2025 Audi S3

Price Range: $48,700 - $54,900

Good

The 2025 Audi S3 will win you over with its quick acceleration, sporty handling and pleasing comfort. While it does fall short in cargo and rear passenger space compared to some competitors, those shortcomings are the S3's only significant drawbacks.Read full review

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Audi S3 for Sale

Pricing

Select year

Edmunds suggests you pay

$44,974

Prices based on sales in VA thru 5/4/26

Final assembly in Germany

Pros

Inspiring performance with strong acceleration and sharp handling
Ample comfort
Small size makes it easy to park and maneuver

Cons

Small trunk capacity
Some functions require digging through on-screen menus

What's new

Power increases slightly
A torque-split differential from the RS 3
Larger front brakes along with retuned suspension and steering
Part of the third A3 generation introduced for 2022

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

Updated: 5/8/2026

The 2025 Audi S3 is the spiced-up version of the company's entry-level A3 sedan. The S3 pumps out more than 300 horsepower and boasts upgraded brakes, suspension and tires for improved performance. It's the most affordable way to get behind the wheel of an S-badged Audi. For 2025, Audi has made some changes that should enhance the car's appeal.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Nick Yekikian

Good

6.6

out of 10

We drove the 2025 Audi S3 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

8/10

How does the Audi S3 drive? The S3 feels light and nimble on the road, aided further by responsive steering and a sport-tuned suspension. It's quick too. Our test S3 raced from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 4.6 seconds, and there's power all over the rev range, making the S3 always feel quick.

In addition to its standard all-wheel drive, the S3 comes with a torque-vectoring rear differential (shared with the RS 3) that helps to enhance and tighten the car's handling when you're powering out of turns. We also like the S3's powerful brakes. During our panic-braking tests at Edmunds' test facility, the S3 stopped from 60 mph in a commendable 107 feet and showed excellent stability with every stop. Ride quality is excellent for a sport sedan (and actually better than the A3's) thanks to its adaptive dampers. As a bonus, the S3's small size and light steering make it a cinch to park.

The number of driver assistance features is merely average, and the adaptive cruise control is a tad rudimentary. It leaves too large of a gap in front, then slams on the brakes when someone fills that gap.

Comfort

7.2/10

How comfortable is the Audi S3? The A3 is a fairly small car even as far as compacts go. Still, there's more space than there would appear. Even taller passengers should have no issue finding space up front. The seats offer a lot of adjustment, so it doesn't take too long to get a good driving position dialed in. Rear passengers will be a little more snug, though there's room for adults to be comfortable over shorter trips. The A3's small width and short doors make it relatively easy to get in and out.

The A3's buttons and stalks are easy to see and reach. There are physical climate controls, too, which is always a plus. As with some rivals, though, Audi has reduced the number of buttons and moved some controls to the touchscreen. The menu system works well, but some settings are buried deeper than we'd like.

In-cabin tech

7/10

How’s the tech? The S3 features the last generation of in-car tech from Audi, but it's still pretty good in terms of usability and functionality. The navigation system works well on the 10.1-inch central screen, with a clear map that can be displayed in the instrument cluster. It makes turn-by-turn directions a cinch. The available head-up display helps here too, projecting navigation info onto the windshield. We were impressed by the rich sound of the S3's available Sonos audio system. Every S3 has four USB-C ports plus wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is available.

Storage & cargo

4/10

How’s storage and cargo? The Audi S3 offers decent front-row space, but its limitations become apparent when it comes to trunk storage. Even with a folding split-configuration second row, at 10.9 cubic feet, it falls short of the cargo space offered by competitors like the BMW M235 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, making it the smallest in its class.

Small-item storage is also lacking, with undersized cupholders, limited storage bins, and narrow door pockets leaving little room for personal items.

Value

7.4/10

Is the Audi S3 a good value? The S3 starts out priced about equally to the BMW M235i Gran Coupe. It's considerably more expensive than the standard A3 sedan, but we think the upgrades to performance and style make it worth it. Overall build quality is excellent, though some hard plastics in the interior can feel a bit cheap as prices rise.

Audi offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic and drivetrain warranty, average for this class of cars. The S3 also gets four years of roadside assistance. That's a nice perk, but some rivals also include a few years of regular maintenance.

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Audi S3 gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is pretty good for a sporty luxury compact. We saw an impressive 30.3 mpg from our test car on our mixed-driving evaluation route, indicating you should have no problem staying frugal if you want to.

