2025 Audi S3 costs $49,995, delivers extra performance

• The Audi S3 has been updated for 2025 along with the rest of the A3 range
• The 2025 S3 has 328 hp, which is up 22 hp on the outgoing model
• The 2025 S3 includes the rear axle torque splitter of the RS 3

The Audi A3 has received a mid-cycle update for the 2025 model year, and the updates extend to the sporty S3 and high-performance RS 3 models.

The A3 and S3 models are currently available to order, priced from $39,495 and $49,995 respectively. Both figures include a $1,295 destination charge.

Prices for the RS 3 will be announced closer to the market launch.

The styling updates made to the S3, like those on the A3, are subtle and include new fascia designs at both ends, plus a frameless grille at the front. The internals for the LED head and taillights are also new, and on the S3 owners are able to select between various light signatures for the daytime running lights via the infotainment system. Matrix LED headlights are available.

Inside, designers have added new details for the gear shifter and air vents, new options for the trim and dash accents, and a standard ambient lighting package. Also standard are a black headliner, stainless steel pedals, and aluminum accents featuring the S logo. An Audi app store is also included.

Power comes from the same 2.0-liter turbo-4 found in earlier S3s, but the peak output now registers at 328 hp, which is up from the 2024 model’s 306 hp. Audi said the S3 will deliver 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds and a top speed capped at 155 mph.

A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission carries over, but the unit has been optimized to deliver higher starting torque and as a result more rapid acceleration. Shift times have also been cut in half under full load, according to Audi.

Another key change is the addition of the torque splitter handed down from the RS 3. This is a Haldex differential with multi-disc clutches on each rear axle shaft that allows the S3 to not only direct torque between the front and rear axles, but now also between the rear wheels. This should be a boon to handling when hard cornering.

Further control of the drive torque is possible via a brake-based torque-vectoring system. The system, which brakes the inside wheels during cornering, has been further refined, as has the traction-control system. Bigger brakes have also been added at the front, with the ventilated discs now measuring 14 inches across, or roughly 1.2 inches more than before. These reside within standard 18-inch wheels shod with 225/40-size tires. Two different 19-inch wheel patterns, which come with 235/35-size tires, are available.

To further aid the handling, the S3’s McPherson strut front suspension features a new pivot bearing that enables more negative wheel camber. Together with stiffer wishbones, the updated S3 delivers more grip and as a result improved control during hard cornering, according to Audi. Adaptive dampers are avaialble.

The driver can control the settings for many of the electronic chassis systems using the drive mode selector, which on the updated S3 gains a new Dynamic Plus mode. This mode also affects the engine by increasing the idle level for improved throttle response, and makes the transmission deliver later upshifts and earlier downshifts.