The 2025 Audi S3 is here, and it’s ready to make a bold statement in the compact luxury sport sedan segment. With a refreshed design, a punchier engine, and cutting-edge technology borrowed from its high-performance sibling, the RS3, this updated S3 blends executive refinement with thrilling performance. Whether you’re navigating city streets or carving through winding backroads, the S3 promises a driving experience that’s both sophisticated and exhilarating. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of what makes the 2025 Audi S3 a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking a balance of practicality and sportiness.
Powertrain and Performance
A Boost in Horsepower
Under the hood, the 2025 Audi S3 boasts a re-engineered 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now delivering an impressive 328 horsepower—a 22-horsepower increase over its predecessor. This power bump, combined with 295 pound-feet of torque, makes the S3 feel more responsive and eager than ever. Audi claims a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.4 seconds, a figure that feels spot-on during spirited drives. The engine’s new preload feature keeps the turbo spinning even in low-demand situations, reducing lag and ensuring instant throttle response, whether you’re merging onto a highway or accelerating out of a corner.
Torque-Splitting Differential: A Game Changer
The standout upgrade for 2025 is the torque-splitting rear differential, a feature borrowed from the track-ready RS3. This clever system can send up to 100% of the rear-axle power to a single rear wheel, dramatically improving cornering dynamics. The result? The S3 feels more agile and playful, with reduced understeer and a newfound ability to rotate through turns. The new Dynamic Plus mode enhances this further, allowing experienced drivers to induce controlled drifts—an unexpected delight in a compact sedan. Paired with Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the S3 delivers a driving experience that’s both precise and thrilling.
Handling and Ride Quality
The S3’s chassis has been refined with updated front-axle geometry, larger brakes, and retuned steering for sharper responses. The optional S sport suspension with adaptive dampers strikes a remarkable balance between daily comfort and sporty handling. In Comfort mode, the S3 glides over rough pavement with composure, making it an excellent daily driver. Switch to Dynamic or Dynamic Plus, and the suspension tightens up, transforming the S3 into a corner-carving machine. While the ride can feel firm on the optional 19-inch wheels, it never becomes harsh, ensuring the S3 remains a versatile companion for both commutes and weekend adventures.
Exterior Design
Sleek and Aggressive Styling
The 2025 Audi S3 sports a refreshed exterior that exudes understated aggression. The signature Singleframe grille is now wider and flatter, flanked by larger air inlets and sleek LED headlights. The optional Matrix LED headlights, standard on the Prestige trim, feature customizable daytime running light signatures and animated welcome sequences, adding a touch of modern flair. The Black Optic package enhances the S3’s sporty aesthetic with black exterior trim, anthracite Audi rings, and dark chrome exhaust tips. A subtle rear spoiler and quad exhausts complete the look, signaling the S3’s performance credentials without shouting too loudly.
Wheel Options and Visual Appeal
Buyers can choose between standard 18-inch 10-spoke star design wheels or optional 19-inch 20-spoke sport wheels in a bicolor finish. The larger wheels, paired with summer performance tires, not only enhance grip but also give the S3 a more planted, muscular stance. The optional red brake calipers, part of the S sport package, add a pop of color that draws attention to the upgraded braking system. Overall, the S3’s design strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and sportiness, making it equally at home in a corporate parking lot or a racetrack paddock.
Interior and Technology
A Refined and Sporty Cabin
Step inside the 2025 Audi S3, and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends luxury with performance-focused design. The standard sport seats, wrapped in quilted leather or optional Fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching, offer excellent support during aggressive driving while remaining comfortable for long journeys. The flat-bottom steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, and carbon atlas inlays add a touch of raciness, while the redesigned center console and dashboard create a modern, driver-centric environment. The S3’s interior feels premium, with high-quality materials and precise switchgear that elevate the driving experience.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The S3 comes equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Audi’s latest MMI infotainment system, which is intuitive and responsive. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The optional 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus, available with the Premium Plus trim, offers customizable displays and integrated navigation, making it one of the best digital dashboards in its class. The optional Sonos audio system, with 15 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier, delivers crystal-clear sound that rivals high-end home audio setups. For safety, the S3 includes standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and a head-up display available on higher trims.