X factor

9/10

The S3's sporty accents give it a bit more character than the A3 without the big intakes and wider fenders you'll see on the RS 3. It fits the S3's personality, which is to say sporty but not hardcore. It's quick and fun around town without being uncomfortable. It's even more fun on winding roads where you can take advantage of the sport suspension and torquey turbocharged engine.

Save as much as $5,021 with Edmunds

2025 Audi S3 pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2025 Audi S3 for May

Ready to make a smart deal on the 2025 Audi S3? Here are some money-saving tips to guide your purchase:

Buyers are paying about 7% less than the MSRP for the Audi S3. This means you could save approximately $3,905 to $3,840, depending on the trim level.
The Premium trim offers the best savings, with about 8% off MSRP. Consider negotiating for this trim to maximize value.
There's no customer cash rebate available, so focus on negotiating the price down using the savings percentages.
New inventory for the Audi S3 is limited. With only 2 units of each trim available nationally, contact dealers promptly to secure your desired model.
For those considering used options, the lowest listed dealer price is approximately $42,860. Inventory is also limited, moving quickly off lots, so act swiftly.

Keep these insights in mind to get the most out of your Audi S3 purchase!

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2025 Audi S3 trim level differences

The 2025 Audi S3 is a small luxury sport sedan available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. All models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The related Audi A3 is reviewed separately on Edmunds. Compare the 2025 Audi S3 trim levels in-depth.

Which S3 trim does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend the midrange Premium Plus trim for the best value of the S3 lineup. For a reasonable price increase, you get a lot of desirable items that include adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, a wireless charging pad and additional safety features.

Competitors to consider

The BMW M235i Gran Coupe is worth considering. Like the S3, it's the sporty version of a base car — the 2 Series Gran Coupe — that gets more power and added performance enhancements. Another option is the Acura Integra Type S. It doesn't have all-wheel drive, but it's arguably more of a driver's car thanks to its standard manual transmission. We also like the newest Tesla Model 3 Performance for its very rapid acceleration and advanced tech features.

Edmunds spotlight: Improved performance for the 2025 S3

Driving enthusiasts will be excited to know that the torque-splitting rear differential from the wilder RS 3 is now available with the promise of similar tail-happy antics. The steering and suspension have also been retuned for even sharper responses. Adding to the enhancements are larger front brakes and a modest increase in power output. The S3's turbocharged engine gets a bump from 306 horsepower to 328 hp, though torque remains unchanged at 295 lb-ft. Combined with quicker shifts from the automatic transmission, the 2025 S3 should be marginally quicker.

Audi S3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

5 reviews

5(80%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(20%)

Owners Say

The overall sentiment for the 2025 Audi S3 is mixed. Most owners love driving it, saying it’s powerful, fun, and has a sleek design with comfortable seats and good gas mileage. However, some owners find it expensive, and a few reported problems with the interior quality and technical issues like phone connectivity. A couple of owners also had bad experiences with customer service, leading them to caution against buying an Audi.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 5 reviews of the Audi S3

