2026 Audi S3

Price Range: $52,000

Keith Buglewicz

Good

The 2026 Audi S3 is all the appeal of Audi's S cars writ small. It expertly balances speed, athleticism and comfort. The S3's primary shortcomings are a snug back seat and trunk, even by the standards of its compact class. However, its comprehensively satisfying on-road behavior also stands out.Read full review

Rank #5

10 Small performance sedans

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Audi S3 for Sale

Pricing

Select year

Edmunds suggests you pay

$48,252

4 for sale near you

Edmunds suggested price is based on sales in CT thru 10/26/26, including destination fee, but not other dealer fees. 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

Lineup reduced to a single trim level
Former Technology package and Sonos audio system now standard
Part of the third A3 generation introduced for 2022

Audi S3 Video Shorts

by Edmunds Test Team

Overview

Written by automotive expert Jared Gall

Updated: 11/8/2026

The midlevel performance version of Audi's most affordable vehicle, the S3 is a small performance sedan positioned above the A3 but below the full-commitment RS 3. Like the A3, the S3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but the S version cranks out more than 300 horsepower to the entry-level A3's 201 hp. That output is backed by an upgraded suspension and brake system as well as tires that transform the S3 into a thrilling compact luxury car.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Nick Yekikian

Good

6.6

out of 10

We drove the 2026 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 it 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 it? 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 standard Sonos audio system. Every S3 has four USB-C ports plus wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad is also standard.

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 it 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 $5,143 with Edmunds

2026 Audi S3 pricing in Bristol, CT

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2026 Audi S3 for November

The 2026 Audi S3 has real money on the hood right now, with roughly $6,500 in total savings, but only 441 new cars nationwide means your choices may disappear fast.

You can save about $6,500 total on a new S3. Buyers are already getting about $3,000 off MSRP, and Audi adds a $3500 customer cash rebate on top. That puts the Edmunds Suggested Price well below sticker.
New inventory is tight at 441 vehicles nationwide. Since this is a 2026 model, more cars should still arrive, but this is still a small pool, so be flexible on color and options and be ready to lock in a VIN quickly.
These new S3s are taking 47 days to sell, versus 34 days for the average new vehicle. That slower pace on new-car lots suggests dealers may listen to serious offers, especially if a car has been sitting.
Expect a lease around $610 a month with about $6,500 due at signing. That upfront cost is hefty, so compare the full lease cash outlay against a purchase deal before you sign.

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2026 Audi S3 trim level differences

The 2026 Audi S3 is a small luxury sport sedan available in a single trim level. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The S3 is a more powerful and sharper-handling version of the Audi A3, which is reviewed separately on Edmunds. Compare the 2026 Audi S3 trim levels in-depth.

Trim we recommend

With only one S3 to choose from, the only decisions you'll have to make are color and options. The standard suspension strikes such a fine balance between handling and ride comfort that the S Sport package's adaptive dampers seem superfluous. And given the adaptive cruise control's abrupt behavior, we'd only recommend the Driver Assistance Plus package if you need its automated parking tech.

Competitors to consider

The Acura Integra Type S is a more refined cousin of the Honda Civic Type R, an engrossing driver's car that is only available with a manual transmission. That will likely make or break the deal for many shoppers. The BMW M235i Gran Coupe is a note-for-note remix of the S3 — a more powerful and athletic version of a small luxury car with all-wheel drive — that is also worth a look. The Cadillac CT4-V offers rear-drive dynamics for a similar price, although its interior lacks the S3's polish.

Edmunds spotlight: More for your money

For 2026, Audi has pared the S3 lineup to a single trim level: the previously midrange Premium Plus. All of the same content is available in this year's model as the 2025, just packaged differently. Much of the previously optional midrange Premium Plus trim's content is standard now: blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, navigation, a Sonos audio system and a wireless charging pad. Other features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering, migrate to the new Driver Assistance Plus package along with the head-up display that was previously part of the Prestige trim level. If you're cross-shopping 2025 and 2026 S3s, note that this year's model is priced slightly lower than the comparable 2025 Premium Plus.

Audi S3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

7 reviews

5(72%)

4(14%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(14%)

Owners Say

Overall, owner sentiment is mixed. Owners like the S3's quick speed, sharp handling, good gas mileage, and comfy seats, and many say it is fun for daily driving. Some owners also praise the nice touchscreen, real buttons, and solid feel. But others mention high service costs, small back seat room, weak sound, and a few problems with phone connection and other parts.

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

See all 7 reviews of the Audi S3

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Most Helpful Owner Review

My 2022 Audi S3

Tom S., 03/06/2022

2022 Audi S3 Premium Plus 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I love this car. I bought one of the first 2022 S3s that arrived at the dealership in October of 2021. It is a premium plus package and has all the options that a fully loaded Audi offers except head up display and dancing lights (?). MSRP was little over $57K and I got it a touch below MSRP (😊) and got all the $$$ for my trade and more. I have close to 3200 miles on it. It is quick, …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Audi S3, so we've included review for other years of the S3 since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2026 Audi S3 Features & Specs

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$52,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$246/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 2026 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 2026 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
Free maintenance Warranty: 3 years / 30,000 miles

Where the Audi S3 ranks:

#5 in Small performance sedans

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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

FAQ

Is the Audi S3 a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 S3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 S3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 7 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 2026 Audi S3?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Audi S3:

Lineup reduced to a single trim level
Former Technology package and Sonos audio system now standard
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 2026 Audi S3 a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Audi S3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 S3 and gave it a 6.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 S3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 7 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 S3 is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Audi S3?

The least-expensive 2026 Audi S3 is the 2026 Audi S3 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $52,000.

Other versions include:

4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $52,000

Learn more

What are the different models of Audi S3?

If you're interested in the Audi S3, the next question is, which S3 model is right for you? S3 variants include 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). For a full list of S3 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Connecticut

$246/mo

$244/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

2026 Audi S3

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Audi S3 Video Shorts

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

Buying Tips for the 2026 Audi S3 for November

2026 Audi S3 trim level differences

Trim we recommend

Competitors to consider

Edmunds spotlight: More for your money

Audi S3 Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2026 Audi S3 Features & Specs

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Audi S3 ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the S3 include:

FAQ

Is the Audi S3 a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Audi S3?

Is the Audi S3 reliable?

Is the 2026 Audi S3 a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Audi S3?

What are the different models of Audi S3?

Cost to Drive