Pricing and Trims
Value for Performance
Starting at $49,995 for the Premium trim, the 2025 Audi S3 offers a compelling value proposition in the compact luxury sport sedan segment. The Premium Plus trim, priced at $52,395, adds desirable features like adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, and the Sonos audio system, making it the sweet spot for most buyers. The top-tier Prestige trim, at $56,195, includes the Matrix LED headlights, a head-up display, and traffic sign recognition for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and tech. Compared to rivals like the BMW M235 Gran Coupe and Mercedes-AMG CLA35, the S3 undercuts them in price while delivering superior horsepower and a more engaging driving experience.
Driving Experience
A Balance of Comfort and Thrills
The 2025 Audi S3 shines as a do-it-all compact sedan. On daily commutes, its refined cabin, smooth ride, and advanced tech make it a comfortable and practical choice. But when the road opens up, the S3 transforms into a proper sports sedan. The torque-splitting differential and precise steering inspire confidence, allowing you to push the car through corners with ease. The engine’s turbocharged punch and the exhaust’s subtle crackles add to the excitement, while the quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission ensures you’re always in the right gear. Whether you’re chasing apexes or cruising to the office, the S3 delivers a driving experience that’s hard to fault.
Comparison to Competitors
Standing Out in a Competitive Field
The 2025 Audi S3 faces stiff competition from the BMW M235 Gran Coupe, Mercedes-AMG CLA35, and Acura Integra Type S. While the BMW offers a refined ride and the Mercedes boasts a more opulent interior, the S3’s combination of power, handling, and value is tough to beat. The Acura Integra Type S, with its manual transmission option, appeals to purists, but its front-wheel-drive layout can’t match the S3’s all-wheel-drive grip and torque-vectoring prowess. The S3’s blend of performance, technology, and understated style makes it a standout in this crowded segment.
Conclusion
The 2025 Audi S3 is a masterclass in balancing performance and practicality. With its increased horsepower, innovative torque-splitting differential, and refined interior, it elevates the compact luxury sport sedan formula to new heights. Whether you’re a driving enthusiast seeking thrills or a professional looking for a stylish daily driver, the S3 delivers on all fronts. Its competitive pricing, advanced technology, and engaging dynamics make it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a premium compact sedan. The 2025 Audi S3 isn’t just a car—it’s a statement of style, performance, and sophistication.
FAQ
What is the horsepower of the 2025 Audi S3?
The 2025 Audi S3 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 328 horsepower, a 22-horsepower increase over the previous model.
How fast can the 2025 Audi S3 go from 0 to 60 mph?
Audi claims the 2025 S3 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, making it one of the quicker options in its class.
What is the torque-splitting differential in the S3?
The torque-splitting rear differential, borrowed from the RS3, can send up to 100% of the rear-axle power to a single rear wheel, improving cornering agility and enabling controlled drifts in Dynamic Plus mode.
What are the key differences between the Audi S3 and A3?
The S3 offers significantly more power (328 hp vs. 201 hp), a sportier suspension, a torque-splitting differential, and additional luxury features like quilted leather seats and a panoramic sunroof, justifying its higher price tag.
How does the 2025 Audi S3 compare to its competitors?
The S3 competes with the BMW M235 Gran Coupe, Mercedes-AMG CLA35, and Acura Integra Type S. It offers more horsepower and a lower starting price than the BMW and Mercedes, while its all-wheel-drive system provides better traction than the front-wheel-drive Integra.
What is the starting price of the 2025 Audi S3?
The 2025 Audi S3 starts at $49,995 for the Premium trim, with the Premium Plus at $52,395 and the Prestige at $56,195.
Is the 2025 Audi S3 fuel-efficient?
The S3 is EPA-rated at 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, offering respectable fuel economy for a performance sedan. Real-world testing is needed to confirm these figures.