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Most Helpful Owner Review

Grown Up Golf R

ADMS, Louisville, KY, 03/24/2025

2025 Audi S3 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

Update (March 2026) - I'm 13 months and 15,000 miles into ownership now. The good news is that there have been no issues, unexpected or emergency service visits, gremlins, or anything of the sort to stain the ownership experience. It is still a riot to drive, I love the DSG transmission with the bolt-action shifts, and it's very comfortable for long drives as there have been a few … already. Any new negatives? This car is VERY sensitive to changes in blends of gasoline. And I verified this with Audi. When my area switched to a winter blend of gas, which has more alcohol in it, my fuel economy plunged. As in during scheduled maintenance, run diagnostics to make sure everything is OK kind of fuel economy plunge. With the summer blend and on summer tires, it was easy for me to get 33-35 on the highway. In the cold, running winter blend and winter tires, I was lucky to see 26-27 on the highway. The tires do have an impact as I'm back on the summer tires and am seeing better mileage on the highway, but the dealer did tell me that these engines are very sensitive to the fuel blend and that in winter driving, there can be a steep drop in fuel economy. The only other negative, besides what me and others will rant about until the end of time (the sound quality of the Sonos audio - someone I know is an engineer with Samsung and he spent a lot of time trying to calibrate the sound and in the end, it still sounds muddy and lifeless), is the cost of service. This is not an inexpensive car to maintain. If you use the dealer for service, factor in a bare minimum of $450 each 7500/10,000 miles for a basic oil change and inspection. The 30,000 and 60,000 mile services are over $1,000. Find an expert Audi mechanic outside of the dealer service area to do your basic maintenance and you'll save at least half, and will not void the warranty. Overall, no regrets at all with this purchase as I stand what I wrote a year ago that this is a Golf R, all grown up. I do wish the US had the option of the S3 hatch though! And my Audi salesman is sending me little reminders about some new RS3s coming in shortly and the special edition available later this year...tempting... I just broke 1,000 miles with my 2025 S3 so I want to give some pros and cons: Pros: This engine has a lot of power and torque. And with Audi's new "preloaded" turbo, lag is minimal. Combined with the excellent DSG transmission, getting a quick surge to pass slower traffic has no drama. In mixed driving, I'm averaging about 28-30 mpg, and have seen 33 on an extended highway trip. So it's very efficient, especially for the power it makes. The front seats are very comfortable. Pay the $1,000 for the Nappa leather - it's worth every penny. It's a very soft leather that doesn't feel fake, like many new leather interiors. The infotainment screen is integrated so it doesn't have the "iPad nailed to the dash" look that most cars have today. It's a good size as well, and combined with the virtual cockpit, provides all of the driving info you need. Actual buttons for common controls. All of the climate controls are real buttons with a nice click to them. Stereo controls are either on the wheel or a pressure pad near the shifter that you can "rotate" or tap to control audio and tracks. The trunk isn't as small as some reviews state. I don't know where 8.3 cu/ft comes from with the reviews. It isn't as large as a GLI I used to own, but I'd estimate this trunk to be around 12 cu/ft - large enough for luggage for 2-3 people. Most of all, it's a fun car to drive. From the sounds to the actual steering feel to the trick rear diff/AWD system that makes the rear feel alive, you will have fun with this car. It's more mature looking than the Golf R. It doesn't have wild spoilers and flares that might age poorly or not have the image a GenX-er might want when they go out. The same thing can be said about the Integra Type-S vs the Civic Type-R. It all depends on the image you want to convey and the Audi comes across as more serious, but just as powerful and fun. Cons: It's expensive for what you get. And it looks like most of the ones on lots (and there aren't many) are loaded Premium Plus models with all options. The Edmunds recommended price is a pipe dream as many Audi dealers will not budge much on "S" and "RS" models. Including some incentives, I did get mine for $500 over invoice and that took a lot of work. But don't go in expecting below invoice. Most smaller Audi dealers only have a handful of S and RS models and treat them as such. If a large back seat is a requirement, look at a larger Audi. 2 across, no problem, but legroom for adults will be a little tight. Piped in engine noise can get a little obnoxious, even on quieter settings. For a 15 speaker system, the Sonos stereo is weak. It's lacking some sound clarity that the previous B&O system had. It isn't awful, but it's nowhere near top of the pack. In typical Audi fashion, service costs are going to be high. I'm floored that Audi doesn't include free scheduled maintenance for at least 30,000 miles (their competition does) - oil changes can run over $150 and the huge services at 30,000 and 60,000 miles can be $1,000. The DSG transmission fluid service can easily be half that. This is a performance car and that comes with some big bills, so be ready for that. Or prepay at the time of purchase for a service pack. Like any German car, they can last a very long time IF you're on top of scheduled maintenance. Also expect to pay more for insurance as this is categorized as a performance car. And I'll mention all of the nitpicks that every YouTube review mentions - things like the excessive piano black trim that shows every fingerprint (very true), the strange shifter, some cheap plastic below usual touchpoints, and excessive flat black fake grille and vents on the outside. But pretty much all German cars have that now so you make peace with it or look for something else. Sorry about the long review, but you can tell I really like this car - it replaced a 2022 MX-5 RF so it had some big shoes to fill. I highly recommend it - save the sedans please!!!

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Audi S3, so we've included review for other years of the S3 since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2025 Audi S3 Features & Specs

Trim:

Premium

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$48,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$242/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	8.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2025 Audi S3 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #15 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average

#15 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$785/yr

vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Frequency

1.31x/yr

vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Severity

12.3%

vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2025 Audi S3

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the S3 include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

Research other S3 years

2026
2025
2024

FAQ

Is the Audi S3 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 S3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 S3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 5 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the S3 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 S3. Learn more

What's new in the 2025 Audi S3?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Audi S3:

Power increases slightly
A torque-split differential from the RS 3
Larger front brakes along with retuned suspension and steering
Part of the third A3 generation introduced for 2022

Learn more

Is the Audi S3 reliable?

To determine whether the Audi S3 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the S3. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the S3's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2025 Audi S3 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Audi S3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 S3 and gave it a 6.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 S3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 5 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 S3 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2025 Audi S3?

The least-expensive 2025 Audi S3 is the 2025 Audi S3 Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $48,700.

Other versions include:

Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $48,700
Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $51,100
Prestige 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $54,900