premium Bang & Olufsen audio system

Black Optic Plus package

19-inch wheels in matte black finish
Black roof
Black badging

Dynamic Plus package

Raises top speed to 180 mph
Carbon-fiber engine cover
Carbon-ceramic front brakes with red calipers

RS sport exhaust
High-performance Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires
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)

Audi RS 3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

5.0

1 reviews

5(100%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

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1(0%)

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CJK1963, 03/24/2024

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 …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Audi RS 3, so we've included reviews for other years of the RS 3 since its last redesign.

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2023 Audi RS 3 Features & Specs

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$60,900
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$196/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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Audi RS 3 vs. BMW M2

BMW's redesigned M2 coupe is a compelling alternative to the RS 3. With a 453-hp six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, the M2 coupe promises to be wildly entertaining. It will also offer driver-adjustable performance settings and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional eight-speed automatic. The RS 3 will be the more practical option because of its four doors and all-wheel drive.

Compare Audi RS 3 & BMW M2 features

Audi RS 3 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

You could look at these two cars as the result of a homework assignment for a German automaker: Take your entry-level luxury sedan and throw as much of your high-performance hardware on it as possible. The RS 3 and CLA 45 have all-wheel drive, dual-clutch automatic transmissions and similar power outputs. We think Audi put a little more effort into making its RS 3 distinctive, but otherwise these two cars are quite similar in appeal.

Compare Audi RS 3 & Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class features

Audi RS 3 vs. Tesla Model 3

Here's an option if you want a high-performance sedan but also think it's important to go electric. The Model 3 Performance is quicker, roomier and has more cargo space. It's also fun to drive and, being an EV, doesn't have any tailpipe emissions. But Model 3s are everywhere, whereas you might be the only person in your ZIP code to own an RS 3.

Compare Audi RS 3 & Tesla Model 3 features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite RS 3 safety features:

Audi Pre Sense Front: Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
Audi Active Lane Assist: Alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane without signaling and can steer to help nudge you back.
Audi Side Assist: Notifies you if there's a car in your blind spot and alerts you if you activate the turn signal.

FAQ

Is the Audi RS 3 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 RS 3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 RS 3 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 1 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 2023 Audi RS 3?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Audi RS 3:

No significant changes after last year's redesign
Part of the third generation A3 lineup introduced for 2022

Learn more

Is the Audi RS 3 reliable?

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 2023 Audi RS 3 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Audi RS 3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 RS 3 and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 RS 3 gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 RS 3 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Audi RS 3?

The least-expensive 2023 Audi RS 3 is the 2023 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 $60,900.

Other versions include:

4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 5cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $60,900

Learn more

What are the different models of Audi RS 3?

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

2023 Audi RS 3

Pricing

2023 Audi RS 3 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Edmunds Recommended Trim

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $4,451 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $4,451 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Base trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which RS 3 does Edmunds recommend?

Audi RS 3 models

Audi RS 3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Track Car That is Also a Comfortable Daily Driver

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2023 Audi RS 3 Features & Specs

Compare the Audi RS 3

Audi RS 3 vs. BMW M2

Audi RS 3 vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Audi RS 3 vs. Tesla Model 3

Safety

Our experts’ favorite RS 3 safety features:

2023 Audi RS 3 First Impressions

What is the Audi RS 3?

Edmunds says

FAQ

Is the Audi RS 3 a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Audi RS 3?

Is the Audi RS 3 reliable?

Is the 2023 Audi RS 3 a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Audi RS 3?

What are the different models of Audi RS 3?

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.77 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Save as much as $4,451 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $4,451 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Base trim.}