New Audi RS3 2025: In the competitive world of high-performance compact luxury cars, Audi has once again raised the bar with the refreshed 2025 RS3. This mid-cycle update brings sharpened aesthetics, enhanced driving dynamics, and a slight price increase that nonetheless maintains its value proposition against key rivals.
The facelifted RS3 continues to showcase Audi’s commitment to delivering exhilarating performance while refining both the driving experience and visual presence.
Price Positioning: Performance Value Despite the Increase
The 2025 Audi RS3 now starts at $63,400, which translates to $64,695 when including the $1,295 destination fee. This represents a modest increase of approximately $1,900 over the outgoing model year. Despite this price bump, the RS3 still presents compelling value in its segment, undercutting key competitors like the BMW M2 ($65,500) and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S (over $65,000) by a noticeable margin.
While the price has increased, Audi has packed the 2025 RS3 with numerous upgrades to justify the premium. Even more impressive is that despite having less horsepower on paper than some rivals—394 hp compared to the M2’s 473 hp—the RS3 has proven its mettle on the track.
The pre-production model shattered the compact car lap record at the Nürburgring, completing the circuit in just 7:33.123, which is over seven seconds faster than its predecessor and approximately five seconds quicker than the more powerful BMW M2.
Unmistakable Design: More Aggressive Than Ever
The exterior revisions for 2025 give the RS3 a more commanding road presence. The front end features a revised hexagonal Singleframe grille with a rhombus pattern and an anthracite Audi badge, rather than the previous gloss black version. The front bumper sports larger air intakes and a more pronounced front splitter that spans the entire width of the car, instantly communicating the vehicle’s performance intentions.
At the rear, Audi has implemented a functional diffuser with an eye-catching red reflector at its center. The iconic RS oval tailpipes remain, continuing to serve as a visual signature of Audi’s highest-performance models. The profile is enhanced by flared fenders and new 19-inch wheel designs that complete the car’s athletic stance.
For 2025, Audi has expanded the color palette with several exciting additions including Arkona White, Progressive Red Metallic, and Ascari Blue Metallic, giving buyers more options to personalize their high-performance compact.
Perhaps most distinctive are the new Matrix-design LED headlights, which now feature a “checkered flag” pattern in the daytime running lights. These headlights aren’t just for show—they intelligently adjust to reduce glare for oncoming vehicles and can be personalized with different light signatures to create a unique impression.
Interior Refinements: Driver-Focused Updates
Inside the cabin, the 2025 RS3 receives thoughtful updates that enhance both form and function. The most notable addition is a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel that’s flat at both the top and bottom, featuring shift paddles and RS satellite buttons for quick access to driving modes.
This racing-inspired wheel comes standard with perforated leather upholstery and a 12 o’clock marker, with optional Alcantara wrapping available for those seeking an even sportier feel.
The dashboard, console, and door inserts have been refined, with previous silver accents now replaced by darker Vanadium grey metal trim for a more sophisticated appearance. The gear shifter has been redesigned, replacing the previous toggle-like device with a flatter, more modern switch.
Customizable ambient lighting is now standard, creating a more immersive interior atmosphere with backlit door panels. Buyers can further personalize their RS3 with one of two available RS design packages featuring color-bordered seat belts, air vents with colored accent bars, contrast-stitched floor mats with RS logos, and color-accented front seat shoulders in Dinamica. These packages are available in either Express Red or Micromatta Green.
Despite its compact dimensions, the RS3 continues to provide a respectable 35.2 inches of rear legroom, surpassing what’s available in rival offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. This practical consideration, combined with the performance-focused updates, reinforces the RS3’s position as a daily-drivable sports car.
Legendary Five-Cylinder: Character Preserved
The heart of the RS3 remains its award-winning 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which continues to produce 394 horsepower (401 hp in US specification) and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine, with its distinctive 1-2-4-5-3 firing order, creates an unmistakable sound that sets it apart in a world increasingly dominated by four-cylinder powerplants. Indeed, the RS3 stands as the last production car offered with a five-cylinder engine in the United States.
Power is delivered to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The drivetrain enables the RS3 to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a standard top speed of 155 mph that can be increased to 180 mph with the optional Dynamic Plus package.
For those who appreciate the unique sound of the five-cylinder, the RS sport exhaust system with black tips is available to further enhance the auditory experience.
Chassis Refinements: Smarter, Sharper Handling
While the powertrain remains unchanged, Audi has made significant improvements to the chassis and handling characteristics. The standard adaptive sport suspension with damper control has been retuned for quicker responses, providing better ride comfort in normal driving while offering more precise handling during spirited driving. The system continuously adjusts individual dampers to maintain the optimal balance between comfort and performance.
Perhaps most significant is the refinement of the RS Torque Splitter, which can distribute 100% of the power sent to the rear axle to either wheel as needed.
The updated software allows for improved cornering with reduced understeer, enabling drivers to carry higher speeds through turns and apply power earlier when exiting corners. Audi has also enhanced the car’s oversteer characteristics, allowing for more controllable drifts through steering adjustments alone.
New C-rated performance tires come standard, offering improved grip over the previous model. For track enthusiasts, semi-slick Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires remain available as an option—the same rubber that helped the pre-production RS3 set its impressive Nürburgring lap record.
The RS3 continues to offer multiple drive modes, including two RS-specific settings: RS Performance (optimized for track use) and RS Torque Rear (for more playful rear-biased handling). Drivers can quickly access their preferred settings via the red RS button on the steering wheel.
Technology and Safety: Modern Conveniences
The RS3 comes equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that, while not the largest in its class, offers a well-balanced interface that minimizes distraction during spirited driving. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide seamless smartphone integration without the need for cables.
A standard 15-speaker Sonos audio system delivers impressive sound quality for those moments when the engine note isn’t the preferred soundtrack. An available head-up display projects crucial information within the driver’s line of sight, including RS-exclusive features like shift indicators and oil temperature readings.
The RS3 offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Dynamic Plus Package: Unleashed Performance
For buyers seeking the ultimate RS3 experience, the Dynamic Plus package takes performance to new heights. This package includes an increased top speed limiter (180 mph), ceramic front brakes with red calipers, ultra-high-performance summer tires, and a carbon fiber engine cover. These enhancements make the RS3 even more track-capable while adding visual distinctions that signal its elevated performance potential.
Fuel Economy: Reasonable for the Class
Despite its high-performance character, the 2025 RS3 achieves a respectable 23 mpg in combined city/highway driving according to EPA estimates. This matches the fuel economy of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and surpasses the BMW M2’s 19 mpg combined rating, making the RS3 a relatively efficient choice in its segment.
The Compact Performance Leader
The 2025 Audi RS3 builds upon an already impressive foundation with thoughtful updates that enhance its appeal without compromising its character. The preservation of the unique five-cylinder engine, combined with chassis refinements and styling updates, ensures that the RS3 remains a standout performer in the compact luxury segment.
While the price increase may give some potential buyers pause, the RS3’s competitive positioning against more expensive rivals, along with its proven track capabilities and daily usability, makes it a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking a practical yet exhilarating driving experience.
The 2025 Audi RS3 is now available at dealerships nationwide, ready to deliver its unique blend of performance, luxury, and character to discerning drivers.