TEST DRIVE: Audi RS 3
Photo: David Hauter
The Audi RS 3 has been around for nearly ten years now and has always been a great sport sedan. It’s been a unique one as well, with a turbocharged inline five-cylinder rather than the typical four or six-cylinder engine. Combined with Quattro all-wheel drive, the RS 3 has always been a compelling package, but it’s been improved even more over the last couple of years.
We last reviewed the Audi RS 3 in 2023, but there have been some notable changes since then.
In 2025, the car was given a refresh, with a redesigned front grille, larger side air intakes and a larger front splitter.
Interior changes were minor, with new Alcantara door panel inserts and a new Sonus sound system. Mechanically, the car has a revised torque splitter and chassis updates.
The RS 3 powerplant has remained unchanged with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder but horsepower is down from 401 to 394 due to emission changes, with the torque rating still 394 lb.-ft. at 2,250rpm.
The 0-60 mph dash happens in 3.6 seconds, which puts the RS3 on par with the BMW M2 (3.9 seconds). Notably, the new 2027 BMW M2 now has an xDrive all-wheel drive option, which brings it closer in year-round driving practicality to the all-wheel drive RS 3.
Photo: David Hauter
The revised torque splitter on the new RS 3 is its most notable upgrade. It allows fully variable torque vectoring between the rear wheels and is also integrated into the cars five drive modes.
Supplementing the enhanced torque distribution is an adaptive suspension that continuously adjusts the individual dampers based on driving conditions.
Last year, that system was updated within the RS Performance mode to improve lateral dynamics and improve cornering ability.
Our test car was also fitted with some options that improve performance and make it look more aggressive.
The Dynamic Plus Package ($5,600) adds ceramic front brakes, ultra-high-performance summer tires and a carbon engine cover and raises the top speed to 180 mph.
The Carbon Package ($2,850) includes a carbon rear spoiler, side sills and mirror housings, along with a dark gray matte finish on the 19-inch cross-spoke wheels. I love the way this car looks, with its tight proportions and pronounced lines.
Photo: David Haueter
The RS 3 has the practicality of a sedan with performance that is on par with more focused sports cars.
The power and sound from the five-cylinder engine is thrilling, and the car has so much grip and chassis control that you can really throw it into corners without the car losing balance.
Its compact dimensions and clear sight lines over the hood allow the driver to place the car very precisely entering into corners, and the RS 3 then uses the torque vectoring to dig in to the pavement and power out with poise, which puts a smile on your face. It feels nimble and lighter than it actually is.
The chassis is very well-sorted for a variety of driving conditions.
I drove the car on a roundtrip from New Jersey to New Hampshire, and the car was comfortable and smooth on the highway, but it also soaks up bumps on back roads without losing composure.
Photo: Audi
The steering isn’t the most feelsome but it’s accurate, and the brakes are strong, though they do feel a bit touchy at times. You can tailor the RS 3 with a choice of five driving modes, but I found myself driving mostly in Sport mode, switching often to Dynamic model for back roads.
The only notable complaints I had with the RS 3 were with the controls. The touch control buttons on the steering wheel are very sensitive and difficult to use, and it’s easy to unintentionally touch some of the buttons and change things while you’re driving.
The round control for the audio system that’s on the center console is also touchy and difficult to use. That being said, the car is so good in every other way that these minor quibbles are worth living with.
Pricing on the RS 3 starts at $66,100 USD, which undercuts the BMW M2 by $2,900, and it will undercut the upcoming M2 xDrive by $7,500.
With performance that is on par with the M2, the RS 3 is a relative bargain, but if you want one you may need to act quickly.
Photo: David Haueter
Audi has announced that they’re discontinuing production of the current RS 3 by the end of this year due to tightening European emission regulations, which the five-cylinder engine can’t meet without significant investment that Audi is not willing to make as they move increasingly toward electric and hybrid models.
As it is, the Audi RS 3 is one of my favorite all-around cars, and it’s a shame that its lifespan is coming to an end.
With production ending, the RS 3 will reportedly not be sold in Europe after the middle of 2027, though it may remain available longer within the U.S.
It’s possible that the RS 3 may live on as an electric-only or as a four-cylinder hybrid model, but if it does it will be fundamentally changed from the way it is now.
Source: Sports Car 365