2018 Audi S3
Pros
- Powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Upscale interior that looks and feels expensive
- Precise handling that makes it a joy to drive on twisty roads
- Standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction
Cons
- No manual transmission option
- Adults will feel cramped in the back seat
- Small trunk won't fit much more than a couple small suitcases
2018 Audi S3 pricing
in Ashburn, VAWhich S3 does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
4 / 5If you want the easy-to-drive qualities of Audi's entry-level sedan, the A3, but also desire greater acceleration and handling, shop the 2018 Audi S3. The S3's more powerful engine, performance-oriented tires, sport-tuned suspension and bigger brakes combine to deliver an exhilarating performance without degrading the car's all-around usability.
True, the S3 isn't as roomy as its more expensive sibling, the S4 sedan. But there's enough space for most uses, and the S3's cabin is still handsome and upscale. You can even get it with Audi's trick Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster. Fuel economy remains respectable, too. Factor in the S3's standard all-wheel drive and dual-clutch automatic transmission and you've got a very user-friendly — and reasonably affordable — luxury sport sedan.
Trim levels & features
The 2018 Audi S3 is offered in two trim levels: Premium Plus and Prestige. They are pretty similarly equipped, but the Prestige offers more standard technology features. All S3s have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. That power is put to the ground through a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Standard features for the Premium Plus include 18-inch wheels, summer performance tires, keyless ignition and entry, front and rear parking sensors, selectable driving settings (known as Audi Drive Select), LED headlights, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, power front sport seats, driver-seat memory settings, leather upholstery and 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks.
For the Premium Plus, you also get a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Audi's MMI electronics interface (with a console-mounted controller and a power-retractable display), Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, a USB port, and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player and satellite radio.
Optional for this trim is the Technology package, which includes an expanded digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit), an upgraded MMI system (with an improved display and a touch-sensitive controller), Audi Connect online services (with 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi), native voice controls, a navigation system and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The Prestige adds the contents of the Technology package as standard plus heated and power-folding exterior mirrors (with driver-side auto-dimming), LED interior lighting, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, and two additional USB ports for the rear seating area.
Optional on both the Premium Plus and Prestige are a Black Optic Dynamic package (19-inch wheels with special exterior trim), an S Sport package (red brake calipers with adaptive suspension dampers) and an S Sport Seat package (manually adjustable front sport seats with premium leather upholstery). Stand-alone options include rear-seat side airbags and 18-inch wheels with all-season tires.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2015 Audi S3 Prestige Quattro Sedan (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Audi S3 has received a few revisions, including packaging changes and a revised in-car entertainment system. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's S3.
Driving
5Acceleration
5Braking
5Steering
5Handling
5Drivability
3Comfort
3Seat comfort
3Ride comfort
3Noise & vibration
3.5Climate control
3.5Interior
3.5Ease of use
5Getting in/getting out
2Roominess
2.5Visibility
3.5Quality
5Utility
3Small-item storage
3Cargo space
2.5Technology
3Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Audi S3.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite S3 safety features:
- Audi Adaptive Cruise
- Maintains a set distance between you and the car ahead of you. Automatically accelerates and brakes as needed, with the ability to stop.
- Audi Virtual Cockpit
- Lets you keep your attention on the road by providing route guidance in the instrument panel right in front of you.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Assist
- Warns you if a vehicle may hit you as you're backing out of a spot. Perfect for small urban parking lots.
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2018 Audi S3 for Sale
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See your car's valueAudi's A3 is a popular compact sedan thanks to its good looks, modern interior and peppy performance. Its size makes it easy to drive, and it has lots of bells and whistles, too. But what if you find the stock performance lacking? The S3 aims to fill the void with more power (186 or 220 hp versus 292 hp), larger brakes, stickier tires and more aggressive suspension calibration.
The S3 is available in two trims, Premium Plus and Prestige. They both share the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. But you'll probably most appreciate the modern and sophisticated interior, as well as standard technology features.
The Premium Plus S3 comes with 12-way power leather front seats with heating, panoramic sunroof, aluminum interior package with matte-brushed aluminum inlays, and a folding rear seat. From a technology perspective, the S3 features a 10-speaker stereo system that receives AM/FM, HD and satellite radio. It also interfaces with Bluetooth, with an auxiliary input jack and two USB ports. This system also features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so your smartphone can integrate directly with the car. Keyless entry and ignition are standard, of course.
The Prestige adds a Bang & Olufsen stereo system with 14 speakers, Audi's Virtual Cockpit dashboard system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic assist, and built-in navigation.
From a market perspective, the S3 is in an interesting spot. It offers more dynamic performance than some larger Japanese and European sport sedans, but it's priced higher. It has more doors and more cargo volume than some of its German coupe competitors. Nevertheless, the S3 has the just-right size while being a fun companion whether you're in the city or the mountains. And unlike other Audi models, the S3 has just about all the good stuff standard. The only other packages available are an S Sport Seat package that includes awesome quilted leather bucket seats, a Dynamic package that features larger 19-inch wheels and adjustable dampers, a Black Optic package that includes titanium matte 19-inch wheels, adjustable dampers, blacked-out exterior body kit, and mirror caps in body color, and a new S Sport package that includes red brake calipers and adjustable dampers.
From our perspective, the hot setup would be the Premium Plus trim with the S Sport seats, or go for maximum technology and opt for the Prestige. Either way, let Edmunds be your guide to finding your perfect 2018 Audi S3.
2018 Audi S3 Overview
The 2018 Audi S3 is offered in the following submodels: S3 Sedan. Available styles include 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro Summer of Audi 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and 2.0 TFSI Prestige quattro Summer of Audi 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM).
What do people think of the 2018 Audi S3?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Audi S3 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 S3 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 S3.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Audi S3 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 S3 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.
Edmunds Scorecard
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 S3?
2018 Audi S3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
The 2018 Audi S3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $49,755. The average price paid for a new 2018 Audi S3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) is trending $2,000 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,000 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$47,755.
The average savings for the 2018 Audi S3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) is4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2018 Audi S3 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus quattro w/Prod. End 6/18 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Audi S3s 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 S3 for sale near. There are currently 7 new 2018 S3s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $49,755 and mileage as low as 0 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 S3. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,631 on a used or CPO 2018 S3 available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Audi S3s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Audi S3 for sale - 6 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $23,308.
Find a new Audi for sale - 5 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $8,375.
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Why trust Edmunds?
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.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Audi S3?
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.
Check out Audi lease specials
Check out Audi S3 lease specials